Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-12
God,
we want to live in harmony with your people everywhere. But we are reluctant too. We want our lives to go smoothly, even if
others have it rough. We want safety and
security, even though others are in danger.
We want to hold on to all that we claim as ours, even if others may need
it as much or more than we do. So often
it seems that our wants and needs, our fantasies and fears get in the way of
welcoming others into full fellowship as sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus.
Help us guard our speech so that our words
do not cause injury. Let words of
blessing pour from our lips and enrich the lives of others. God, help us let go of our fears. Help us to let go of our pride that is so
easily offended. Help us to seek peace,
as a daily practice, even when doing so seems to challenge us beyond the limits
of our abilities. Help us respond with
compassion and sympathy even toward those whom we have perceived as enemies.
We rejoice in the parting gift of peace
that Jesus promised his followers. We
rejoice that you give peace that passes understanding. We rejoice that you have broken down barriers
between peoples in order to make peace possible on a grand scale. You have laid all the foundation for
peace. Now let peace come to fruition
among us as we dedicate ourselves to making peace. We implore you in the name of your Beloved
Peacemaker, Jesus. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment