U.S. Province
May we discover, this day,
-the courage to be builders of bridges across distances
unseen, but known
-the tender strength necessary to listen twice as much
as we speak
-the curiosity to be the mustard seed, small in size but
available to be transformed
-the grace to be instruments of something new instead
of repetitions of old divisions
-the common ground on which the tree of life
flourishes.
Amen
ULAF Region
Peace is an encounter with others.
Peace, is as a response to God's presence in the world, is what we all long to carry in our hearts. May our desire to uphold peace never lead us astray from its path,
and may we continue to pray for the countries that live at war,
because of the ambition of those who govern our countries.
Peace is a gift of God, as it is founded in love, strengthened by solidarity and fraternity, upheld by respect of human dignity. It is demanded by justice, built trhough dialogue.
Let us strive to make peace reign and flourish in every heart.
Amen, peace to all.
Assisi Province, South India
“Strive for peace with all people, and for that holiness without which no one can see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14
God, our Loving Father in heaven, you shared your peace with us in your Son Jesus Christ! The angels sang glory to God and peace to the people on earth at the birth of Jesus. Oh, Jesus, you calmed the storm on the sea by the power of your word; “Quiet! Be still!” We offer this troubled world of war and violence, pain and suffering, poverty and illness, brokenness and mistrust, fear and loneliness into your divine care. Grant us inner strength and serenity to face the challenges of each day. May we find solace and support in your presence and promise. When our lives become turbulent may we hear again your gentle and life- giving voice; “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine.” Amen!
Submitted by Sister Francitta
St. Francis Province, North India
Heavenly Father,
In the stillness of this moment, we come before You,
Seeking the peace that only You can give.
Quiet the storms within us, calm the fears around us,
And let Your presence fill our hearts with serenity.
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace,
Teach us to be peacemakers in a world of division.
Help us to sow love where there is hatred,
Forgiveness where there is hurt,
And hope where there is despair.
Holy Spirit, breath of peace,
Move through our homes, our communities, and our nations.
Open our hearts to understanding,
And guide us to act with compassion and justice.
God of mercy and grace,
May Your peace reign in our hearts,
In our relationships, and in the world You created.
We entrust ourselves to You,
Knowing that in Your hands, peace is always possible.
Amen.
European Region
How we long for such a messenger in these days, but far and wide there is none to be seen, instead the spiral of violence goes on and on, fear and suffering grow, justice and truth are lost.
People, the whole of creation, are crying out for peace, for “Immanuel” - i.e. “God is with us” - as in the old Advent hymn:
„O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear…“
Come Immanuel to all who live in places of war and are without the basic necessities of life.
Come Immanuel to all those who are mourning their loved ones in places of war, who are mourning their dead.
Come Immanuel to all those who stand before the ruins of their lives, who have lost their home and their future.
Come Immanuel to all political, military and religious leaders, that they may distinguish between good and evil, that they may take steps towards a just peace.
Come Immanuel, despite all disappointments and adversities, let us never lose hope in your peace and justice.
Come Immanuel, fill our hearts with your peace and let us become messengers of your peace.
Come Immanuel, come soon, come soon!
International Leadership Team
Prayer for Peace in the Middle East
God of mercy and compassion,
of grace and reconciliation,
pour your power upon all your children in the Middle East:
Jews, Muslims and Christians,
Palestinians and Israelis.
Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to hope,
oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation,
that violent encounters may be replaced by loving embraces,
and peace and justice could be experienced by all.
- Reverend Said Ailabouni