Precious Jesus, Prince of Peace,
At times we are like strangers on this earth, taken aback by all the violence, the harsh oppositions. Like a gentle breeze, you breathe upon us the Spirit of peace. Prepare us to be bearers of reconciliation wherever you place us, until the day when a hope of peace dawns in our world.
We pray for all places touched by tragedy this week: Boston, West Texas, Sichuan China, Colorado, Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel/Palestine any home or relationship where violence is present. May the day come quickly when swords are beaten into plowshares, when weapons are left to rust in the fields.
Holy Spirit, stir in us. It is in you that all creation lives and moves and has our being. Do not be far from each living creature. Heal the earth of all damage and the gaping wounds we have inflicted on your creation. Change our hearts and our deeds to live in creation’s abundance instead harsh hoarding of resources.
God who is the great physician: come close to all who are ill in body, mind or spirit., especially those known to us who we lift up to you at this time. Renew their strength and bring your healing peace. Give them a renewal of the Holy Spirit during this time of weakness.
Jesus, you called us to pray for our enemies and all who would do us harm, we pray for Dzokhar Tsarnaev, for the poisoner of letters, for anyone contemplating violence of any kind. Come Holy Spirit.
Most wise and faithful redeemer, be with us as we face difficult chapters of life. May we learn from the things we suffer, and turn to you, our ever-present help in trouble. May there be no bitterness in our sorrow, no despair in our humility, and no distance from you in our confusion.
We pray these things in the loving name of Jesus Christ, the prince of peace, Amen.