Prayers in times of Conflict

For the Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the
whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate
us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth;
that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for Peace

For Peace
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but
the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the
Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

For Peace
Almighty God, kindle, we beseech thee, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with thy wisdom those who
take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility thy dominion may increase till the earth is filled with the
knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayers During Conflict

In Times of Conflict
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth,
to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Peace Among the Nations

Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish
among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

For those in the Armed Forces of our Country

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at
home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and
temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding
presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For our Enemies

O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth:
deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled
before you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer attributed to St. Francis

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord, union;
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where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Thanksgiving for the Nation

Almighty God, giver of all good things: We thank you for the natural majesty and beauty of this land. They restore
us, though we often destroy them.
Heal us.

We thank you for the great resources of this nation. They make us rich, though we often exploit them.
Forgive us.

We thank you for the men and women who have made this country strong. They are models for us, though we
often fall short of them.
Inspire us.

We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been lit in this land. It has drawn people from every nation, though
we have often hidden from its light.
Enlighten us.

We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich variety. It sustains our life, though we have been faithless
again and again.
Renew us.

Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice,
and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus,
will glorify your holy Name. Amen.

For Those Who Have Died

Father of all, we pray to you for those we love, but see no longer: Grant them your peace; let light perpetual shine
upon them; and, in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of your perfect will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Those Who Mourn

Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days
to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of
your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. And this we ask in the Name
of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting
all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.