Devotional – August 5, 2025

Until Peace Prevails- A Prayer for a Violent World – by Rev. Lisa Degrenia

God of mercy, God of hope,

You call us and all people to lay down our swords

and walk together in Your light.

Hear our prayer for nations at war,

for communities shattered by violence,

for homes filled with anger.

Turn hatred into love and respect.

Turn hostility into compassion and hope.

Hear our prayer for all who wield power-

for those who make laws and policies,

for those who interpret and enforce the law,

for all who shape commerce and the flow of information.

Open them to Your wisdom and grace.

Inspire them to seek the good of all people.

Hear our prayer for those who live in fear,

for the oppressed and the vulnerable – be their refuge

for the targeted and the poor – be their refuge

for the isolated, the stranger, the grieving, and the ill – be their refuge.

Strengthen all who help and comfort those who suffer.

Strengthen all who work for truth and justice.

Hear our prayer for those who are quick to anger

and for those who trust in violence.

End corruption, scheming, and bullying.

Turn hearts to collaboration and peacemaking.

Hear our prayers for ourselves –

for the places where we hold bitterness,

for the ways we judge, lash out, and fail to love.

Forgive us, heal us, and make us instruments of Your peace.

Continue with your own prayers for peace.

Prince of Peace, You have promised that a day will come

when nations will not take up swords,

when war will be no more,

when all will walk in Your light.

Until that day, strengthen our faith,

guide our steps,

and help us to live the prayer You taught us…

Conclude with The Lord’s Prayer

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This prayer was inspired by a sermon entitled Swords and Saviors based on Luke 22:39-54; Romans 12:9-21; and Isaiah 2:1-5. It was part of a Lenten sermon series entitled Peacemaking and the Passion of Christ.   A Prayer for a Violent World © 2025 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia

Peace Be With You. – Paul