There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!” You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound.

[From Worship Resources Year B: Advent 2014 to Advent 2015, Herald Publishing House, 2014, p. 91]

O God, we know you are always near us,
But sometimes we are too distracted to see you.

O God, we know you are always near us,
But sometimes we push you away and try to stand on our own.

O God, we know you are always near us,
But sometimes we harden our hearts and refuse to let you in.

Forgive us, O God, for the times when we separate ourselves from you.
Help us open ourselves to your presence, so we may feel you near us always, and live at one with you. Amen.

Prayer Phrase

“Happy are those who observe justice” (Psalm 106:3).

Healing and Reconciliation

Gather a small mound of stones. Meditate on the stones as symbols of differences and destructive acts that continue to separate and wound the human family. Name and anoint each “stone wound” with a drop of water or scented oil. Offer them to God in a prayer for healing and reconciliation.

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.