By Norma Torrey of Grapeview, Washington USA

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.

Dear Lord,

We fervently pray for peace, yet it seems like all we hear about is the lack of peace. Many nations are in upheaval as old leaders are thrown out and people fight over who will replace them. Some leaders are destroying their countries and even their own people in a futile bid to stay in power. Many nations do live peacefully and only fight with words, ideas, and philosophies.

As our climate changes and the weather reacts in ways that cause prolonged drought, floods, and hurricanes, we know it will be harder for people to make a living on the land. There are already water shortages and less arable land. Like the plagues of old, there are more insects vying for crops, burrowing into trees, moving into warmer climates creating havoc with vegetation unused to their assault. As land, water, and resources become scarce, disputes will rise over them. The poor will suffer even more. As the waters rise through the melting of ages-old ice, people on lower-elevation islands are in danger of losing their homelands.

The children of this century, the innocent children, have much to face. There are no easy answers. What can we do, Lord? How can we be part of the solution and not prolong the problems? Our very lives and the lives of Earth’s creatures depend on our finding solutions.

We pray for peace. We pray for answers. We pray for the willingness to give up some of our luxuries and even some necessities to help others who are in dire need.

Help us not be comfortable until others are comfortable and safe. Help us mend our self-first ways. Help us truly love others as ourselves. Lord, help us put you first in our lives, truly put you first. What a difference we could make in our world.

In our Savior’s name, 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.