World In Prayer for Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010

Come! Peace of God, and dwell again on earth,
come, with the calm that hailed thy Prince's birth,
come, with the healing of thy gentle touch,
come, Peace of God, that this world needs so much.
- "Come! Peace of God" (May Rowland, 1935)

In Juarez, Mexico, may your peace, O God, come through your workers there to alleviate the powerful cartels that are now taking control of drug rehabilitation centers in order to recruit hit men and smugglers.

For Northern Ireland, we give thanks, O God, for your peace that is present in the recent agreement by Protestants to accept a comprise plan with the Catholic minority to save the power-sharing government.

In the United States, as they begin celebrating Black History Month, that the work toward reconciliation and full inclusion of others in God's creation that are still oppressed be ameliorated.

For Africa, where strife is still a way of life for many, may your peaceful presence, O God, be brought throughout the continent. As examples are set forth this week in celebration of Nelson Mandela's 20th anniversary of freedom and the uncovering of a monastery in Egypt that demonstrates a peaceful coexistence of Muslims and Christians 1600 years ago.

In China, animosity continues with Tibet, but despite protests in Beijing, President Obama has agreed to a discussion with the Dalai Lama at the White House later this month.

For Canada, where the possibility of terrorist attacks at the Olympic Games have placed an unexpected financial burden upon Vancouver and the country, may your peace, O God, extend to such an event that should be bringing the countries of your creation together, and not dividing them by fear.

In Haiti, as clean-up continues and help pours in from around the globe, O God, be with all your children there, and peacefully lead those trying to help in your name into paths of righteousness. For the 10 U.S. missionaries currently in custody, may the truth of the events be known and your love and mercy extended.

For India, we praise the peace, O God, you are bringing to the leaders of India as they offered on Thursday to resume high-level peace with talks Pakistan.

With all these in mind, along with other concerns we lift before you now....

Help us to face challenges and struggles against any enemy we may have - real or perceived -

Lift us to be your bearers of peace in light of all that is inhumane or full of injustice.

Come! Blessed Peace, as when, in hush of eve,
God's benediction falls on souls who grieve;
as shines a star when weary day departs,
come! Peace of God, and be within our hearts.
- "Come! Peace of God" (May Rowland, 1935)