For June 27, 2021 Prayer for Peace and Peace Moment with introduction
Introduction
Each week we hear a Peace Moment in addition to the prayer for peace. Hopefully all will be blessed with these devotional thoughts.
This week’s Peace Moment is by Steve Bolie.
PEACE MOMENT
Synonyms for lament include mourn, grieve, and crying. Each of these expresses a different experience. We use mourn and grieve to describe our feelings at the loss of a loved one or something that we treasure. Crying may relate to more immediate and shorter lasting times or events. The proverbial “crying over spilt milk” or for a lost item or a poor result on a test or project are examples. Lament is typically a deeper expression of our deep feelings about brokenness, injustice, and suffering of the human family.
Personally, though I don’t necessarily call it lamentation, I lament the continuing threat of nuclear weapons and their impact on our lives. I lament that the perceived likelihood of a world- ending nuclear war that has affected my thinking for many years is continuing with our grandchildren. I pray that the world will come to our senses and eliminate these evil weapons of mass destruction. Sometimes I am moved to write to our representatives in congress about these concerns. I know that my one letter by itself will do little good but I am challenged by the prospect that someone will have said “if I receive one more letter about nuclear weapons I will introduce a law.” It hasn’t happened yet but the dream lives on.
Norma Rockhold, a former member of Corydon congregation, wrote in the January 4, 2020 Daily Bread “Lament is an expression of our grief, sorrow, and sometimes confession to God amid the brokenness, injustice, and suffering of the human family. Lament is a major theme of the psalms and an invitation to “let our hearts be broken” as we humbly pray for awareness of right and restorative action.”
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Please join me in our prayer for peace.
Person 1: Creator God, you give us the ability to make choices, even when options are limited.
Person 2: You want shalom for us, and for all creation.
Person 1: We confess that our choices can contribute to justice, reconciliation, well-being, wholeness, and peace…
Person 2: …or help lead us and others away from your divine vision of Zion.
Person 1: God, you call us to make responsible choices in every aspect of our lives, and generously share the peace of Christ with others.
Person 2: Guide us to follow Jesus Christ’s embodiment of shalom more closely. Help us courageously proclaim your peace.
Person 1: Show us how to better promote your purposes in our homes, schools, and work.
Person 2: Teach us to be a leavening influence of justice and peace within our community.
BOTH: Redeem us, make us one, O God. In your Son’s name, Amen.
Additional ideas for Prayer for Peace can be found at www.CofChrist.org/daily-prayer-for-peace.