Today’s prayer borrows from Psalm 46.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, even as the very foundations of our democracy come under attack, and the political norms that gird our Constitution are threatened in the swelling waves of extreme partisanship and disinformation.
We will not fear for we know that God is with us, and the truth will someday set us free to pursue His paths of justice and peace.
Amen
Free us from our fears O Lord, so that we might embrace the freedoms we have create our future.
Freedom to move beyond prejudice, beyond partisanship, beyond the old narratives of division and anger and loss.
Freedom to grow in relationship with others.
Freedom to learn and grow in wisdom and understanding
Redeem all of your children Lord, that we might heal from the sins of our past.
Release us from ties that too tightly bind us to ritual, to place, to power, to the familiar, so that we might explore and experience the beauty of all of your creation.
Forgive us and guide us, O Lord.
Amen
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
“Whoever would love life, . . . he must seek peace and pursue it.” 1 Peter 3:10-11
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you. . . ” Romans 15:7
“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. . . ” Colossians 3:15
Help us O Lord to value your peace and to pursue it, in our hearts and in our world. Guide us O Lord.
Amen
They will neither harm or destroy on all my holy mountain for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord . . . Isaiah 11:9
Keep before us a vision of your peace O Lord.
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion;
from fear, intolerance, and terror;
from factions, tribalism, and hyper-partisanship;
from lies, deceit, and mendacity;
from pride and arrogance and every evil way.
Help us pursue your peace O Lord.
Prayers For Our Country 