Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
God of peace, we pray for all places, and all people who are victims of conflict and violence
Places where there is no freedom, where people are persecuted for their faith and beliefs – may they know the compassion and care of others.
Places where citizens are always in danger from guns and bombs, missiles and drones. – may those who use weapons to destroy others stop and work towards a just peace
Places where it is not safe to stay, and people flee for refuge and to try to stay alive. – may they find a home and a place where they can flourish and belong.
God of peace, in Christ you are the great Peacemaker, and we your church are the Body of Christ – teach us to seek peace and pursue it, to be peacemakers, peace-talkers, peace-builders and peace-givers.
Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy
God of mercy and compassion, we pray for all those for whom life is hard, each day difficult, and who sometimes feel like giving up.
Those who are away from home, family, country and all that is familiar – in your mercy, give them strength and hope that life can begin again.
Those who are struggling with mental health, low mood, chronic anxiety, those inner forms of pain that are not always seen but are life crushingly real – in your mercy touch their wounds of mind and heart and emotion, bringing peace, shalom, new hope and the deep surprise of being loved.
Those who struggle to make ends meet, caring for children or elderly parents, worrying about food, heating, clothes for school, basics just to live without fear – in your mercy, may they know the kindness of strangers, and in your wisdom give wisdom and compassion to those who make the big decisions about social welfare and benefits so that the most vulnerable are cared for properly.
God of peace, and mercy and compassion, hear our prayer in the name of Jesus who showed us your peace, mercy and compassion in human form
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