Weekly Peace Prayer

for June 24, 2025
prepared by
Sister Carmel Little, CSJP

Constitutions:
Recalling Jesus’ identification with the prophetic tradition,
we develop a critical, sensitive conscience
regarding religious, social, cultural,
economic, and political realities,
and we direct our efforts
to actions which bring peace through justice. #23

In recognizing the dignity of all persons,
We commit ourselves to education and action
that aim to eliminate discrimination
in all its forms within the congregation,
in those places and institutions where we minister,
and in the wider society. #24

Prayer:
For the incapacity to feel the sufferings of others
and our tendency to live comfortably with injustice,
God forgive us.

For the self-righteousness that denies guilt,
and the self –interest that strangles compassion,
God forgive us.

For those who live their lives in careless unconcern,
who cry “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace,
We ask your mercy.

For our failings in community,
our lack of understanding,
We ask your mercy.

For our lack of forgiveness, openness, sensitivity,
God forgive us.

For the times we were too eager to be better than others,
when we are too rushed to care,
when we are too tired to bother,
when we don’t really listen,
when we are too quick to act from motives other than love,
God forgive us.
PACSA, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa,
Found in Bread for Tomorrow. p. 72

Quiet Reflection

Reading:
The people of the earth having agreed
that the advancement of humankind
in spiritual excellence and physical welfare
is the common goal of humankind;
that universal peace is the prerequisite for the pursuit of that goal
that justice in turn is the prerequisite of peace
and peace and justice stand or fall together
that iniquity and war inseparably spring
from the competitive anarchy of the national states;
that therefore the age of nations must end,
and the era of humanity begin.
World Constitution Preamble, adapted in 1948

Prayer for Peace
God of Peace,
We know you hear the cries of those who long for peace and for security.
and so today we join our voices with all people of Earth.
Response: Grant us peace, O God, Grant us peace.

We pray for families of those people who have been killed through violence — may they be comforted.
Response: Grant us peace, O God, Grant us peace.

We pray for the children—may their fears be calmed.
Response: Grant us peace, O God, Grant us peace.

We pray for the women— may they have all they need to care for their families.
Response: Grant us peace, O God, Grant us peace.

We pray for those who choose violent ways to call attention to their plight—
may they learn the power of nonviolence.
Response: Grant us peace, O God, Grant us peace.

We pray for those who work for justice in the streets, in the boardroom, in the congress, may their efforts move those in power to work for justice in all systems.
Response: Grant us peace, O God, Grant us peace.

We pray for all leaders to seek diplomatic solutions to conflict. We pray that they might end their violence and address the underlying causes of the conflict.
Response: Grant us peace, O God, Grant us peace.

We pray for all peoples—may they know peace and experience justice and true security.
Response: Grant us peace, O God, Grant us peace.
Victor Markel (adapted)

Quiet Reflection

Blessing:
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen

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