By Laura Herdman, archived

But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

Almighty God, we see your power in designing the galaxies, the oceans, and the sands; and we behold your gentleness in the butterfly, the firefly, the violet. How can we not stand in awe before the grandeur displayed on Earth? Help us now reflect on the times when peace entered our souls as we stood still, listened, and beheld the beauty surrounding us.

We thank you for expressions of peace from others through their insight of your splendor: the artists, musicians, architects, poets. We witness the good feeling we have each time we create or work at making something a little better than it was. We feel a kinship with you, and peace enters our soul.

Help us create opportunities to take the touch of Jesus to others to sense his peace. We ask forgiveness of moments when we have not acted on his behalf. Forgive our reluctance, our apathy, our daily busyness that hinders our sensitivity to others’ needs. You give us opportunities to be peacemakers, but we do not always see, hear, or do.

Today we pledge our efforts anew. We pledge to take the peace from the beauty surrounding us in the arts and nature and give it human expression in our relationships. Somehow, we feel that as we do so, we carry out the purpose for our being. Give us your blessing this day and receive our petition simply because our master urges us to pray. Amen.

Prayer Phrase

“In his hand is the life of every living thing” (Job 12:10).

Trees

Watch the trees outside your window for a few moments. Close your eyes and meditate on Alma’s words about seeds and trees. If you were to plant and grow the Word of God in your heart, what tree might symbolically represent this process? Imagine a seed as it grows into a tree of life and blessing. Ask God to show you how to begin (see Alma 16:152–173).

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.