By Jeni Mullins of O’Fallon, Missouri USA

He said to them, “Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Dear Heavenly Parent,

During tumultuous times we all become acutely aware of how often we forget to turn to you. Yet because you love us, you hear us. You listen to our agony; you hear our pain; you celebrate our victories and our joys. We forget to seek you in good times, even as we quickly seek you in bad times.

We cannot be called Christians if we forget Christ’s example. He loved those society said were unlovable; he empathized with those leaders said should be ignored; stood up for those the world said should be stood on.

We know true peace can only be achieved where justice reigns, and we ask you for this today. Justice for those oppressed, maligned, marginalized, dismissed, murdered, and forgotten. Help us be bringers of justice and harbingers of peace. Go before us and prepare the way for what some would say is unthinkable. Let our faith be the mustard seed needed to move the mountain of injustice and unrest to reveal a valley of peace and prosperity.

We thank you for your presence and ask these things in your son’s name. Amen.

Prayer Phrase

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:10).

Spiritual Practice

Tears of Compassion

Offer a silent prayer for the gift of God’s compassion. Cup your hands and ask God to make you aware of the suffering that causes the Earth and its inhabitants to groan and weep. Be open to faces or places, sounds or voices, feelings of connection with those who suffer. Imagine catching the tears of those you see and holding them in your hands. Listen for prayer images or words God may give you. Discern any active responses of ministry or healing you sense invited to complete for those who weep.

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.