August 24

Today, we Light the Candle of Peace, Hop, and Justice for teachers and staff welcoiming young people at the start of this new school year.

We pray for those struggling to provide students with the supports they need during a national mental health crisis, and with the lingering effects of the landemic still undermining academic suces and wellbeing. And we pray for teachers who yearn for autonomy and respect amidst increasing dedicated educators with us today, and all those who serve our community's children.

And, we pray for families and children beginning the yar. Be with them through their many emotions-anxiety, excitement, inspiration, apathy, and everything in between. May they experience their schools as places of welcome, inclusion, safety, and joy, where they can grow in knowledge and truth.

And finally, God our Teacher, in the words of St. Thomas More, we ask that you grant us the grace to labor for the things we pray for.

One: The light shines in the darkness.

All: We stand in this light, unshaken, knowing that the darkness has never overcome the light.

One: Let us recommit ourselves to walking in Jesus ’ways of justice.

All: Empower us, Jesus, to boldly use the freedom and power given to us to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.

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September 14

Jesus is often called the Great Physician, as he offered healing to countless people throughout the gospels, awakening the faith of others who witnesed his compassion, mercy, and grace.

Today we light the Candle of Peace, Hope, and Justice, for scientific researchers and physicians who are seing their work end or face harsh budget cuts; for doctos and nurses who are still dedicating their lives to heal others and follow scientific truth; for researchers who have lost thier jobs due to the defunding of research at universtities throughout the country; and for children, teenagers and adults who are no longer eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

We light this candle in hope that our healthcare system will continune to follow the wisdom of trained scientist and researchers and that medical professionals will continue to faithfully fufill their call despit limitations placed upon them.

We light this candle in peace that understands how Jesus' healing ministry will carry oon in through the church all over the world.

And we light this candle in belief that justice will come that enables all people to have access to the physical and mental healthcare needed to live who lives.

One: The light shines in the darkness.

All: We stand in this light, unshaken, knowing that the darkness has never overcome the light.

One: Let us recommit ourselves to walking in Jesus ’ways of justice.

All: Empower us, Jesus, to boldly use the freedom and power given to us to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.

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September 28, 2025

Prayer written by Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor, Mount Vernon Place UMC, Washington

What do you think?

What do you believe?

Do you agree or disagree?

These are not casual questions - but rather soul-shaping, world-defining inquiries that we answer in childhood classrooms and college study groups, living rooms and boardrooms, protest and pulpits.

From the beginning, this nation has promised the right to speak freely - to challenge power, question polices, mock corruption, and defend the truth. Freedom of speech is stitched into our identity, a right many assumed would never unravel.

And yet today, truth-tellers are being punished.

Critis are being threatened with retaliation.

Comedians are being canceled with some reinstated only after facing economic or political consequences for their silencing.

So today, we light the Candle of Peace, Hope, and Justice for every voice that has spoken truth only to be harmed for doing so.

For those who dare to expose the life, name injustice, and bring relief through laughter.

We light this candle for the poets and prophets, artist and academics, wise men and young women who refuse to be silent even when those with wordly power demand it.

We pray for courage and conviction of those who, like Paul commanded Timothy, "persist - whether the time is favorable or not" to convince, rebuke, and encourage.

May God raise up a people who will not trade truth for power or popularity.

May God strengthen us to resist the tempation to chase after teachers who echo our desires.

And may God equip those in power to do all theyu can to protest this gift while we promise to never again take it for granted.

One: The light shines in the darkness.

All: We stand in this light, unshaken, knowing that the darkness has never overcome the light.

One: Let us recommit ourselves to walking in Jesus ’ways of justice.

All: Empower us, Jesus, to boldly use the freedom and power given to us to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.