A Prayer For Peace

Reading or watching the news of late is not for the meek or timid.  In fact, one might be tempted to bar the door and stay inside, in the relative safety of home.  However, God is calling us to do just the opposite; we must step out of our comfort zones and make a stand for peace.

Right now, there are myriad false prophets exhorting people to violence and vengeance.  We are being told who is responsible, whom we should blame for the current unrest and troubles in our society.

Placing blame and urging retribution are not what Christians are called to do.  Our loving and just Creator is very specific is what is expected of us, if we are to live our lives according to the life of Jesus. 

Paul, in his letter to the young community of believers in the capital city of the Roman Empire, encouraged them to “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  (Romans 12:10)

One of my Faith heroes is Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, AKA Saint Francis of Assisi.  His prayer, which has been uttered and sung countless times in churches around the world, is a pretty good “how-to manual” for how to be an agent for peace in the world…

Prayer of Saint Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is discord, harmony;

Where there is error, truth;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

As the celebration of the birth of our Christ draws near, please join me in praying for peace in the world.  The kind of Peace that is all-encompassing, that blankets us in the protective Love of God.

And pray for the courage to stand up and be counted as an agent for Peace. 

You will be in my prayers.

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Reminder: if you have a prayer need, please click on the Share a Prayer? tab and send it my way.  I will respond.

Have a wonderful day!

Peace     שלום     سلام