A Protester’s Prayer               
Rev. Douglas Taylor
June 14, 2025 (for the No Kings protest)

Eternal Spirit from Whom all things come and to Whom all things return, strengthen our resolve as we engage in peaceful protest.

We gather as individuals united under a banner of concern for something we hold precious – for truth, for peace, for our children, for the vulnerable. We gather as individuals blending our voices and our presence into the throngs at the courthouse, in the streets, at the detention centers, outside the places of power. We gather in protest of the wrongs committed. Our voices will be heard.

Gracious Spirit, our communities have too long listened to the discordant voices of those who would divide us. We have listened too long to the loud posturing and bluster of would-be-tyrants and liars.

Grant us the courage to be not quiet in our demands for justice, to be loud in amplifying the voices of the marginalized, the abused, particularly the immigrants and queer people currently targeted by those in power today. May we listen to the voices of those most impacted by harm.

Help us remember, O Spirit, that there is no form of protest seen as acceptable in the eyes of the oppressors. May we be bold in asserting – for our communities and for the vulnerable – the demands we have for a better community.

We know fascism is fragile, relying on fear and obedience. Guide our hearts, O Spirit, to not give in to fear and hatred of those we seek to oppose, of those we would challenge, of those we view as adversaries. Help us stay true to our own values of compassion and dignity – lest we become strangers to ourselves and to our goals.

Remind us to support one another – across our causes and rallying cries – to share in the work of building the better world. Grant us the strength that comes in collective voices calling for meaningful change.

Grant that we may have the endurance to persist in our efforts, help us to remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice. Be with us, O Spirit, in our effort. May Your love, and love for all our neighbors, guide our actions. And may we always remember that the prayer for courage is the prayer that never goes unanswered.

This we ask in the name of all that is holy. May it be so.