On this final Sunday of June, the members of the God’s Diversity Committee request your prayers for the members of the LGBTQ+ community and for all in the human family.
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
–Book of Common Prayer, p. 815.
During this third week of Pride Month, the members of the God’s Diversity Committee invite you to join us in prayers for all our fathers, for the members of the LGBTQ+ community and for all in the human family. These prayers have been adapted from a Liturgy for Pride at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in St. Paul, Minnesota as part of their Reconciling Congregation Program.
Holy One, we believe that your persistent love will find a way to heal our wounded world. We believe that you have made us who we are, in your image, a beautiful community of race and culture and sexual identity. We celebrate this diversity, for we believe in your creative imagination. Help us make it safe for all to live with integrity, for barriers to tumble down, and for all to live in peace. Send us out to change the world.
We believe we are all members of one body. We share a heart with those who suffer violence, who live in fear, who are cast out because of their sexuality or any other reason. We believe that you love without exception. God help us reach out in love. Send us into the world proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel.
We believe that we are not yet perfected. We fear. We judge. We cause harm by our action and our inaction. But we still turn to you for help, for we believe in your forgiveness. Dear Lord, help us to receive your forgiveness and send us into the world to forgive.
We believe it is not too late for those filled with hate to learn to live in love. For we believe in your heart-transforming power. God help us love even those who hate. Send us out with love for all and help us to become a better community. Amen.
During June, the members of the God’s Diversity Committee invite you to join us in celebrating Pride Month and honoring the courage and perseverance of the LGBTQ+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and related communities). Each Sunday this month, we will invite you to join us in prayer for LGBTQ+ Americans and that, with God’s help, we may live as true Christians, and love all those who have been marginalized and oppressed. May this love renew and restore all of God’s children and strengthen our human community. Please join us in prayer.
For Social Justice
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so
move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the
people of this land], that barriers which divide us may
crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our
divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
– Book of Common Prayer, page 823.
The following prayers for Pride Month have been adapted from the Reconciling Works Project of the Lutheran Church:
God of love, we thank you for the Spirits who were trailblazers, moving and shaking people’s hearts and minds. Stir up in us that same energy of those who helped pave the way for where our LGBTQIA+ siblings are today. May we never stop expanding the borders of love and acceptance for all your children and with your help, may we strive for a social order where justice and equality are enjoyed by all. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
Compassionate Jesus, on the days where this work of justice and reconciliation feel like too much, help lighten our load. Soften our hearts to welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, in all of the bodies in which they encompass. Teach us to learn and relearn, with humility and excitement. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
Creator God, we marvel in awe of the expansiveness of your creation. Your margins of diversity are boundless, and for that, we thank you. Each of our beloved LGBTQIA+, brown, and black siblings are beautifully and wonderfully made, all in Your image. Teach us to love people, just as they are, and embrace their identity fully, as you have embraced us. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
Weaver of Justice, let us be your hands and feet! May we follow the Spirit’s lead, and work for justice and equity for our LGBTQIA+ siblings. In prayer we say that our LGBTQIA+ siblings are made in your image, and we are committed to your ministry of reconciliation. In your mercy, hear our prayer.