By Barbara Howard, archived
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.
Take a moment to breathe deeply and be aware of silence. Be grateful for our community and hold those who are ill or suffering or grieving to the healing light of love.
God of all time and place,
We thank you for this sacred time spent in the holiness of your presence. We sense you permeating all space, even amid suffering and violence. We pray for awareness of your world in this moment. Help us to sense the pain of others and to be a healing presence for them. Just as our breath sustains life, we pray that your life in us shall create a new reality of peace.
You love us when we are least lovable. Hold us when we are most afraid. Strengthen us when we are most fragile.
Just when we think we have climbed the last mountain, we turn to view the vista of all we have learned and understood. You whisper, “Look around. There’s a new path to greater understandings of my love and calling. Listen now for my presence.”
Creator, we may resist. We may stop. Still you nudge us with your compassionate, firm Spirit, and move us to see new terrain. You call us forward to those unknown places and open our hearts to that which we do not yet understand.
May our gratitude for your constancy open us to the wonder and pain of every life that touches our own. Stir in us a desire to respond to each opportunity to be an instrument for your love.
United in this moment may we respond to your call to move in faith—to struggle, to change, to venture—supported by your nurturing Spirit. Now, trusting in your promise, we offer ourselves as vulnerable disciples. Sustain us with growing awareness that you are the source of our strength. Deepen our resolve in this time of prayer, confident in the abiding grace and comfort of your Spirit. Amen.
Prayer Phrase
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
Hope in the Present
Take a moment to pause and reflect on where hope is present in your life. Write down three things that give you hope. It could be a kind word from a friend, the warmth of the sun, or progress toward a goal. If you are facing difficulties, gently remind yourself: “Even now, hope is present. Even now, something new is possible.” Express gratitude for this hope knowing that each day is an opportunity for renewal.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.