By Evalina L. Gustin of Holt, Missouri USA
For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Our God, Almighty God over all creation,
We come to rejoice with you and to praise you. We come to learn to know you and the ways Jesus taught us that our lives would reflect the example he gave us through you. He has said in many ways, “If anyone will hear my voice and open unto me, I will be with them, sup with them, and help them find the ways of peace.”
O Lord, this could be such an amazing, beautiful Earth to live in if we would all answer your call and come to you with our whole hearts turned to the divine food you wish to serve us. We do have desires in our hearts to find and share this path you made for us 2,000 years ago. We seek to walk with you in paths of love, hope, and peace as the Holy Spirit counsels and quickens thought and action.
Please guide and strengthen us with the courage to reach out to the lives of others to assist them as they struggle to find your peace in this world.
Lord, we wait upon you with patience; we watch to be alert; we respond to the needs of others to help bring more joy and your love into their lives. Be with them. Be with us.
We ask all in Jesus’ name and to your glory. Amen.
Prayer Phrase
“…our inner nature is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
Spiritual Practice
Renewal for The Journey
Gather a small bowl of water. Begin by lighting a candle. Spend 5–10 minutes in silence. Focus on your breath, feeling the warmth of the candlelight. Think about the blessings in your life and the people you cherish. Allow yourself to feel the emotions associated with each blessing and person. Dip your fingers in the bowl of water and sprinkle a few drops around the candle. Visualize releasing any negativity or burdens from the past year, welcoming a sense of renewal and clarity for the year ahead. Reflect on how you can carry this spirit into the new year.
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.