The UK Riots I Prayers for Peace

6th August 2024

Sovereign Lord, Maker of Heaven and Earth
We lift to You now the nations of the United Kingdom
As each new day seems to bring news of more rioting, more violence, more hatred
Intense anger has been ignited, and mindless aggression spreads like a wild fire throughout our land

We pray for those grieving a loss that we cannot possibly imagine
Gracious God, hold them close and heal their hearts

We pray for all those communities where fear has taken a tight strangle hold
Gracious God, keep them safe and bring Your peace

We pray for the perpetrators of violence and prejudice in all it’s forms
Gracious God, open their eyes and change their hearts

We pray for those in authority, appointed to govern for such a time as this
Gracious God, guide their decisions and give Your wisdom

We pray for the innocent lives who are now targeted by the anger of the mobs
For those judged by the colour of their skin; or nationality, or religion
For families and individuals seeking asylum and refuge
For any now finding themselves living in a climate of terror, threat and fear
God, we cry out to You today to move in our land

Amidst this rising tide of senseless brutality, anchor us to Your hope
In the growing darkness of hatred, guide us by Your light
As lines are drawn, and sides are taken
As labels replaced names, and lies replace truth
We bring to You our shock and sadness, our anger and anxiety
Would You centre our mixed emotions on Your inseparable love for each and every one of us:

    The love that changes us from the inside out
    The love that cries out to be shared unconditionally
        The love that calls us to love our neighbour even as we love ourselves
        The love that compels us to love one another even as You have loved us
            The love that endures
        The love that is stronger than hate
        The love that drives out all fear
    The love that builds a Kingdom where all are seen, heard, known and valued

Sovereign Lord, win us and keep us in Your love
May Your Church, Your Body here on earth,
Demonstrate a new community of peace, hope, faith and love
We give ourselves afresh to You
As we ask all this for Your glory
And pray in Jesus’ Name
Amen

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