Christians love to pray for peace, as they make their own the prayer of so many psalms punctuated by supplications for peace and repeated with the universal love of Jesus. We have here a shared and very profound element for all ecumenical activities. Other believers all over the world are also awaiting from Almighty God the gift of peace, and, more or less consciously, many other people of good will are ready to make the same prayer in the secret of their hearts. May fervent supplications thus rise to God from the four corners of the earth! This will already create a fine unanimity on the road to peace. And who could doubt that God will hear and grant this cry of his children: Lord, grant us peace! Grant us your peace!

From the Vatican, 8 December 1981.

Pope John Paul II

    I ask you, dear brothers and sisters to join me in prayer ... Let us beg the Lord that the spiral of hatred and violence will not prevail.  May the Blessed Virgin, Mother of Mercy, fill the hearts of all with wise thoughts and peaceful intentions.

General Audience, September 12, 2001

Pope John Paul II

Prayer for Peace

    Dear Lord, We have felt the fear and the grief that hatred brings.  Help us to bond together as Your people to heal the pain, cherish the memories, and learn to celebrate our differences.  You created us all as Your very dear children, teach us to live in the example of Your only Son, to live in Faith, be confident in Hope, act in Charity and believe in the power of Prayer.  Help us to find peace within our hearts and among all Nations.  Amen.

Alice Trumbull