Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

[Adapted from the Prayer for Peace, Worship Resource, Year B: Advent 2014 to Advent 2015, edited by Jeanne Davis, Jane Gardner, Ginny Miller, and David Bolton, Herald Publishing House, 2014, p. 62]

Dear God,
Today I light a candle and pray for peace for all people. I do this because I feel the need to do something, but I do not know what to do. May your Spirit come and remind us that what we do does matter and praying peace for someone is never a waste of time. Help us understand it is our responsibility to promote peace in the world. Show us how we can be disciples and actively engage in the church’s mission to Pursue Peace on Earth.

We light a candle today to represent the hope inside us for peace for everyone, especially those living in despair and misery. The candle and our lives now shine to spread light and hope. We all have the power to bring our individual hope for peace together as one in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer Phrase

“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

Spiritual Practice

Light

Close your eyes and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.

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.