Today’s news headlines are overwhelming, depressing, and anxiety-inducing. Heeding Paul’s admonition for our anxieties to drive us to pray (Phil. 4:6), let us do so:
O God, who art the Hope of all the ends of the earth, the God of the spirits of all flesh: We beseech Thee to hear our humble intercessions for all races and kindreds of men, that Thou wilt turn their hearts unto Thyself. Remove from our minds hatred, prejudice, and contempt for those who are not of our own race or color, class or creed; that, departing form everything that estranges and divides, we may by Thee be brought into unity of spirit, in the bond of peace. Amen.
And,
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray Thee, in the hearts of all men, the true love of peace, and guide with Thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility Thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth be filled with the knowledge of Thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From The Book of Common Worship