By Jeni Mullins of O’Fallon, Missouri USA

He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.

Dear Heavenly Parent,
During tumultuous times we all become acutely aware of how often we forget to turn to you. Yet because you love us, you hear us. You listen to our agony; you hear our pain; you celebrate our victories and our joys. We forget to seek you in good times, even as we quickly seek you in bad times.

We cannot be called Christians if we forget Christ’s example. He loved those society said were unlovable; he empathized with those leaders said should be ignored; stood up for those the world said should be stood upon.

We know that true peace can only be achieved where justice reigns, and we ask you for this today. Justice for those oppressed, maligned, marginalized, dismissed, murdered, and forgotten.

Help us be bringers of justice and harbingers of peace. Go before us and prepare the way for what some would say is unthinkable. Let our faith be the mustard seed needed to move the mountain of injustice and unrest to reveal a valley of peace and prosperity.

We thank you for your presence and ask these things in your son’s name. Amen.

Prayer Phrase

“…our inner nature is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Spiritual Practice

Renewal for The Journey

Gather a small bowl of water. Begin by lighting a candle. Spend 5–10 minutes in silence. Focus on your breath, feeling the warmth of the candlelight. Think about the blessings in your life and the people you cherish. Allow yourself to feel the emotions associated with each blessing and person. Dip your fingers in the bowl of water and sprinkle a few drops around the candle. Visualize releasing any negativity or burdens from the past year, welcoming a sense of renewal and clarity for the year ahead. Reflect on how you can carry this spirit into the new year.

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.