Prayer for Peace during Civil Unrest and Racial Tension
The Bishop of Edmonton, Bishop Anderson Jeremiah, has shared prayer resources with the Diocese of London for us to use in these times of civil unrest and racial tension.
The text of the prayers are below or you can download a pdf here.
Prayer for Peace during Civil Unrest and Racial Tension
Merciful God, author and giver of peace,
As we continue to pray for the families and friends of those who died and those who were injured in Southport,
we remember that You have created each of us in your image,
and that everyone is worthy of dignity and respect.
Heavenly Father, listen to the cry that rises from many towns in our country,
from those subjected to violence and racial hatred.
We pray for peace which, as your son Jesus Christ told us,
is a peace which the world cannot give.
We pray that closed eyes may be opened
to see beyond the boundaries of race, religion, and hatred.
May hearts be renewed to embrace all your children as brothers and sisters.
In your righteousness, stir the hearts of your people that, rejoicing in our diversity, we may be assured of your love,
be free of all fear and strive for peace.
Through your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Adaptation of the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Heavenly Father, we cry out to you for our country
and ask that you make us instruments of Your peace.
Where there is racial hatred, help us to sow Your love.
Where there is injury, help us to heal and bring pardon.
Where there is discord, help us to bring harmony.
Where there is error, and misinformation let us bring truth.
Where there is doubt that we are all your children, let us bring faith;
Where there is despair, let us bring hope;
Where there is darkness, shine your light;
and where there is sadness, help us to bring joy.
O Divine Master, grant that we may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.