By Larry McGuire, president of seventy

Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

The congregation that nurtured me until I left for college had the practice, like many in that time, of worship on Sunday morning and Sunday evening, prayer service on Wednesday night, and scripture study during the week. We would also have youth activities on either Friday or Saturday evening. A full “church” experience for most of my years.

During prayer service, when we got to the song, “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” I knew we had about 30 minutes left in the service. I knew who would probably start praying first and work our way through the gathered community until we had about 10 minutes left for a couple testimonies, and then we were done! There were moments of sadness in prayer, moments of gratitude, moments of petition, but not long moments of silence.

“Lord, teach us to pray,” the disciples asked of Jesus in Luke 11:1. Following this request, Jesus taught them with what we know as the Lord’s Prayer. As a kid, I don’t remember saying this prayer unless it was for a special occasion. I also remember that when it was prayed, it was usually mumbled and not prayed with much confidence.

Recently, I joined an online community for a prayer service. This community meets in an online format only, and their relationships are deep and authentic. We began with prayer and the leader had a couple prayers found in other sources which were beautiful. We then heard of someone who was struggling with how we pray for our enemies. They had done some research on what it meant and then wrote a prayer for their enemy and shared it in the community. It was powerful, raw, authentic, and deeply grounded in peace.

Others shared prayers or offered words of concern:

Those impacted by the fires in the Southern California area
Those with health issues—within the community and those related
Those impacted by current federal funds being frozen and the impact that decision has on so many people
Those who are labeled immigrant and in fear of deportation
Issues of climate justice and concern for grandchildren to even be able to have space to breathe
Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East

These prayers and concerns are overwhelming, and yet, in this community, they were spoken and lamented. There was also a challenge to not just speak peace but to be peacemakers.

Throughout the entire time of being together, there was a presence of God we didn’t try to contain, to justify, or to push against. We were together, offering gratitude and acknowledging the sacredness of the time to share. It was as the Apostle Paul had offered in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” In this gathered community, prayers flowed, gratitude and thanksgiving were offered for the chance to share and for the blessings that had already been received.

As the time came to a close, I recognized blessings for the gathered community, for the possibilities to pray for our enemies, and be peacemakers in the midst of circumstances that continue to challenge us. Sweet hour of prayer.

Prayer Phrase

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Hope in the Present

Take a moment to pause and reflect on where hope is present in your life. Write down three things that give you hope. It could be a kind word from a friend, the warmth of the sun, or progress toward a goal. If you are facing difficulties, gently remind yourself: “Even now, hope is present. Even now, something new is possible.” Express gratitude for this hope knowing that each day is an opportunity for renewal.

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.