By Esther Steward of Lamoni, Iowa, USA
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Yahweh:
May we be inspired by compassion, as we work as peacemakers. May we embrace respect, healing, redeeming, restoring, strengthening, and encouraging ways, so all may know their great worth and potential for growth and service to you.
May we find new ways to build up, support, empower, and allow those willing to be generous with their time and talents, and in their ministry, to use their giftedness with trust, not stifling or dictating to them.
May we someday know the wholeness of shalom envisioned by you, our Creator.
May we always speak the truth in a loving way.
We realize peacemaking was one of the central passions of Jesus’ life. May the Holy Spirit move, breathe, and live among us until it becomes our passion as well.
Please look upon us now with mercy and grace, for we are divided in so many ways. Give us the Spirit of Jesus to make us one in faith, trust, joy, hope, love, peace, and service. Please show us the way to make peace, finding unity in our diversity, and, in response, celebrate the great worth you have for all persons.
Please give us clean hearts to build your peaceful kingdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.
Prayer Phrase
“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).
Spiritual Practice
Overflowing Generosity
Spend five minutes thinking deeply about how God has shared abundantly with you in very specific ways. Where do you see God’s abundant generosity in your life? Say a prayer of thanksgiving for these blessings. Now, reminded of these blessings, think about how you can bless others. In what ways can God’s abundant generosity overflow from you to others? What specific blessing will you share with another this day?
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.