God of Peace,
You created the heavens and the earth, and all that we see and experience all around us.
After each day of creation, you said “It is Good.”
But the world as we experience it is not always good. In fact, we often struggle to find good.
Our peace depends on the presence of your Spirit.
This morning, as we prepare our hearts and minds to worship you, we pray that your peace would fill our lives.
Help us to see the world as you see it.
May our hearts be broken by the sin that runs rampant in our world, at the systemic sin that seems to rule our lives.
May our eyes be open to see signs of peace, signs of your grace.
May our hearts be open to experience the love that you show to this world, brought to life in the life, death, and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ.
May we live our lives as those who seek your peace, that the world might be a different place.
Guide us by the power of your Holy Spirit into the peace you have promised us.
We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Chris Jacobsen is pastor of Abundant Life Reformed Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey.