By Andy Horner of Centennial, Colorado USA
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Unifying Creator,
We turn to you in this eternal moment to pray for peace in our world, which so often seems so broken. We pray for the casualties and refugees wounded and displaced by warfare between nations. We pray for those who have been left behind and marginalized in our communities because of our desire to stratify our human relationships into strong and weak, winners and losers, worthy and unworthy. We pray for boys and girls, women and men who are abused by those whom we would expect to ensure their safety.
We lift our voices in prayer for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering, even as we acknowledge the ways in which we are poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased ourselves. Inasmuch as we are wealthy, we recognize that our wealth can confuse us into thinking that we deserve a life of luxury. Inasmuch as we are secure, we acknowledge that our security itself can displace us by convincing us that all is well.
Inasmuch as we live in privilege, we confess that our privilege reflects the disease of our culture, a disease from which we are not immune. Inasmuch as we are healthy, we admit that it is a sick world that does not care for all its citizens.
Touch us in our brokenness. Light the dark spaces we prefer to avoid with the light of your love. Give us courage, stamina, and wisdom to go to the places where you call us to witness of your love. Makes us ensigns of your peace, we pray as followers of Christ. Amen.
Prayer Phrase
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:10).
Individual Action
Offer spiritual support and counseling to refugees through church programs. Organize prayer and meditation sessions focused on healing and reconciliation. Volunteer your time and skills to help refugees find peace and purpose in their new environment.
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.