O God, you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you . . . Isaiah 26:3
On this 13th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, we pray for an end to hate and violence throughout our world. We remember and pray for those who died in the attacks, that they might be at peace with you. We pray for their families and friends, that in their grieving they may find the peace which transcends all understanding. [Php.4:7] And we pray for all who remain in our unstable and violent world, that we may find new ways of living together.
We pray for peace O God.
O God, our creator, look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and guide us as we work through our struggle and confusion. [#3]*
We pray for peace O God.
O Lord you have commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you. [#6]
We pray for peace O God.
Give us the grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, hurt and anger, and whatever else may hinder us from peaceful union and concord. Help us to seek the holy bonds of truth and peace, of compassion and charity. [#14]
We pray for peace O God.
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom all nations and people work in harmony, guide us in love. [#3, 4] Lead us from dissension, factions and selfish ambitions to a world abundant in the fruits of your Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. [Galatians 5:19-26] Guide all the nations, — and each of us as individuals in our interactions with family, neighbors, and community, — into the ways of justice and truth, peace and love. [5]
Grant us peace O God.
* Adapted in part from The Book of Common Prayer, “Prayers and Thanksgivings”, No.s 3 -6, 14.
Prayers For Our Country 