Prayers for Peace in a Time of War

O God, who dwells beyond all our names for you,
we pray for the will to be at peace with one another.

We remember this day those who find themselves thrust into war;
We pray for light in the darkness, and hope amid despair.

We pray for peace in ourselves;
help us to breathe in peace, help us to breathe out love;
help us know and accept ourselves as your beloved.

We pray for peace in our families;
help us to speak the truth to one another in love;
help us to respect and value one another.

Let there be peace in our communities;
help us to create a peace born of justice and equity;
help us to honor and serve the common good.

Let there be peace in our nation;
sustain our hope; grant us wisdom;
empower us with courage.

Let there be peace in our world.
Help us to love the earth as our mother;
help us to see other nations as our neighbors;
help us to wage peace. 

Let there be peace, O God, for those in need;
for those who are frightened, for those who have been displaced,
for those who are ill, for those who need work.
Let there be peace, O God, for all of us
who are tempted to give in to fear and despair. 

Let there be peace in our time;
And let it begin with us.

adapted from a Litany for Peace by the Reverend Kay Sylvester
Rector, St. Paul’s, Tustin – Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles
[photo: Laura Aguilar for All Saints Church, Pasadena]