prayer for peace

I pray tonight for peace, Lord:
    the peace the whole world needs;
    the peace each heart desires;
    the peace that only you can give...

And if I may be bold, Lord:
I seek a deep peace:
    a deep abiding peace;
    a peace that does not fade
        but invades us to our very core;

    a peace that heals a broken heart,
        that mends a torn relationship,
        that calms and soothes a troubled soul,
        restoring trust where hope was all but lost...
 
I seek the peace our hearts were made for, Lord:

    peace to quench our deepest thirst
        for mercy, love and joy 
    and that gracious, blessed assurance
    that we are yours and called to share
       your everlasting life...

Deep peace, Lord:
    long enduring - not pro tem;

    embedded, rooted - here to stay;
    deeply healing - not a band-aid;
    peace we cannot make ourselves,
    peace whose only source is you...

Deep peace, Lord:
    ocean deep and heavens high,    

    from the depths of your own heart,
    greater than the peace we dream
    and yet the peace for which we pray...   

 Protect us, Lord, while we're awake
    and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
    and asleep, rest in your peace... 

Amen.
 
Grace and peace,

Anita Sorenson
Pastor for Spiritual Formation