God above, as we gather in the wake of the International Day of Peace, we acknowledge it is difficult at times to feel that our pleas for peace are heard. We have looked on in horror at Gaza for months with no end of conflict and devastation in sight. We think of Ukraine, of the DRC, of Lebanon, Yemen, and we – people made in your image – cry out in grief for our fellow people who are dying and suffering in the wake of conflict. Lord hear our prayers.
While we hold the suffering of our brethren in our hearts, we also acknowledge we have seen the power of peace. We have seen weapons laid down, dialogue between enemies, and even some of the hardest of hearts softened. We believe you are God of peace, of shalom, and that you have moved in our world and in our city, and you will continue to bring light into darkness.
You said “blessed are the peacemakers” and today we pray that you will give us the strength and tenacity to be not just peacekeepers, but to be peacemakers. Lord, give us the humility to see the hardness in our own hearts and the ability to move beyond our own propensity for division. Thank you for those who have gone before us who have modeled humility and persistence. Remind us to continually lift each other up, because we want to be a community of peace, and we know we are stronger and more impactful together.
So we pray today for peacemakers to rise up in the midst of conflicts around the world, within governments and neighborhoods and families, and we pray for your will to be done through us, oh God of peace. Amen.
Dr Mylie Brennan is a member of the 4 Corners Festival committee