A Prayer for Discernment

Stained-glass peace dove with olive branch and halo cross,.

St. Francis–shaped, for a church learning to be peace together

God of peace and purpose,
we come to you grateful for this moment—
and honest about what it asks of us.

We live in a world that is aching:
divided, exhausted, and hungry for good news
that is more than words.

And we confess that the church can sometimes mirror that division—
protecting our corners, clinging to what feels familiar,
growing weary with one another,
and forgetting why you called us in the first place.

So today, as we listen and discern,
make us what we pray: instruments of your peace.

Where there is fear, give us courage.
Where there is suspicion, give us trust.
Where there is anxiety, give us steadiness.
Where there is defensiveness, give us humility.
Where there is fatigue, give us tenderness and resolve.

Teach us to seek not merely what is easiest, but what is faithful.
Not merely what is safest, but what serves.
Not merely what preserves us, but what makes us useful
for your work of healing.

And as we explore how to share life and ministry
across our different contexts and communities,
help us “get our life together” in the way that matters most:

not for our own preservation,
but so that we can better participate in your reconciliation—
so that together we can become a clearer blessing
to local churches, to the communities we serve,
and to a world that so desperately needs your peace.

Guide our words. Deepen our listening.
Give us wisdom, honesty, patience, and hope.

We pray in the name of Jesus, who is the Christ,

Amen.