When
we worship on Sundays, we should pray that as peacemakers we will prepare the
way for the Lord Jesus and his gospel to spread his light through our unity and our love for each other as his followers. Love for our neighbour should guide our
actions and direction when destruction threatens peace and growth.
Not
for our own sake or even in the first place for the sake of the Church, but
because it is becoming clear that the whole human race, across the globe,
desperately needs the peace of God.
With
hearts awakened by God’s Spirit we can see how Christ is the only answer for
the violence, conflict, war, envy and hatred that kill people and at least
destroy their joy, may God grant us the zeal of a John the Baptist, who gave
his life to call everyone to repentance in order to be able to receive the
Prince of Peace and to prepare his way to the hearts and minds of both
individuals and communities devastated by conflict, theft and disagreement.
Peace
with God in Christ brings peace within the congregation of the Lord’s people as
well as among communities and a nation. And as we set an example to those who
suffer as a result of fighting, disunity and pride that divide, hurt, loot and
destroy, our example as peacemakers will prepare the way for Jesus to reach all
of us with his divine peace - the peace of God that surpasses all
understanding.
Let’s
pray for purified minds that care about what God cares about – mercy, love,
reconciliation, friendship, humility, respect and empathy as the remedy for the
pain caused by rifts, schisms, hostilities, narcissism and lust for power.
And
with minds cleansed from anger and hatred we will become instruments of peace,
that Christ may reign as divine Prince of Peace among us, to the glory of God
the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever.
Prayer:
Loving
God, while we wait for Christ’s return and for your peace to prevail for all
eternity, enable each of us to work for harmony and serenity as we experience
the various conflicts which abound in our lives, and in our world. As we
worship you, dear Lord, may your peace be planted and born into our lives, through
the work of your Spirit in us – and in our communities.
This
we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment