Gracious God, Father of our
Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ,
Today we celebrate Christ's victory
over death, and your promise that because Jesus lives, we too have
new and eternal life with you. Yet, in the midst of our
celebration, we lift our hearts to you on behalf of this broken
world, in which hatred, violence and death continue to hold sway.
We are especially mindful of the growing violence in Iraq and in
Israel and Palestine. By your Holy Spirit, make us bold to live
out our baptismal callings as disciples of Jesus. Make us
peacemakers and reconcilers. Give us ears to hear the cries of our
sisters and brothers at home and around the world who live without
security or other necessities of life. Give wisdom and compassion
to the leaders of this nation and all nations that they may lead
us in the ways of peace and justice. Protect those who serve in
the armed forces. Teach us to use our might for the greater good
of all humanity and of this fragile planet.
We give thanks that you loved, and
continue to love, the world so much that you gave your only Son
for the world's salvation. In his holy name we pray. Amen.
