A Prayer For Peace Amidst Violence

Last updated on: September 14, 2014 at 8:21 am by Mark Sandlin

A Prayer For Peace Amidst Violence 2014-09-14T08:21:53-05:00 Mark Sandlin

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(A Prayer of Confession) Good and gracious God, Life itself is a struggle between peace and violence. In the wild violence gives life to some even as it takes it from others. In relationships violence shatters hopes, destroying both people in different ways. Inside ourselves violence wreaks havoc as we tear ourselves down in judgement, low self-esteem, self-doubt, and pity. Yet, in each of us, it would seem there is a seed of peace. It calls out not only to be recognized, but to be nurtured and grown. As we see the constant coverage of what seems to be endless violence in our world, help us hold on to that seed of peace. As nations go to war; as political parties lie, cheat and steal; as religions try to force their beliefs on the world; as our neighbors lash out in fear, confusion and anger; as bullies belittle, berate and bludgeon; as our internal dialogue depress and constrain us; may our repulsion of these actions turn us to the soil of our souls; may we plant seeds of reason, love and peace; may we nurture them with intelligence, kindness and understanding; and may we seek to plant these very seeds in a world sorely in need. Teach us not to buy into the false notion that resistance of violence requires anger, aggression and animosity. Remind us that peace is in the way we travel just as much as it is the place we hope to arrive. Remind us that we all are both victims and practitioners of violence on some level. Do not let our desire and pursuit of peace turn others, in our eyes, into anything less than people deserving of loving-kindness. Remind us that peace is a constant pursuit and it only grows when we nurture it. It requires constant tending, mindfulness in every moment, and a willingness to see each person as a reflection of you. Amen. Consider supporting Mark’s blogging. Help create a market for Progressive Christianity. Not through big publishers or big denominations, but through the grassroots.We need to encourage the growth of progressive Christian voices in the marketplace. Even a dollar will help. Facebook continues to make it increasingly difficult for me to let you know about new blog posts like this. Please consider signing up for my mailing list where we can insure you are notified. Just click here! Mark is a co-founder of The Christian Left. Come and join the conversation!

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