Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
[From “Prepare for World Conference,” Jane Gardner, March 2016 Herald, p. 13]
Creator God,
We imagine
your Presence
as it moves through people, places, and life circumstances
to make possible a worldwide gathering of committed disciples
We praise you and give thanks.
We confess that we often get wrapped up in discovering
new and old friends, moving from activity to activity,
thereby ignoring the direction of
your Presence
to be still and listen.
Forgive us. Make us aware of the moments of blessing awaiting our attention.
In humility, we pause to remember all those who have gone
before, whose legacies now undergird our mission and
Christ’s mission. We acknowledge
your Presence
in the past; proclaim Emmanuel, God with us, in the present;
and have faith, relying on the Spirit, to move into the
future.
Grant us sensitivity, courage, and wisdom.
With our whole beings, we join together to pursue your
Peaceful reign on Earth. Grace-filled God, entwine
your Presence
with ours to create a signal community, blessed to be One
in Christ.
Amen.
Prayer Phrase
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20).
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
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.