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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Advent Devotional for December 5th

From Alive Now – Prayer in Time of War by Beverly Biehr

Almighty God, You are all-powerful, all-knowing, and all present in this world of Your creation. Two millennia ago, the people of Jerusalem had hopes at a fever pitch for a Messiah, who would bring justice and peace to God’s people. We find ourselves in a fearsome and dangerous time in which plans for destruction proliferate, while plans for peace and justice fall by the wayside. Lord, You know our fears and our weariness with war. We are impatient with trying to understand ethnic hatreds and religious turmoil that never find resolution over centuries upon centuries.

Nevertheless, today we pray for the peoples of the Middle East and for all at war. Keep alive all hopes for peace and justice. Be with all those affected by conflict and all who suffer.

O Lord, we, like the ancient Israelites, ask, even beg You to bring peace and reconciliation to this warring world.

Teach us as a country and as individuals to make peace; give us the desire to work as diligently at making peace as we have dedicated our time and resources to making wars. Help everyone to live Your eternal truth – hatred does not cease by hating but by loving.

Give us the eyes of Christ to see those who live and labor around us, including immigrants from the rest of the world. Lead us to open our arms in hospitality and friendship. With Your wisdom and love, give us the courage to overcome anger with love and evil with good.

Mary Nelson

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