We are moulded, each one of us,
in the image of God,
and within our souls there is a fingerprint
none can erase.
We pray for those who have no regard
for anyone but self,
who put no value on human life.
For nations and individuals who abuse and kill.
We are not called to be judge or jury,
but we are called to be agents of change,
and if the butterfly that flaps its wings
should be our attitude to others
then so be it, Lord,
and may the hurricane this generates
somewhere within the world
reach into the hearts and souls of those
for whom we pray, and reveal to them
how precious are those
for whom they have no love,
and how precious are they
who now bring tears to the eyes of God.

©John Birch

This week, our Prayer for Peace is a Poem written by David Roberts in 1999.

There Will Be Peace

​There will be peace:

When attitudes change; 
when self-interest is seen as part of common interest; 
when old wrongs, old scores, old mistakes 
are deleted from the account; 
when the aim becomes co-operation and mutual benefit 
rather than revenge or seizing maximum personal or group gain; 
when justice and equality before the law 
become the basis of government; 
when basic freedoms exist; 
when leaders – political, religious, educational – and the police and media 
wholeheartedly embrace the concepts of justice, equality, freedom, tolerance, and reconciliation as a basis for renewal; 
when parents teach their children new ways to think about people.

There will be peace: 
when enemies become fellow human beings.

God of many names, lover of all peoples 

we pray for peace in our nations and in our world. 

 We pray for all who have the awesome responsibility  

of power and decision-making. 

 We pray for the innocent victims of violence and war. 

Lead us and all peoples of the world 

from death to life, from falsehood to truth. 

Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust. 

Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace. 

Let peace with justice fill our hearts, 

our world, our universe.  AMEN

(Christchurch Cathedral)

Lord God, no one is a stranger to you and no one is ever far from your loving care. In your kindness, watch over refugees and victims of war, those separated from their loved ones, young people who are lost, and those who have left home or who have run away from home. Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be and help us always to show your kindness to strangers and to all in need Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Let us pray,

We are moulded, each one of us,
in the image of God,
and within our souls there is a fingerprint
none can erase.
We pray for those who have no regard
for anyone but self,
who put no value on human life.
For nations and individuals who abuse and kill.
We are not called to be judge or jury,
but we are called to be agents of change,
and if the butterfly that flaps its wings
should be our attitude to others
then so be it, Lord,
and may the hurricane this generates
somewhere within the world
reach into the hearts and souls of those
for whom we pray, and reveal to them
how precious are those
for whom they have no love,
and how precious are they
who now bring tears to the eyes of God.

©John Birch

Heavenly Father, we come before you with heavy hearts, praying for the nations ravaged by war and conflict. We see the suffering of innocent people, the destruction of homes and communities, and the deep pain that has taken root. In your infinite mercy, we plead for an end to the violence and bloodshed. Guide the leaders of these nations towards wisdom and compassion, that they may choose dialogue over aggression and seek peaceful solutions. Comfort those who grieve, heal the wounded, and provide refuge for those displaced. May your spirit of peace descend upon these war-torn lands, bringing hope and reconciliation to all who are hurting. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen

The Prayer for Peace this week is “No Wars will Stop us Singing” A song written for World Peace Day, I think, in 2005  https://youtu.be/XyMuDNtcqqk?si=phOV_UeSPW1p9Yl3

The Prayer for Peace this week is “Light a Candle for Peace” and can be found at  https://youtu.be/8B8vuFngtrU?si=xKdklmKeo-jJpNsY

The Prayer for Peace this week is from the Jakarta Philharmonic Children’s Choir –  https://youtu.be/klgg0LUvDNQ?si=6cHuwp8gMBhNqPUe

How do we pray for peace from half a world away?
How can words salve and soothe real wounds,
Assuage real fears, Wipe tears from real eyes?
God of endless compassion, transform our prayers
From words into bridges, that span the distances
Between us, uniting our hearts in yours.
Every time we turn our keys in a lock,
May we remember all who are losing their homes.
Every time we step into our cars,
May we remember all who are having to flee.
Every time we embrace our children,
May we remember all who are trying to shield theirs from war.
May our besieged sisters and brothers
Be drawn into the arms of the suffering Christ,
And may our cry be heard as one voice,
Ringing out from every corner of the earth:
God of endless mercy, grant us peace.
Amen. (Cameron Bellm)

See a sung prayer on the weekly news page