Oh God, we enter your presence this morning with a prayer for peace on our lips. We pray that your peace would reign in our lives, in our churches and communities, and in our families and our world. Jesus, we acknowledge you as the Prince of Peace and pray that by your Holy Spirit living in and through us we would become peacemakers in our world. You taught your disciples that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons and daughters of God.” (Matt.5:9) Grant us wisdom and strength to live as peacemakers so that the world would see the image of God in us. Jesus, you also taught your disciples saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”. (John 14:27) Enable us to live in the assurance of your promise in a world where there is much to fear. Hold us close to your heart and guard our hearts and minds in you, Jesus.
Hearing your call to be peacemakers in our world, we also echo the words of St. Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Oh God, this morning we also lift up many in our congregation and community who need a touch of your healing and grace, and the comfort of your presence.
We pray for our loved ones who are experiencing limitations due to aging bodies including loved ones in long-term care. Support each family and grant deep measures of compassion and patience.
As Covid and a significant cold/flu virus remains active in our communities and families, we pray for your healing, your grace and protection over all. We pray for your physical healing in our communities as well as spiritual healing. May your will be done in all things.
We pray for our Households of Faith.
May they see others through your eyes, may they know your peace and guidance, and may they grow in faith as they live with courage and deep trust.
We ask all this in the beautiful name of Jesus.
Amen