By Tiffany and Caleb Brian

He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

Choose Hope: Worship and Sharing Services, Herald House, p. 46

Gentle Spirit of justice, when your light shines in the darkness, sometimes it illuminates the pain we hope to not see. We want to turn from it, to numb it. We want to pretend it isn’t there, or that it isn’t as bad as it is. But we cannot ignore rushing rapids in our path. We must acknowledge the pain—to feel it fully.

Help us hold the pain of injustice in community, supporting one another. Burdens are easier to carry as a group. Grant us strength and love to take on the burdens of our marginalized siblings, brothers, and sisters. Grant us courage to let others share our suffering and help carry our loads.

Remind each of us that peace is nurtured in sacred communities. May we join with all peacemakers around the world to accomplish your peaceful kin-dom. In the name of Jesus, who strives beside us. Amen.

Prayer Phrase

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Deepening Roots

A tree with superficial roots will wither during drought, or severe storms may uproot it. A tree whose roots go deep is stable and draws from deep waters. Imagine yourself as a tree by a river or stream. Sense your roots extending deep into the earth in search of God’s Spirit. Reflect or pray about what you hope to find as your spirit searches for deeper identity in God.

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.