Almighty Father, you have sent your Son as the Prince of Peace[1] having made war with sin and our lawless hearts you have crucified the old man[2] that we might walk in newness of life.[3] Indeed, Father, the old is gone the new has come[4], and thus, being justified, we have peace with You, our holy God through our Lord Jesus Christ[5]. Through this Christ our names are written in the Book of Life, giving us joy and hope knowing that this peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus[6].
Though great enemies that we were you have reconciled us to yourself by Christ, in the body of His flesh through death, having made peace through the blood of His cross[7]. On account then of that peaceful reconciliation we have experienced, we thank You that you have made us ambassadors of the Prince of Peace, having committed to us the word of reconciliation[8]. We pray of you, our Lord that we would be diligent to implore our sinful fellow-men, on Christ’s behalf, “be reconciled to God[9].”
Almighty Lord of heaven, we further plead that we would pursue peace with all men[10], even in our mortal affairs; having turned from evil and by grace doing good, that we would seek peace and pursue it[11]. That we would swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath[12]. That we would allow no walls of division to rise up between us and our fellow saints[13], and that we would never be known as one who sows discord among brothers[14]. That we would be mindful that being called the Sons of God, we are blessed to be makers of peace[15]. Help us to agree with our adversary quickly while we are yet in the way,[16] and let is willingly give our enemies our cheek, our cloak, and our feet[17].
Father, let us be those who have had much forgiven, love and forgive much[18]. Let us be those who have received grace upon grace[19] grant that same grace to those who offend us. Let us who suffer for righteousness sake willingly suffer wrongly with mercy, grace and peace[20] knowing that though the evil against be intended for our harm, you intend for our good[21]. Let us never avenge ourselves, being overcome by evil, but may we bless those who persecute us, giving preference to one another, have regard for good things in the sight of all men, overcoming evil with good-thus living peaceably with all men[22].
Jesus, our Lord, we are mindful of your example of suffering at the hands of evil men[23], how that in humility you thought nothing of your exalted and holy Divine reputation, but laid it all aside so that you might pursue peace with us[24]. Teach us to pursue such peace with through the same humility. So that when we are reviled, we revile not again, when we suffer we threaten not; but let us commit ourselves to the One who judges righteously[25].
Holy Spirit, you are the maker and helper of peace. May we keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace[26]; knowing that the fruit of your work in our lives is not only love and joy, but peace as well[27]. May you grant us to pursue peace as you are the breath of peace from heaven[28].
Great and merciful God, finally, let us love you as have loved us[29], and may our fellowship with the Son, be fellowship with one another[30]. May you protect us from the heart and actions of Cain[31], who loved not his brother. In all our relationships, heavenly and earthly, may we publish peace with beautiful feet[32] for the glory of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] Isaiah 9:6
[2] Romans 6:6
[3] Romans 6:4
[4] 2 Corinthians 5:7
[5] Romans 5:1
[6] Philippians 4:3-7
[7] Colossians 1:20-22
[8] 2 Corinthians 5:12-21
[9] 2 Corinthians 5:20
[10] Hebrews 12:14
[11] Psalm 34:14
[12] James 1:19
[13] Ephesians 2:14
[14] Proverbs 6:19
[15] Matthew 5:9
[16] Matthew 5:25
[17] Matthew 5:38-41
[18] Luke 7:47
[19] John 1:16
[20] 1 Peter 2:19
[21] Genesis 5:20
[22] Romans 14:9-21
[23] Acts 2:23
[24] Philippians 2:5-8
[25] I Peter 2:23
[26] Ephesians 4:3
[27] Galatians 5:22
[28] John 20:21-22
[29] 1 John 4:19
[30] 1 John 1:7
[31] 1 John 3:12
[32] Isaiah 52:7
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