Today in our prayers for the people of Senegal.

Prayer for Peace

Patricia McKay

Today God, we slow ourselves to offer a prayer of peace for all your creation and especially the youngest and most vulnerable among us.

Creator God, memories of the young ones who pass through our lives remain in our hearts after they leave. Some follow paths to happiness, while others, troubled and unsure, search for self and place. May we, through discernment of your Holy Presence, encourage, be present, and help to heal and make whole.

These children in our care have unpolished gifts waiting to be freed. Some are venturous, confident, and emerging. Others are hesitant, restrained, doubtful, and await release. May we heed the opportunity each day to challenge minds, build skills, give hope, and encourage them to enjoy life.

Ever-present God, give us strength, insight, and love, to be a leaven in their tender lives. Permit us a stable mind, humble heart, a willing nature, and a sense of humor, too. When the time arrives to send them on their way, help us hold them close and then let go, accepting smiles and hugs. We are grateful that we have been together for a while. Eternal, God of Love, go with these precious students. Guide their quests, we pray. Help them unfold their wings. May they experience a peaceful life in a peaceful world.

God of love and compassion, there are those all over the world who do not know about your eternal love, and their worth. They are lonely, despised, fearful, neglected and unloved. We, disciples of your son, Jesus Christ, the peaceful One, accept the call to embody the image of Christ for the sake of others.

We are called to “create pathways in the world to be relationally and culturally incarnate; to be faithful to Christ’s vision of peace on earth.”

God may your Holy Spirit of peace touch your servants so they can reach out in love and understanding to those who need to know that they are loved and of worth. May your peaceable kingdom on Earth become closer to reality as your servants reach out with your eternal love. “Let there be peace on earth as we learn to live peacefully.” So be it, Lord.