By Janné Grover, Council of Twelve Apostles
God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaces, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not God’s will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare.
God of Shalom,
Yours is the peace we proclaim, the peace we long for, and the peace that is realized when justice is our common purpose through Christ. The peace for which we strive is your kingdom, the kingdom that was present in Jesus. It is an upside-down kingdom where servanthood replaces political posturing, where “Us” and “Them” become “We,” where human worth IS., and where creation is liberated from human greed.
We confess our complacency and complicity that keep true and lasting peace in fragile infancy at best. Forgive our resistance to confronting assumptions, biases, and prejudices that perpetuate racism and systems of injustice.
We know that if we proclaim the peace of Jesus Christ, then we must challenge the kingdoms of this world that promote fear, division, greed, violence, and needless suffering. Even as we pray for peace, we confess our unwillingness to courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to your reconciling and restoring purposes. Help us realize the transforming power of your shalom if we seek it with the intention of looking deeply into who we are and allow it to shape who we are called to be.
Disrupt our comfortable sense of “us-ness.” Grant us the courage to open the borders of our hearts and welcome the “other,” and recognize Christ in the faces of all your beloved children. Help us walk through this world awakened to what it means to belong to each other…to belong to your kingdom of shalom.
May our prayers for peace disrupt our status quo and lead us into actions of reconciliation, restoration, and justice for the sake of all the world you so dearly love.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who is our peace. Amen.
Prayer Phrase
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:10)
Community Action
Establish resource centers that provide information and support for refugees, including job training, language classes, and legal assistance. Organize community events that bring refugees and locals together, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Work with local housing authorities to provide affordable housing options for refugees.
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.