The events of the last few days have been weighing on my heart. I wrote a prayer for peace and hope as a way to name the feelings I was having as well as a reminder of the hope and peace found in God.

I have also provided Word and PDF links; please feel free to use this in your personal life and faith community (please use proper attribution; see Disclaimer tab for more info).

May justice and peace reign now and forever.

In Christ,

Rev. Evan

O God, source of all light, love and peace, our hearts are heavy with the weight of grief and sadness. Too often we are confronted by the worst that humanity has to offer– lives are senselessly taken, families are torn apart, sadness and mourning sweeps over the land. We have witnessed too much, felt too much, and grieved too much; we are lost and turn to you to be our guide through this difficult and troubling time. In your mercy Lord, hear our prayer.

O God of Mercy, send your Spirit; send your Spirit of comfort and peace. Hold close those who lost loved ones and who mourn this day. Remind us that violence has no place in your Kingdom and you call us to a higher standard. In your mercy Lord, hear our prayer.

Comforting God, restore within us your spirit that beckons us to strive for the greater good, seek out the lost, feed the hungry, bring hope to the hopeless and break the bonds of poverty and greed. Show us the areas where we are to go, show us the truth that we have ignored, awaken in us the dormant fire that once burned brightly and passionately for your glory’s sake: a fire that burned because of your grace and mercy, a fire that was evident to those around us. In your mercy Lord, hear our prayer.

O God of peace and hope, may we embody the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ, “blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Help us to seek paths of peace and justice in our own communities and the world around us. May your hope and grace shine forth so that your children may live in peace and harmony. In your mercy Lord, hear our prayer.

May love reign in our hearts.

May mercy be extended.

May hope guide us into a new tomorrow.

May our faith be strengthen for the tasks that are ahead.

Lead us O Lord, now and forever.

In the name of Jesus the Christ, the Holy One of God. Amen.