John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Dear Lord,

We give thanks for your promise, that it is your peace that you leave us, in whatever age we live.

It is your peace that we have and it is your peace that we depend upon. Even as all around us, in different parts of the world, we see trouble and unrest, even in some places, wars. We pray for the peacemakers, those who are working to bring peace where there is no peace. We thank you for them, and we pray your peace be over this world. Enable us to be a channel of your peace, and work together to bring peace to our world, our communities, our countries.

We pray for families who have been torn apart by war and violence, for children who have lost parents and now survive in this world alone, dependent on their own resources. Please help them Lord, and may they find a place where they can be nurtured, valued, and have a sense of belonging. Thank you that even when we can’t see how things can change, that you already are at work. All these things we pray in the name of the Prince of Peace.

Amen.

Rev Beatriz Skippen is the Minister at Bulimba Uniting Church.