Prayer for Peace

Pope Francis' Prayer for Peace

Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
We have tried so many times and over so many years to resolve
our conflicts by our own powers and by the force of our arms.
How many moments of hostility and darkness have we experienced;
how much blood has been shed; how many lives have been
shattered; how many hopes have been buried.

Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace;
guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts
and give us the courage to say: "Never again war!"
Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace.

Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and
perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation.
In this way, may peace triumph at last,
and may the words "division,” "hatred" and "war" be banished
from the heart of every man and woman.

Renew our hearts and minds, so that the word which always brings us together will be "brother,”
and our way of life will always be that of Shalom, Peace, Salaam!

Amen.