For May 30, 2021 Prayer for Peace and Peace Moment with introduction
Introduction
Each week we will 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 Glenn Johnson.
PEACE MOMENT
Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 6:1-8 ends with the well known phrase: “Here Am I, Send Me!” But this is a statement of commitment based on the moment of forgiveness that preceded it: “Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: ‘Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.’”
God’s forgiveness frees us to respond to the divine call to serve. One year ago, on May 25, George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police. Since that time, many people have spent a great deal of time examining their own lives and their own hearts. The first steps towards dealing with racism and discrimination are found in examining our own attitudes and roles in it.
When we joyfully respond to God’s question, whom shall I send, “Here Am I, Send Me” we should remember that this statement is only possible following a pattern of repentance and forgiveness. To truly minister in the name of Jesus Christ, we must be prepared to seek forgiveness and make reparation for the past sins of racism and discrimination. This requires awareness, openness, honest communication and intentional acts of justice-making and peace. As we pray for peace today, let us remember that we all have a role to play in achieving racial justice and peace among all people.
Please join me in our prayer for peace.
O God of Peace,
How deep is the stillness of the soul that lives surrounded by your grace. Our hearts are full of gratitude. We have found rich serenity and wisdom teaches us to seek the gentle path to peace.
Today, we sit in the quiet of this hour. Still our hearts. Fill our hearts with your love. Help us to listen to your word. Let us hear you call our name today. We pray for peace. Peace in our hearts. Peace in our families. Peace in our communities. Peace in creation.
God of love and laughter, ever creating, hear our response today to the call for peace and may we respond to the call to be peacemakers in your world.
In the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.