Join the diocesan Migration Ministry Team in celebrating World Refugee Day, the international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees throughout the world who fled their home nations because of war, hunger, climate change, and persecution due to a person’s religion, race, political views, or sexual orientation. World Refugee Day was established on June 20, 2001, to define the term ‘refugee’ and to set legal protection, rights, and assistance for refugees.
Leviticus 19:33-34a tells us, “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” God wants us to embrace and welcome asylum-seekers and refugees as they seek shelter from danger, and for our nation to peacefully mend our divisions. The Statue of Liberty’s iconic phrase, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free," reminds us of the welcoming spirit that America possessed up until a few years ago.
A Prayer for World Refugee Day
For Those Living in Fear of Deportation
God of exile and homecomings, you led your people through the wilderness and taught us that welcoming the stranger is an act of kindness and love. We pray for all who live in fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, detention, and deportation. We grieve the heavy-handed response to largely peaceful protests, and the weaponizing of institutions meant to protect. In your mercy, shield the vulnerable from unjust laws and misuse of power. Strengthen our resolve to stand with immigrants and refugees, not out of partisanship, but as followers of the Risen Christ, whose kingdom knows no border. Through your Spirit, make us agents of justice and peace. Amen.
Source: Public Policy and Witness Weekly Prayers, June 13, The Episcopal Church
Circle of Prayers
This year, World Refugee Day is on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Churches wishing to observe World Refugee Day may consider adding prayers from the list below to their services on June 21. (Source: Prayers of Support and Solidarity for Our Immigrant Neighbors – Episcopal Maine)
Prayer for Those in Immigration Detention
God of all consolation, our hearts break for the individuals currently held in immigration detention in the U.S. and abroad. We grieve the deaths in ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) custody, and we mourn with those feeling fear and pain. Send your spirit of mercy and wisdom upon those in power, that they may safeguard the human rights and dignity of those detained. Strengthen those who work and advocate for the release of those unjustly detained and for reform of the immigration system, in the name of your son, Jesus, who sets the captives free. Amen.
For Families Separated by Borders
God of every land and people, your kingdom knows no borders, and your love knows no bounds. Many ache with the pain of separation, kept from loved ones by policies and distance. Comfort those whose families can’t connect physically and those who must choose between staying and going. Be near to all who wait for reunions that feel far away. Holy God, send your Spirit to help us tear down the walls we have built, and lead us toward a world where no one is exiled from love. We ask this in your name and through your boundless mercy. Amen.
For Those Living in Fear of Deportation
God of exile and homecomings, you led your people through the wilderness and taught us that welcoming the stranger is an act of kindness and love. We pray for all who live in fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, detention, and deportation. We grieve the heavy-handed response to largely peaceful protests, and the weaponizing of institutions meant to protect. In your mercy, shield the vulnerable from unjust laws and misuse of power. Strengthen our resolve to stand with immigrants and refugees, not out of partisanship, but as followers of the Risen Christ, whose kingdom knows no border. Through your Spirit, make us agents of justice and peace. Amen
For All Victims of ICE’s Violence and Raids
God of abundant life, who judges injustice, hears the cry of the oppressed, and calls your people to bear witness to your life-giving righteousness, we pray for all who have died because of our present immigration system. We pray for the victims of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s violence on the streets of American cities. We pray, too, for those who have died trying to find a path to a better life for themselves and their loved ones. Send your Spirit upon all those who grieve and sit in fear, and grant governing authorities the wisdom to safeguard due process, fairness, and human dignity. Grant this, Lord, for the sake of Jesus Christ, your only Son. Amen.
Prayer for Asylum Seekers
Listening God, you hear the cries of the vulnerable. We pray for the many migrants who struggle for their asylum claims to be heard and those whose claims for asylum protection are denied. God, pour out your Spirit upon them, and fill their hearts with comfort and hope. Empower all of us to make just decisions and to be good advocates so that our hospitality of migrants might honor you. And all for your name’s sake. Amen.
For Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in Uncertain Times
Lord Jesus, you were carried as a child into Egypt and know the fear and fragility of displacement. We pray for all who have been resettled in this land and now face renewed uncertainty about the permanence of their status, and for all who seek asylum whose cases are delayed or constrained. Hold them, and their children and families, in your peace. Guard them from injustice; turn the hearts of those in authority toward compassion and wisdom; and stir your church to stand with them in steadfast love, faithful advocacy, and generous support. May all who have fled danger find safety, stability, and the assurance that they are seen and cherished by you. As we await your coming, keep us hopeful and ready to welcome you in the stranger. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
For Solidarity with Refugees
Holy God, you have revealed your Good News through your Son, Jesus Christ, who was an outcast and a refugee. We echo the call of the United Nations on World Refugee Day to “shine a light on the rights, needs, and dreams of those forced to flee.” Strengthen us, as we live out our baptismal calling, to actively seek solidarity with the oppressed. Reveal the plight of all refugees to the world and remind all refugees that they are not alone. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.