Reflections on Peace and Pride

I know many of us are still experiencing a range of reactions to the news on Saturday of the United States’ airstrikes on Iran and all of the potential repercussions. While much in the news is troubling, I am praying that de-escalation will be possible and peace will ultimately prevail in Iran, Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and all of the places across our world where it is needed. Keeping peace at the forefront of my prayers is, for me, a way to channel my grief and anxious thoughts and entrust them to God. If the same is true for you, see below for a roundup of some prayers from The Book of Common Prayer that you may find helpful for these uncertain times.

If you heard my sermon on Sunday morning (June 22) then you know about my sleepless night in the wake of the bombings. But there was no time for a post-worship nap for this preacher, because Sunday was also the big day for Huntersville’s inaugural Pride in the Park event!

I have to confess that this was my very first real Pride event ever (I’m not generally a big fan of heat or crowds) but this seemed like a worthy and important time to step out of my comfort zone. All in all, about 20 folks from St. Alban’s attended, enjoying fellowship with one another and a healthy dose of the bold jubilation that characterizes Pride events. Even the punishing heat and a handful of hateful hecklers could not diminish the spirits of the huge numbers of people who turned out to celebrate love and acceptance and to advocate for equality and rights for all. By mid-afternoon, I was a puddle of sunscreen and sweat, but the joy all around us was certainly a balm for my weary soul. I felt proud of our Lake Norman region and proud to be there with such a wonderful group of LGBTQ+ folks and allies who embody our parish’s wide welcome and affirming values. Happy Pride Month, St. Alban’s.

Yours in Christ,

Carmen

PRAYERS FOR PEACE

For Peace

The Book of Common Prayer, page 123

Most holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.

For Peace

The Book of Common Prayer, page 258

Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Human Family

The Book of Common Prayer, page 815

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and

confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Peace

The Book of Common Prayer, page 815

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

For Peace Among the Nations

The Book of Common Prayer, page 816

Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

For our Enemies

The Book of Common Prayer, page 816

O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth: deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority

The Book of Common Prayer, page 820

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

For those in the Armed Forces of our Country

The Book of Common Prayer, page 823

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Times of Conflict

The Book of Common Prayer, page 824

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer attributed to Saint Francis

The Book of Common Prayer, page 833

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.