A Prayer for Peace, Hope, Unity, and Justice

What a joy it has been to be back together in the building this week! Our students’ smiles and words of gratitude are such a gift as we start the second semester. They are fuel for our weary souls!

On Wednesday, January 6, we watched with shock as our nation’s Capitol Building was invaded. As we gather together now at school, it is tough to find the right words to express our feelings. In times like these, we are thankful that we can go to the Lord in prayer as a school community. Here is the prayer that I prayed with our students and staff Thursday morning.

Heavenly Father, we come before you this morning as your children, seeking your care, your protection, your justice, and your peace. Over the last 24 hours, we’ve seen things happen in and around our nation’s Capitol Building that we never thought we’d see. We looked on with disbelief, shame, anger, and sadness.

We lament that our students are watching this division and chaos during their formative years. Lord, give them the wisdom to discern truth, to listen well when they don’t agree with those around them, and to choose words that unite. Give them the boldness to seek justice and to stand up for those who don’t have a voice. Protect them and keep them safe as they follow the path that you layout for them.

We pray for our elected officials, those who are new to office, and those who have served for many years. We pray that they could begin to pick up the pieces of our fractured nation. May they listen well to the different perspectives and opinions of those across the aisle and of the many people that they represent. May they perform their duties with integrity. We specifically pray Micah 6:8 over them. May they “Seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, God.” 

Lord, we pray for our school community — that we may be unified by our faith in you. We pray for unity as well in our city, our state, and our nation. God of hope, make your presence known today and give us your peace.

Amen.

Thank you for your prayers and partnership as we prepare students for lives of service to Christ. We wish God’s blessings on your family as we start this new year!

—Brad