Today in our prayers for the people of New Caledonia.

Prayer for Peace

Eileen Terril

O God of Peace,

The ways of the world are difficult, O God. From the very beginnings of humankind, we have inflicted one another with hatred and war, abuse, and cruelty. The weak and marginalized have been oppressed and degraded. People have worked to build their own power, wealth, and egos at the expense of the powerless, fragile, and frightened.

As flawed humans, we have put distance between ourselves and others in too many ways. We see the race, political views, education, social status, monetary worth, or gender of others as lesser than our own, forgetting that all are equal in your sight.

As people of faith, we try to follow your teachings of peace, decrying violence, oppression, and any actions that degrade or hurt others. We sometimes fail. We more often can be guilty of fear and apathy—unsure of what we can do to alleviate suffering, when that suffering seems to fill the world.

Jesus taught us that when we see anyone hungry and feed them, thirsty and give them a drink, naked and clothe them, sick or imprisoned and visit them, that we do that for Jesus—that we minister to and in the stead of the Divine. Jesus also taught that when we see anyone afflicted in these ways, and do not try to help, that we not only extend the hurt of that person, but we also turn our back on God.

O, parent of peace: We know that there are many people, not only around the world but on our own streets, that live lives of fear, oppression, and abuse. Each one of these is your child, just as each of us is your child. Each child of God deserves a life of honor, safety, and love. Each child of God deserves to live free from fear or want for themselves and their families. Each child of God deserves our consideration and respect. Each child of God deserves to live in peace.

Amen.