Here’s a thoughtful
prayer for peace from the Presbyterian
Peacemaking Program.
Prayer
for Peace
God of justice and peace, love and life,
we confess that we are often overcome
by the loud and persistent voices of fear and
anger.
We do not hear the voice of Jesus, which
seems but a whisper.
Fear trumpets,
“Kill those whom you
fear may kill you.
The strong shall
inherit the earth and the rich shall forever rule the earth.”
Yet Jesus says,
“Blessed are the meek
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
Anger proclaims,
“Those who live by
the sword shall not only live, but flourish.
Might makes right.”
But Jesus says,
“Put your sword back
in its place,
for all who draw the
sword shall die by the sword.”
Fear instructs us,
“Forgive no one.
Those who wrong you
are wrong; by forgiving them,
you excuse the wrong
and only encourage them.”
Yet Jesus warns us,
“If you do not
forgive people their sins,
your Father will not
forgive your sins.”
Anger declares,
“Hate those who hate
you; loving those who hate you
only encourages them
to take further advantage of you.”
But Jesus asks,
“If you love those
who love you, what credit is that to you?
Even sinners love
those who love them.”
Fear shouts out,
“Show everyone how
strong we are
so they will be
afraid to challenge us.
This is the way to
prosper.”
Yet Jesus asks,
“What does it prosper
people to gain the whole world
and lose their life?”
The voices of anger and fear seem so strong,
the wisdom so alluring, the way so sensible
and safe.
Still Jesus tells us that there is another
way—
the way of peace and justice, the way of love
and life.
When we lack the courage to seek your way, O
God,
when fear and anger overwhelm our faith,
encourage and embolden us.
Open us, O God, that we may follow the Prince
of Peace.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
~ from the
Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. Posted
on the National Council of Churches USA website. http://www.ncccusa.org/iraq/firstanniversary/iraqanniversarythree.html
