For Peace In Troubled Times

God the Father, have mercy on us. 

God the Son, have mercy on us. 

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. 

Holy and blessed Trinity, one God, have mercy on us

Have mercy on us:

In these days of trouble, fear and sorrow,  

In our despair at the violence that seems to fill the world,  

 In the pain of lost life and shattered hopes,  

In our grieving for those who have died,  

In our compassion for all who are bereaved,  

O Lord, deliver us:

From the history of violence  that corrupts every society and our own. 

From the greed and injustice  that divide the world into rich and poor. 

From the urge for revenge  that adds to the cycle of violence.

From the fear that grows into hatred  for people who are different.

From being too quick to attribute blame  and demand retribution.

From believing ourselves safe through anything other than your grace.

From dying suddenly and unprepared.

Lord, hear our prayer:

For those who plan and carry out acts of violence. 

For all who seek justice and ensure the rule of law.

For the victims of war and terrorism everywhere on earth.

For all who live in fear, and for refugees from violent regimes.

For courage to resist demonizing and dehumanizing others.

For wisdom in choosing the paths of peace.

For solidarity with the suffering of the dispossessed. 

For generosity in sharing fairly, the world’s resources.

For respect in conversation with people of other faiths, and none.

For honesty in knowing and confessing the sin in our own hearts.

For grace to change and be changed as you forgive us.

For rescue workers and medical teams  treating those injured in conflict zones.

For aid agencies and their workers, responding with practical care in dangerous places.

For the leaders of all the nations,  looking for ways to work together beyond fear and suspicion.

For people of goodwill, responding generously to the needs of suffering communities.

For all who have friends and family  involved in areas of conflict and disaster.

For communities that are terrified  by missiles, snipers, vigilantes or death squads.

For the vulnerable and defenseless in conflict zones, 

For the children, the elderly, the disabled, the sick.

We pray to you, O God: 

For Christ to bring all the peoples of the world  into one flock with one shepherd.

For Christ to bring healing and comfort for those we love  who are sick or in mourning.

For Christ to lead us into the paths of peace, writing the law of love on our hearts.

For Christ to bring us, with all who have died in faith,  to a joyful resurrection.

God of all peace, have mercy on our broken and divided world, and on your people who cry out to you for healing, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.