Day 23: Prayers of Peace

On Thanksgiving, my hope and prayer is for justice and peace in our world and in our nation.

From the Episcopal Book of Common Prayers, this traditional collect:

Lord God Almighty, thou who hast made all peoples of the earth for thy glory, to serve thee in freedom and peace: Grant to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with thy gracious will...

We beseech thee, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with thy wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquillity thy dominion may increase till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love...

Make us ever thankful for thy loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards to thy bounty...

Comfort and relieve those who are sick, and give thy power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in thy loving care...

Bless, we beseech thee, all who, following in the footsteps of Your Son, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy...

Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of thy holy Name...

AMEN.