Almighty God,
you are the giver of peace.
We stand before you today and humbly ask:
Come to the aid of a world afflicted by violence,
and grant your peace to all people.
Strengthen the hearts of all those entrusted with responsibility for this world—
give them the courage to defend true justice,
freedom, and the dignity of every human being.
Sustain the determination of all who strive against evil
and risk their lives for the good of others.
Heal the hearts of men and women
who, blinded by hatred and selfishness,
do not hesitate to use violence to achieve their goals.
Awaken in us compassion for the suffering
and a willingness to help those in need.
Teach us to forgive those who have wronged us,
and to ask forgiveness from those we ourselves have harmed.
We pray to you, O God,
hear us through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has opened for us the path to your Kingdom of peace.
Amen.
