Prayers for a Divided Nation by Rev. Lauren Bennett

I pray for the fear in the pits of our stomachs, for the uncertainty, for the unrest. I pray for people to find ways to grieve and remember they are loved.

laurenelizabethbennett — 2024-11-06 17:55:23 UTC

I give thanks to the many, many allies of MCC from Catholics to friends in India who have reached out in solidarity with us and our fears.

laurenelizabethbennett — 2024-11-06 18:10:40 UTC

2024-11-06 18:15:58 UTC

For all the ways we are blessed, I'm grateful. Let us watch for the direction you lead us and let us hold others in ways we would like to be held.

2024-11-06 18:16:36 UTC

At the moment, I am too fearful and angry to take much solice in the words of the Psalm..."what can they do to me" but I am reminded that hope, happiness, and PRACTICAL optimism, are choices that are mine to make.

Tim Mullins

2024-11-06 18:17:13 UTC

My prayer, is that I do not even know exactly what to pray for, let my aching heart, my tear filled eyes, the worries and fears of the loved around me be my prayer. God you know the aching of our hearts, our groans are heard by you, we are not alone.

A prayer

2024-11-06 18:17:16 UTC

Dear God- we come to you carrying burdens too heavy for words, losses we cannot understand, and doubts that pierce our spirits. We’ve been shaken in ways we didn’t imagine possible, questioning our purpose, our values, and even our place in this world. But in this moment of deep uncertainty, we reach out for Your strength.

Help us remember, even when we can’t see it, that goodness lives on. Remind us that justice may bend but will not break, and that though our work feels small in the vastness of it all, it is not in vain. Renew in us the courage to keep standing for truth, to keep believing in the value of compassion, and to continue building a world that reflects love over fear.

Give us resilience, Lord. When our spirits feel weary, may we find comfort in our community, in acts of kindness, and in the quiet hope that new days will come. Remind us that we belong—no matter who tries to make us feel otherwise—that this world, this nation, is our home too. May we carry forward not the bitterness of defeat but the fire of determination, not the darkness of doubt but the light of unwavering hope.

Guide us to remember that change is born in moments of despair as well as in joy. May our actions, our voices, and our commitment be steadfast, finding strength in Your promise that the work for justice, for love, and for dignity is blessed. Walk with us, as we rise again. Amen.

2024-11-06 18:18:27 UTC

Today I am saddened that the path of inclusion and unity was overridden by divisiveness. I am fearful for the lives of the vulnerable. I am angered by this feeling of powerlessness. However, I know that I am held in the arms of our Heavenly Father. That He is all-powerful. That He will protect his children. That we are safe in Him.

2024-11-06 18:19:12 UTC

I am overwhelmed with despair and hopelessness. I fear for my country, my community and those I love most. I join those who through the centuries have cried out to God, "where are you?"

2024-11-06 18:20:34 UTC

My prayer is to continue to operate from a place of love even when understanding feels limited. To focus on what things I can control today, even when the larger state of the world feels daunting. To lean into community for our deep collective knowledge of how to carry on and to support each other.

2024-11-06 18:20:55 UTC

Holy God, I honor and praise your infinite wisdom. I give you thanks for removing the dark thoughts that I possessed earlier. I do believe that we will be at war with what we face, but not an armed conflict, rather combined internal battles finding ways to survive mentally and physically. I ask, Lord, that you grant me the needed guidance to work with all who need support in whatever manner might be required, and in so doing supporting myself in an endless circle of love.

Broken

2024-11-06 18:24:03 UTC

I feel broken. I feel scared for my life. I feel scared for my LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters. I don't understand how one person can bring about so much anger, fear, and hatred into our hearts that it has divided us as a country. I don't understand how one person can dictate the lives of so many. I don't want to feel the emptiness and dread I feel. Hope, light, and love should always outshine the darkness. I pray for God to protect us all: men, women, gay, straight, bi, trans. I ask for all the negative emotions we are all feeling to be lifted up to you and to be replaced with comfort and warmth.

Licking our wounds

2024-11-06 22:01:53 UTC

I pray for those individuals who worked so hard in the Nov. 5th election. They should be proud of themselves for their involvement in a civic duty. For those going to soothe their sorrow, grant them peace that God’s will shall be done irrespective of who holds which office. He holds it all.

I pray for direction in my future and for my attempt to finish my degree. Please grant my spouse peace around his job search and place him where he can make a difference and improve the lives of those with whom he works and the lives that are served by the organization.

And finally, we lift up to the Lord in prayer the leaders of this church, community, state and nation. We ask that God may grant them wisdom to serve all the people. May our prayers help them with meeting their spiritual needs and church duties and responsibilities.

(Btw, Pastor Lauren. Loved the church newsletter. I spent years working on my college newspaper and I appreciate what it requires and the significant effort to maintain and produce it on a regular basis. If I can be of any assistance just let me know. )

2024-11-07 02:33:20 UTC

Heavenly Father, Holy Spirit, Mighty El-Shaddai, We thank you for the safe haven you have provided us with MCC. Help us to pray for our enemies and for those who perpetuate the racism, homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny of Trump and his administration. Please gift us with strength, perseverance, and passion to never give up the fight for justice and equality. Fill us with unshakable trust and faith that you are protecting us and our LGBTQIA community. Help us not to feel vulnerable in the wake of this election, but instead on fire with your strength and light of many angels. In Jesus' Name, Amen.