Today I offer a prayer for understanding, respect and peacemaking. More than once in the last few days I have become aware of heated arguments due to differing opinions. We as Christ followers are to be peacemakers, and not stir up strife (angry disagreements). Let’s do what we can to love our neighbors, increase understanding, and build respect within our communities to minimize disagreements and divisiveness. Our enemy the devil is seeking to destroy us, and divisiveness is one of his most powerful weapons.
Father God, our Wise and Loving Lord, Your heart for peace has been imprinted on our beings. Yet, we observe and contribute to divisive behavior, participating in ignorant controversies, which we know lead to disagreements. We Your servants must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to everyone, teaching and correcting with gentleness in accordance to Your knowledge and truth. You tell us that a people who are divided against themselves cannot stand, so we are to pursue peacemaking and mutual upbuilding. We are called to not return evil for evil but focus on what is honorable for all, overcoming any evil with good. You ask us to live peaceably with all as much as we are able. Please remind us to gently speak the truth out of love for others, so we are not merely a loud and annoying voice in the crowd. Please also remind us to be obedient to rulers and authorities who are not causing us to sin, be ready for every good work, to speak no evil, avoid quarreling, and be courteous in our gentle approach to all people. For we were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions, and passing our days by hating one another. May we be blessed peacemakers, for we are the children of God, striving for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which none of us will see You our Lord. May this be true for us today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Amen.
[Inspired by: 2 Tim 2:23-25, Mk 3:24, Rm 14:19, Rm 12:17-18,21, 1 Cor 13:1, Tit 3:1-3, Mt 5:9, Heb 12:14]
~ Conqueror in Training