And again, I say unto you, Sue for peace, not only the people that have smitten you, but also to all people; and lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation for peace unto the ends of the earth;

Choose Hope: Worship and Sharing Services, Herald House, p. 12, excerpted

Caring God, our prayers for peace reflect our attention to various areas of caring: personal and family concerns, this community, national and international affairs.

We pray your Holy Spirit will bless these and other concerns that disturb us and keep us from experiencing your peace. Where reconciliation is needed, empower us with the creativity to find ways. Where antagonistic forces collide, overpower and control the leaders involved that they may have the inspiration to find pathways to peace and the courage to walk together in them. May that Spirit bless each one here with insight to recognize sources of conflict and ways to support peace.

Our prayers and our hope for peace we offer in the name of Jesus, the peaceful One. 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.