Public Policy and Witness Weekly Prayers – April 4

April 4, 2025

Office of Government Relations

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If the Lord had not been my help,
my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
When I thought, “My foot is slipping,”
your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.
When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:17-19)

We invite you to join us as we share new prayers each week for the vulnerable among us facing challenges, fears, and threats. We will name many of the harms unfolding around us and acknowledge what is being erased, lost, and threatened.

Please join us in prayer and share these prayers with your dioceses and parishes.

We are one church united in prayer, naming reality in the face of lies, creating space for grief in the face of denial, and freeing space in our souls for hope. We gather to be the body of Christ for one another—bearing one another’s burdens—and pointing the world to the cross and its redemptive power already at work through our witness (even when it may not feel like it).

These prayers are not a replacement for action; they offer grounding and space to discern what actions each of us feel compelled to take. We may feel called to meet with or contact our elected officials, participate in community organizing, provide services to those in our communities, or join in protests or acts of civil disobedience.

As a church, our advocacy continues, and we invite you to join us. The Episcopal Public Policy Network has weekly action alerts, resources, webinars, and trainings. Learn more here.

Prayers for April 4

Prayer for Good Governance

Holy One, rock of our salvation: We raise to you our concerns that the foundations of our democratic republic are being attacked and disregarded. We pray for all in government to respect the public’s right to freedom of religion, a foundation of our democracy. We lament the attacks on religious institutions by the administration, and we give thanks for the courage of those who are standing up for religious freedom in the courts and elsewhere. May those in power remember their duty to uphold the principles that contribute to the pursuit of justice, equality, and protection from harm. Amen.

Prayer for Those Experiencing Hunger

Oh, God, you gave your Son to us as the Bread of Life. We pray today for all of those in the U.S. and globally who are struggling with hunger and famine. We lament the loss of food aid for pantries, charities, and government programs. As the need for assistance rises, we pray that our government may restore U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Agency for International Development funding for food programs. Help us to share out of our abundance with those in need. Amen.

Prayer for the Democratic Republic of Congo

Loving God, who has taught us to love and care for one another, we lament the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We lament the ways in which global reliance on minerals fuels this loss of life and safety for so many. We pray for those who are frightened and those who have lost loved ones. Grant strength to religious leaders and others who are dedicated to helping the suffering. We particularly lift up in prayer the Goma Call for Peace and ask that you inspire all parties to live into it. We ask for your wisdom and spirit to work with regional and international leaders so the violence may end. Amen.

Prayer for Educational Institutions and Students

God, source of all wisdom, we pray for all the students whose visas have been revoked, including those who were targeted due to their participation in protests and activism. We pray that the United States strives to be a place where students and scholars from around the world safely pursue higher education. Help your church to support and uplift all students and faculty. Amen.

Prayer for Reproductive Rights

God, our divine parent, we pray for those whose reproductive rights are under threat. The power to conceive and give birth comes from you, God. We lament the concerted efforts by the government to limit people’s bodily autonomy and ability to make considered decisions about their reproduction and health. Grant safety to those who need reproductive care and those who care for and serve them. Amen.