By Barbara Howard of Lee’s Summit, Missouri USA
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.
God of all time and place,
We thank you for this sacred time spent in the holiness of your presence. We sense you permeating all space, even amid suffering and violence. We pray for awareness of your world in this moment. Help us to sense the pain of others and to be a healing presence for them. Just as our breath sustains life, we pray that your life in us shall create a new reality of peace.
You love us when we are least lovable—hold us when we are most afraid. Strengthen us when we are most fragile.
Just when we think we have climbed the last mountain, we turn to view the vista of all we have learned and understood. You whisper, “Look around. There’s a new path to greater understandings of my love and calling. Listen now for my presence.”
Creator, we may resist. We may stop. Still you nudge us with your compassionate, firm Spirit and move us to see new terrain. You call us forward to those unknown places and open our hearts to that which we do not yet understand.
May our gratitude for your constancy open us to the wonder and pain of every life that touches our own. Stir in us a desire to respond to each opportunity to be an instrument for your love.
United in this moment may we respond to your call to move in faith—to struggle, to change, to venture—supported by your nurturing Spirit. Now, trusting in your promise, we offer ourselves as vulnerable disciples. Sustain us with growing awareness that you are the source of our strength. Deepen our resolve in this time of prayer, confident in the abiding grace and comfort of your Spirit. Amen.
Prayer Phrase
“We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Spiritual Practice
Sea of Light
Quiet and center yourself. Ask for God’s healing and guidance as you enter this time of prayerful presence. Close your eyes, breathing deeply and calmly. Imagine you are floating in a beautiful sea of light that rises and falls with each cycle of your breath. The golden light of this sea buoys you up, so you float effortlessly. Waves of light carry and wash over you, bringing wholeness and peace. Rest in the sea of God’s love; then offer a prayer of gratitude.
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.