Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, February 4, 2016
Pray for a World Emancipated from Violence
Imagine a world of peace. That was what our prayer from The Oxford Book of Prayer spoke of today.
Good overcoming evil? Good triumphing over the evil perpetrated by individuals, as well as angry mobs, or fearsome armies? Oh, to live in such a wonderful place. To be able to trust people openly, on a regular basis! That would be an amazing experience.
Love overcoming hatred? When I think of all of the twisted ways in which one group of people hates another, I feel physically ill. I watched an older television program—a science fiction show, with aliens, where one alien race hated the guts of another alien race. And, how could this be alleviated, much less eradicated?
And, then, to have a world emancipated from violence? Violence, horror, despicable behavior of every imaginable kind? The thought of this causes me to tremble. Tremble with fear and deep sorrow, because I am afraid it will never, ever happen while this earth exists.
Yes, this prayer asks God for such things as no more fear, no more injustice. This prayer wishes to have selfishness evaporate, along with the suffering that accompanies it. [1]
Dear Lord, this prayer for World Peace zeros in on so many worthwhile requests. Please, gracious God, bring more peace, more harmony. Lower anxiety and fear. Help individuals and groups all over the world to live together, converse together, eat together. And, not kill each other. Gracious, peace-loving God, hear us, we pray.
Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.
Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind. @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er
[1] The Oxford Book of Prayer, edited by George Appleton. (New York: Oxford University Press, reissued 2009), 78-79.
matterofprayer 