O God, creator of the universe,
source of all life,
praised be your name forever.
We ask you to move human hearts
so that enemies may speak to each other again,
adversaries join hands,
and nations seek the way of peace together.
Turn hatred into love,
complacency into care,
fear into trust,
despair into hope,
revenge into forgiveness,
and war into peace.
Give us enough love and courage
to build a world
that honors the rights of all.
Change the hearts of aggressors,
so they may respect the dignity of life.
Help us to enter into honest and respectful dialogue
with those who are different from ourselves.
Keep us from being indifferent.
Soften our hearts.
Open our ears.
Help us to listen with compassion to the other person,
sharing in the pain caused by their wounds.
We humbly pray to you:
help us to live in solidarity with all people
and so to honor you,
forever and ever.
Amen.


Compiled from a variety of sources by Bishop Michael J. Sis