A prayer for world peace and reconciliation

For all whose lives are devastated by the violence of terrorism: For those killed in the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, for the victims of terrorism everywhere, and for those who live in the midst of conflict and fear, we pray to you, O Lord:

Bless us and keep us, O God.

For all who mourn a tragic loss: For those whose loved ones were killed in these disasters, for all who have lost a relative or friend or co-worker to violence of any kind, for the grace to build a world without violence and hatred, we pray to you, O Lord:

Bless us and keep us, O God.

For all those who serve the welfare of people everywhere: For the leaders of the nations and for all in authority, for rescue workers and firefighters, for peacemakers and peacekeepers, for all who risk their lives to serve the needs of others, we pray to you, O Lord:

Bless us and keep us, O God.

For our children who grow up with violence all around them: For wisdom in teaching them, for gentleness in modeling life for them and, above all things, for respect and love for them, we pray to you, O Lord:

Bless us and keep us, O God.

For our world torn apart by conflict and strife and by arrogance and hatred, yet bound together in the common ideals of freedom, justice, dignity and opportunity for all: That we learn the lessons of respect and reconciliation and turn our hearts against vengeance, we pray to you, O Lord:

Bless us and keep us, O God.

For our nation and for our country: For this good and bounteous land that you have given us, for the noble heritage of liberty, freedom and justice which is ours, for the grace to share generously what has been entrusted to us and for the wisdom and will to conserve it for those who come after us, we pray to you, O Lord:

Bless us and keep us, O God.

God of grace, call all the nations of the earth to cease from strife, that all may join to fight not one another, but their common foes of want, ignorance, disease and suffering. Lead all people out of the way of death and into the way of life, away from destruction and to the building of a new world of justice and peace, liberty and joy. Great Redeemer of all, hear our prayer. End the dark night of cruelty and fear, and bring in the dawn of mercy and reconciliation. Amen.

-- Adapted from the prayers of Trinity Church, Boston.