Litany for Social Justice

LITANY FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

God commands us through Jesus Christ to love one another. In baptism, we promise to “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbours as ourselves, to strive for justice and peace, and to respect the dignity of every human being.” Let us now honour those vows and pray for the strength of heart and mind to look beyond ourselves and address the needs of our brothers and sisters throughout the world; for the rural and urban poor; for the rebuilding of our communities; and for an end to the cycles of violence that threaten our future.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all nations, that they may live in unity, peace, and concord; and that all people may know justice and enjoy the perfect freedom that only you can give. We pray for continued blessings on all peacemakers, on leaders who value peace, and on everyone who promotes nonviolent solutions to conflict. We pray for a speedy end to all violence and warfare around the world.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray that the Holy Spirit may embrace the most vulnerable members of our society; and we pray also for an end to the growing disparity between the rich and poor; and for the grace and courage to strive for economic justice.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for an end to prejudice throughout our country and the world; that we will respect all people as precious children of God; and banish all forms of discrimination will be forever banished from our hearts, our society, and our laws.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for a reverence of creation; that we will have the tools and the will to conserve it; that we will use its bountiful resources in the service of others; and that we will become better stewards of all that has been entrusted to us.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick, the aged and the infirm; for those with physical or mental disabilities; especially […], that all may have access to proper health care; and that your loving embrace may be felt by all who suffer.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who have died, especially […], and for all who have died as a result of violence, war, disease or famine, especially those who died because of human blindness, neglect, or hardness of heart.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all prisoners and captives; that a spirit of forgiveness may replace vengeance and retribution; and that we, with all the destitute, lonely, and oppressed, may be restored to the fullness of God’s grace.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all children and families, and particularly for the orphaned, neglected, abused, and those who live in fear of violence or disease; that they may be relieved and protected.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for the reconciliation of all people, and for the Church throughout the world, that it may be an instrument of your healing love.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

God our Father, it is your purpose to bring the whole creation into full unity in Christ. We commit ourselves to you, that by your grace we may further this your will on earth.
Help us to live for others even as your love includes all;
To seek out from others the truth they have grasped;
To trust each other as our fellow workers
In the one community you have given us;
And to obey your call to make visible the unity of your Church.
Come, Holy Spirit, and help us,
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

(Adapted from a prayer by the Office of Government Relations of the Episcopal Chruch of the USA. Doreen Peters used it for our Prayers of the People last Sunday – Thank you, Doreen!)