Weekly Peace Prayer

prepared for November 5, 2024
by Sister Carmel Little, CSJP

Election Day in the United States

Constitutions:
In accord with our tradition we commit ourselves to promote peace
in family life, in the church, and in society. We strive to respect the dignity of all persons, to value the gifts of creation, and to confront oppressive situations.
We respond to God’s people in need and promote social justice as a way to peace. #11
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

Prayer:
Loving and gracious God, we remember that your plan for us is fullness of life,
lived with love, justice and mercy.  Be with us and our whole nation this day as
we elect our political leaders at all levels of government.  Help us keep the Common Good before us. Strengthen our gifts of wisdom, courage and respect for the views of others.  Deepen in us the willingness to act in solidarity with people who are economically poor, with people immigrating to our country, and with women seeking fullness of life in society. Help us to support one another in exercising our precious responsibilities as citizens of this country. After the elections, strengthen us to continue to work with our leaders, seeking an ever more just society that acts in harmony and interdependence with all creation. We ask this in the name of Jesus.    Amen. 
                                                                         Sisters of Mercy – adapted

Quiet Reflection

Reading:
For Catholics, public virtue is as important as private virtue in building the common good. In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation. Every believer is called to faithful citizenship; to become an informed, active and responsible participant in the political process…Every voice matters in the public forum.  Every vote counts.  Every act of responsible citizenship is an exercise of significant power.
                                         Call to Faithful Citizenship USCCB

Prayer:
Gracious God, we pray for all those elected to public office, that their service to their people would be just and beyond reproach; that wherever they serve in local government, schools, or law enforcement, they would treat all people with dignity and serve the common good.

We pray for our nation, our cities, and our neighborhoods, that together we can create a place where all people are respected and safe, where difference of opinion does not lead to violence, and where our combined creativity heals brokenness of all kinds.

We pray also that regardless of the outcome of this Election Day, we would remember that we are called by Christ to care for our neighbor, pursue peace and work for justice in our communities. Inspire us to work together, across divisions and difference, to create beloved community wherever we can.  We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen
                                         Council on Christian Unity
                                         Disciples of Christ (adapted)

Pause for reflection

A Litany for Peace
O God of peace: we pray for all people on earth, and for the leaders of every nation that they may strive for justice, kindness and peace. 
                                         Give peace in our time, O God.

We pray for all people in public office that they will be guided by wisdom
and seek the common good.    
                                         Give peace in our time, O God.

 We pray for citizens of our nation that they will use their individual power through their vote to help bring about the common good.   
                                         Give peace in our time, O God.

We pray for worldwide agencies of compassion, which tend the sick and wounded and feed the hungry;           
                                         Give peace in our time, O God.

We pray for all who in any way work to further the cause of peace and goodwill;
                                         Give peace in our time, O God.

We pray for all people in every land who long to live in peace;
                                         Give peace in our time, O God.

Gracious God, may our lives and our world be re-awakened by the power of your grace. Guide us by your wisdom and justice in the choices we make this day.   Hurry the day when all people shall live together in your love and your dream for the world becomes a reality.

 In Jesus’ name, we pray.  Amen.