God of everlasting peace – we ask for your swift and righteous justice. We acknowledge that poverty does not just happen, but that humanity’s selfishness has caused and continues to cause deep suffering. On this day, we ask you to bring joy to the world.
Rid us of the systems and powers that oppress and diminish the humanity of others.
Break us of our reliance on non-renewable resources that cause ecocide and increase famine, drought and natural disaster.
Rid us of world leaders who would rather line their own pockets, expand their borders and destroy those different to them, than see the people of their nations fed, clothed, housed and cared for. Where systemic racism and gender inequality create cycles of poverty and suffering, we pray for the ripping up of these unjust systems by the root. We pray for justice, we know you are made of it and it is made of you. As we open ourselves up before you on this day, we ask for new eyes to see each other as you see us, and for unity and peace.
Lord, hear our prayer.
– Samuel Shearer, Salvation Army International