A Prayer for Peace after Witnessing the Acts of Violence on the Feast of Epiphany (His Encouragement)
On Thursdays, I usually share posts in which I talk about what Bible Verse is inspiring me during that point in my week. Often, these brief meditations turn into the seeds of future sermons or writing projects. I have been less frequent with my posts since March, due to the fact that the demands of serving the church in the midst of a pandemic have left very little time for writing and blogging.
It was my hope that, once the New Year rolled around, I would be able to squeeze out more time for writing. I had planned for my first blog post of the year to be about the Feast of Epiphany, when we celebrate the arrival of the magi at the nativity. I wanted to talk about the wonderful puppet play my church recorded for the children to watch at home.
Instead, on the Feast of Epiphany, my heart was greatly troubled as I watched the tragedy that unfolded in Washington, D.C. It seems like each day the world becomes even more sadly divided. Despite our differences and disagreements, we are all children of God. I believe in the power of prayer, and that I why I invite you to take time to pray for peace with me. Although we are all working to remain six-feet apart for the safety of others, we can still be united in spirit. The whole world is in need of a Savior, and God hears all our prayers.
Psalm 72 (the Psalm from the Revised Common Lectionary for Epiphany Sunday) reminds us that God is Lord of all creation and every nation. It tells us how Jesus Christ is the King of Kings, and calls all people to worship him.
“May all kings fall down before him all nations give him service.
For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight. (Psalm 72:11-14)
A PRAYER FOR PEACE
Click HERE to Watch on YouTube
Music: “Let there Be Peace on Earth” from the United Methodist Hymnal #431
Transcript Hello, I’m Rev. Rebecca from Christ community United Methodist Church and Llyswen United Methodist church in Altoona, PA. There is a lot going on in the world right now, so we wanted to take some time to invite you to a moment of prayer with us for peace. Would you join us:
O Great Creator, we ask O Lord that you would shed Your peace, Your grace, Your love, and Your mercy down upon this hurting world. God, on the Feast of Epiphany, we watched as the steps of our capitol were attacked. O God, we ask not just for peace for our country, but for the entire world. We should have been able to focus on the light of Christ at Epiphany, but instead we found ourselves forced to wrestle with how to deal with violence in our midst.
God, we ask that you send waves of peace to calm our hearts and minds. The entire world cries out with groaning in need of a Savior. We ask, O Lord, O God of Every Nation, that you would send Your peace, Your Love, and Your mercy to reign as we eagerly await for Christ to come once more.
Lord, may we be children of the light, and may we spread the light of your Love. Amen.
This post is part of the series, “His Encouragement: Thursday Thoughts to Strengthen Your Soul.”
Now, it’s your turn! What Scripture verse is inspiring you this week? Let me know in the comments below! I’m excited to join with a group of blogging friends in order to offer you a weekly devotional which will be posted every Thursday.
Please be sure to check out the other great bloggers involved in the His Encouragement weekly series!
Trisha @ Joy of Reading
Nicole @ Christian Fiction Girl
Jacquelyn @ A Heavenly Home
Jessica @ A Baker’s Perspective
Becca @ The Becca Files
Jenny @ Author Jenny Lynn
Gina @ Stories By Gina
Andi @ Radiant Light
Leslie @ Words of Hope
Claudia @ By Claudia Moser
Rev. Rebecca Writes 
I love watching your YouTube videos. They are great.
LikeLike