By James O’Neil DeAtley of Louisville, Kentucky USA

That which seeks to harden one human heart against another by constructing walls of fear and prejudice is not of God. Be especially alert to these influences, lest they divide you or divert you from the mission to which you are called.

(to be sung to the tune of Finlandia)

Your reign, O God, is here and now among us;
within our hearts, our bodies, minds and souls.
O may we seek to live and share as Zion,
proclaiming peace, a mission to uphold.

As living stones form us to be your Temple;
may we be one in you, the cornerstone.
But some would wait in fear and hesitation,
your opportunities choose not to see.
May we respond with love to all who seek you,
inviting them into community.

O may this be our calling and commission:
proclaim the worth of all in dignity
We pray your reign for us would still be nearer.
Send forth more light, our knowledge to expand.

O may your people learn to be prophetic
and grant them faith that seeks to understand.
May they proclaim to all the cause of Zion,
as witnesses of peace in every land.
Amen.

Prayer Phrase

“…he has given us a new birth into a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3).

Spiritual Practice

Weaving a Life

Hold, or imagine yourself holding, a piece of patterned cloth. Examine it carefully. Notice overlapping threads mingling colors that form the design. Write a journal entry or meditate about the threads and patterns of your life. What design do you see? How does the life pattern you are weaving create justice and wholeness in God’s world? What new pattern is God calling you to weave in 2025?

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.