Praying for peace
In the face of gun violence, prayer becomes a powerful act of solidarity, healing, and hope. Nuns Against Gun Violence invites you to join us in grounding our collective call for peace and justice in the transformative power of faith. Whether in private contemplation or communal gathering, these prayer resources are designed to inspire courage, deepen compassion, and strengthen our resolve to advocate for a world free from violence. Together, let us lift our voices and hearts in prayerful action for change.
Novena Against Gun Violence
by Michele Bisaillon, DHS
Loving God, You created for us a world of beauty, order and endless possibilities. But today ours is a world often in chaos: war, famine, drought, so many “isms,” lack of respect for life and for one another. In this country we face these issues day after day. One of these is uppermost in our minds these days—the horror of gun violence which continues to ravage our nation, our society, our people, even the youngest of our children.
Spirit God, we give you all names: Holy, Sanctifier, Paraclete, Advocate. Yet you are so much more: Challenger, Nudger, whirling Wind and engulfing Fire, Mover, Enabler, Lover, Breath of Life.
Be that for us, we pray. Instill in us your gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, reverence and awe. Pentecost us. Enable us to be as daring as the newly inspired apostles—to be bold in our defense of the right of all persons to feel safe wherever we are, unafraid of being forever silenced by those who are armed with weapons and anger and sometimes even hatred.
Give us the courage to speak the Word. Give us the audacity to take the actions needed to end this needless violence.
In the name of our Creator God, in the name of the Word of Life, and in the name of the Fire of Love. Amen.
Prayers for an end to gun violence
You are welcome to use these prayer resources for your personal prayer or as part of a prayer service or vigil.
Prayer cards
- Nuns Against Gun Violence novena prayer cards (English)
- Nuns Against Gun Violence novena prayer cards (Spanish)
- Nuns Against Gun Violence novena prayer cards (large print)
Monthly prayer services
On the first Thursday of each month, coalition members dedicate a portion of our regular virtual meetings to extended prayer. We especially pray for those who have been affected by gun violence, whether they were killed or injured, witnessed a shooting or lost a loved one or community member. You can find these recordings on our YouTube channel.
Lenten Fast to End Gun Violence
The Nuns Against Gun Violence coalition held its second annual Lenten Fast to End Gun Violence in 2025. As people of faith, we are called to nonviolence. In response to the gun violence epidemic, we invite all to join us in prayer and advocacy to end gun violence. This year, our advocacy focused on the intersection of gun violence and immigration.
Reflections on nonviolence
- "The Spirituality of Nonviolence" by David Kelly, CPPS, Executive Director of the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation
- "A Reflection on Faith, Loss and Hope" by John Charles McAllister-Ashley, Justice Team for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
