Think about it: What if everyone, adult and child, who prays—-not just when someone they know is sick or has some other personal problem—-took even five or 10 minutes a day to ask the Lord specifically for peace in the world?
If we listen to media reports of the unrest, warfare, starvation, threats, and medical needs in places such as Gaza and Ukraine, we can sympathize with the innocent people who are suffering each day, but sympathy isn’t enough. We have the power to pray to our Savior and ask for his loving mercy and peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Many of us have witnessed small healings and little miracles in our lives. We know that God heals. We also know that many times prayers are not always answered overnight or according to our plans. We humans have free will and often make uncharitable choices. Let us try to set aside a few minutes each day to pray without distraction for world peace. We could find some specific prayers for peace online or we might have prayer books with peace prayers available. We could use the following prayer as well.
Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, we pray with humble hearts to ask for an end
to warfare and the quest for world dominance.
Ever loving Savior, bless afflicted victims with mercy and relief in big and small ways,
as you calm their fears.
Assist gentle caregivers in their quest to supply relief and comforting aid to those who
are challenged and affected by war or other kinds of unrest.
Comfort those who have been held hostage or who have lost loved ones because of
conflict, hostility, or dangerous accident.
Eternal God, teach us to engender peaceful, patient hearts and loving solutions to
disagreements large and small.
Fill our hearts with forgiveness and the willingness to compromise in loving ways for
the good of humanity.
Unify us in the quest for lasting peace and understanding among varying cultures and
traditions.
Let us come to a better appreciation of Your omnipotence and powerful love for all
of Your children in the world.
We pray with gratitude now and forever. Amen.
✝️✝️✝️
Photograph by Candace Seplow on Unsplash
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, Connecticut. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.
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