What is the Day of Prayer for Compassionate Leaders?

The Day of Prayer for Compassionate Leaders is a nationwide initiative from June 22-June 28 inviting congregations and faith communities to pray for leaders at every level to govern with compassion, protect human dignity, and serve the common good. An online event will occur on June 24 and local communities are encouraged to plan their own prayer event that week. Online prayer intentions will be brought to the altar on June 28.

How does the three-step process work?

Step 1 — Submit an intention: Individuals submit a prayer intention through https://thisiswhoweare.org/submitprayerintention/.
Step 2 — Plan locally: Churches and ministries organize leadup activities and promote the Day of Prayer within their communities.
Step 3 — Unite on June 24th: Local gatherings present a moment to lift submitted intentions during services on June 24th.

All intentions submitted online will be taken to the altar at The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi in Raleigh, NC on June 28.

Why did you choose the URL thisiswhoweare.org?

We chose thisiswhoweare.org because, as Christians, we are called to be unified, not divided. We stand together in prayer, seeking transformation of our current political landscape so that leaders govern with compassion, protect human dignity, and serve the common good.

How do I submit a prayer intention and what information is required?

Submit intentions at thisiswhoweare.org/submitprayerintention/. The form requests your name and email, whether you want to join the mailing list, the leader you are praying for, the leadership scope (federal, state, local), your ZIP code, and your faith community (if applicable).

What happens to submitted intentions?

Submitted intentions are collected by the website owner (the sponsoring church). The website owner will place the compiled intentions on the altar during the Day of Prayer observances on June 28 and, at their discretion, may share a summary of intentions with the leaders named. Local host congregations should not promise to place or distribute intentions unless they have been given the physical or digital materials directly by the website owner.

Can any congregation or faith community participate?

Yes.

The initiative is designed for local adaptation: congregations and ministries of all sizes and traditions are invited to plan their own services, observe St. Thomas More Day (June 22nd) as a countdown, and participate in the national Day of Prayer on June 24th. Local hosts may use the movement’s downloadable resources but should follow the guidance above about submitted intentions.

How should we prepare locally?

Suggested timeline:

• 4 weeks before: Announce the event; open intention submissions; recruit volunteers.
• 2 weeks before: Host leadup events (prayer nights, teaching sessions); promote St. Thomas More Day (June 22).
• 1 week before: Finalize altar logistics and print intention cards (for local use).
• Day of (June 24): Present intentions during your service; hold intercessions and a moment of silent prayer. Leadup ideas include small group prayer nights, a short teaching on compassionate
  leadership, letter writing workshops, and bulletin/social promotion

How do we include the observance in Mass?

A simple inclusion can follow this pattern: Intro by the presider noting St. Thomas More Day and the national Day of Prayer; presentation of intentions (a volunteer brings the locally prepared bundle to the altar); intercessions focused on leaders and those affected by public decisions; silent prayer; and a closing blessing. Sample intercessions and a Mass script are available on the site.

What about privacy and sharing?

The website collects contact and intention details via the submission form. Only the website owner will have access to submitted intentions. For questions about how contact information is stored, used, or shared, consult the site’s Privacy page or contact the event coordinator listed on the site.

Who can we contact for help or to share our event plans?

Use the contact information on thisiswhoweare.org to reach the event coordinator. Local hosts can also use the site’s Post-Event Feedback form to report attendance, highlights, and photos.

How will leaders receive the intentions and what should we expect?

The website owner will compile intentions and may share a respectful summary with the named leaders. Responses from public officials vary; the primary purpose is prayerful witness and making leaders aware that communities are praying for compassionate, dignity-centered governance.

Can we adapt materials for our own faith community?

Yes.

Downloadable resources (flyers, intercessions, Mass scripts, volunteer checklists) are available on the site for local adaptation. Local hosts should clearly label any adapted materials as their own local event while acknowledging the national Day of Prayer.