Loving Father, Nurturing Mother,
I could pray for world peace – that all the wars across the globe among nations and cultures would end today.
I could pray for the end of domestic violence – that families could know respect and love and community.
I could pray for no more child abuse – that all children could be nurtured and encouraged and empowered to live fully and authentically.

Instead I will pray for your presence – here and now – in this place, and in our hearts and minds. Endow us, in our daily lives, with wisdom and strength so that where there is strife and conflict, we may bring peace; where there is hurtfulness and fear, we may show love; and where there is confusion and despair, we may give hope.
Amen

Written for a meeting of the Professional Advisory Group – Dept of Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy Education, July 2014