For May 23, 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 Steve Bolie.
On this Pentecost Sunday we observe and celebrate the bestowing of the Holy Spirit on the followers of Jesus as it is described in the first chapter of Acts and John’s gospel.
In John 16:26-27 Jesus adds a new work of the Holy Spirit – testifying:
“The Spirit …will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify…”
Whether we are testifying to fellow disciples in church or witnessing to friends, neighbors or co-workers testifying of Jesus is difficult, particularly in our current culture. The Holy Spirit is available to help us through the obstacles of timidity and fear.
Testifying of justice and peacemaking is challenging in different ways. Words and action are both required. Doctrine and Covenants 163:4b: “Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.” Good news is that the Spirit accompanies and even goes ahead of us.
Please join me in the Prayer for Peace
Eternal Intelligence, by the power of your Word, you created everything, from the smallest particle to the largest galaxy, from the tiniest speck of life to the largest animal, from the smallest seed to the largest, oldest trees. We are in awe of your creative power. At the same time, we are humbled by our part in your creative process, from physical inventions to life itself.
Today, we pray that we may be creators and not destroyers. We have the opportunity to create goodwill or ill will between individuals and between nations. Inspire in us the desire to be creators of goodwill. Help us to prefer commonality over differences, compromise over stubbornness, justice over injustice, and peace over conflict. Forgive us when our creativity fails us and we resort to anger and violence.
The peace of Christ is both our home and our goal. We live in Christ’s peace even as we are challenged to live into Christ’s peace. Help us make the peace of Christ our greatest desire. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. For additional ideas, the Daily Prayer for Peace service offered at the Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA, can be found at www.CofChrist.org/daily-prayer-for-peace