Jesus went into the desert for 40 days. The Jewish people were in the desert for 40 years.
Marist Laity Australia invites you to a 40-day prayer and fast for peace.The world seems to be in conflict in many places.
Domestic violence seems to be increasing in our homes, neighbours and communities.
Conflict in our world in places like Gaza, Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Myanmar/Burma, Yemen, Ethiopia, Syria, and Afghanistan
Environmental destruction - So many animals face extinction. So many natural habits are being destroyed. Our environment is crying out for us to make choices that care for nature and not exploit it .
During this time, we ask you commit to:
We ask you to meditation silently on the days, scripture reading and prayer intention. Focus on your breathing for a few minutes. Then read and pray the scripture and prayer intention. Ponder and Look upon on the prince of peace. What would Jesus do? Repeat this process for 15 or 20 minutes.
When possible, go to daily mass, and pray for peace and encourage your family members to do so.
Set time each day to pray for peace as a family or community.
We ask you to fast from one meal with bread and water each day.
Each week to seek out opportunities of reconciliation where there is conflict for healing between people, healing in ourselves, to speak up against domestic violence and to make choices which care for the environment.
Let us begin
Sign of the Cross - In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Jesus the prince of Peace. What would Jesus do? - CLICK the image
Opening prayer - Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Instructions - Follow the scripture and prayer intention, song for the particular day found below
Closing prayer - Pope Francis Prayer for Peace Lord God of peace, hear our prayer! We have tried so many times and over so many years to resolve our conflicts by our own powers and by the force of our arms. How many moments of hostility and darkness have we experienced; how much blood has been shed; how many lives have been shattered; how many hopes have been buried… But our efforts have been in vain.
Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say: 'Never again war!'; 'With war everything is lost'. Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace.
Lord, God of Abraham, God of the Prophets, God of Love, you created us and you call us to live as brothers and sisters. Give us the strength daily to be instruments of peace; enable us to see everyone who crosses our path as our brother or sister. Make us sensitive to the plea of our citizens who entreat us to turn our weapons of war into implements of peace, our trepidation into confident trust, and our quarreling into forgiveness.
Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation. In this way may peace triumph at last, and may the words 'division', 'hatred' and 'war' be banished from the heart of every man and woman. Lord, defuse the violence of our tongues and our hands. Renew our hearts and minds, so that the word which always brings us together will be 'brother', and our way of life will always be that of: Shalom, Peace, Salaam!
Sign of the Cross - In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 1: Peace in the Heart Opening Prayer- See Above
Scripture: Philippians 4:7 - 'And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Prayer intention: Lord, instill in me a peace that transcends understanding. May your calm permeate the chaos of my heart and mind.
Scripture: Psalm 133:1 - 'Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell in unity!' Prayer intention: Father, bless our homes with unity and peace. Let love bind us, and may we honour You in our familial relationships.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:32 - 'Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.' Prayer intention: Almighty God, grant me the strength to forgive as You have forgiven me. Heal the wounds of past hurts and renew our spirits.
Scripture: Hebrews 12:14 - 'Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.' Prayer intention: Lord, help our community to pursue peace and holiness. May we seek to uplift and support one another in love and patience.
Scripture: Matthew 6:34 - 'Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' Prayer intention: Heavenly Father, relieve my anxiety and worries. Help me to trust in Your providence and timing for all things.
Scripture: James 1:5 - 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.' Prayer intention: Grant me wisdom, O God, to make decisions that bring peace. Lead me in Your ways and keep me on Your path.
Day 7: Healing from Conflict Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: Colossians 3:13 - 'Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.' Prayer intention: Lord Jesus, bring healing where there is conflict. Soften hearts and restore broken relationships by Your grace.
Day 8: Humility in Leadership Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: Micah 6:8 - 'He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.' Prayer intention: Inspire our leaders with humility and justice, O Lord. May they lead with integrity and mercy, reflecting Your love.
Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 - 'But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.' Prayer intention: Renew my spirit, O God. As I wait on You, uplift my soul, so I may serve You with renewed vigour and peace.
Scripture: Amos 5:24 - 'But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!' Prayer intention: Almighty God, let justice prevail in our lands. Stir us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You.
Scripture: Matthew 5:44 - 'But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,' Prayer intention: Heavenly Father, teach me to love my enemies. Help me to extend Your grace to those who oppose or hurt me.
Scripture: Proverbs 19:21 - 'Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.' Prayer intention: Lord, I trust in Your sovereign plan. Align my desires with Your will, and may Your peace rule in my heart.
Scripture: Proverbs 15:1 - 'A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.' Prayer intention: Teach me, Lord, to respond with gentleness and calmness. May my words reflect Your peace and not provoke anger.
Day 14: Endurance Through Trials Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: Romans 5:3-4 - 'Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.' Prayer intention: In times of trial, help me to persevere with peace. Build my character and deepen my hope in You.
Day 15: Blessings of Peacemakers Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: Matthew 5:9 - 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.' Prayer intention: Father, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon.
Day 16: Trusting God’s Plan Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 - 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.' Prayer intention: Lord, I trust in Your plans for my life. Guide my steps and fill me with the hope and peace of knowing You are in control.
Day 17: The Fruit of the Spirit Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 - 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.' Prayer intention: Holy Spirit, cultivate in me the fruits of Your Spirit. May peace and kindness guide my actions every day.
Scripture: Matthew 5:4 - 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.' Prayer intention: Comfort those who grieve, Lord. Provide peace to those in mourning, and wrap them in Your loving embrace.
Scripture: Luke 1:79 - 'to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.' Prayer intention: Shine Your light on my path, O God. Lead me in the way of peace, away from darkness and despair.
Day 20: Surrendering Worries Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 - 'Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.' Prayer intention: I cast all my worries onto You, Lord, knowing You care for me deeply. Replace my anxieties with Your profound peace.
Scripture: John 14:27 - 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.' Prayer intention: Jesus, thank You for Your peace which guards my heart in times of trouble. Help me not to be afraid as I trust in Your promise.
Day 22: Peacemaking in Action Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: Romans 12:18 - 'If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.' Prayer intention: Empower me, Lord, to be a peacemaker in all circumstances. Show me how to live in peace with everyone, reflecting Your love.
Day 23: Faith Over Fear Opening Prayer- See Above Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 - 'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' Prayer intention: In times of fear, I turn to You, God. Strengthen me with Your righteous hand, and replace my fear with faith and peace.Ponde, Look upon and pray with the prince of peace. What would Jesus do?- See Above.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - 'All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.' Prayer intention: Lord, help me to embrace and promote reconciliation. Use me as a minister of Your peace, to mend and heal relationships.
Day 25: Peace in Decision-Making Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: Proverbs 3:17 - 'Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.' Prayer intention: Guide my decisions, O Lord, so that they bring peace. May Your wisdom lead me on paths that are pleasant and harmonious.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:14 - 'For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.' Prayer intention: Jesus, You are our peace. Break down the walls of division in our society. Unite us in Your love and peace.
Scripture: Romans 14:19 - 'So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.' Prayer intention: Inspire us to pursue peaceful living, Lord. Encourage us to build each other up, fostering a community of support and peace.
Day 28: Hope in Times of Trouble Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: Romans 15:13 - 'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.' Prayer intention: Fill me with Your peace and joy, O God of hope, that I may overflow with hope, even in the most challenging times.
Day 29: Release from Bitterness Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: Hebrews 12:15 - 'See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.' Prayer intention: Heavenly Father, remove any roots of bitterness in my heart. Replace them with Your grace and peace, that I may not cause trouble or harm.
Day 30: Strength in Quietness Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: Isaiah 30:15 - 'In quietness and trust is your strength...' Prayer intention: Teach me the strength found in quietness, Lord. In the stillness, let me find Your peace and trust deeply in Your promises.
Scripture: Proverbs 12:20 - 'Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.' Prayer intention: Lord, let my words promote peace and convey Your truth. May they bring joy and not harm, reflecting Your heart.
Scripture: Psalm 34:4 - 'I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.' Prayer intention: Deliver me from my fears, O Lord. In seeking You, I find freedom and peace, assured of Your protective presence.
Scripture: Matthew 5:23-24 - 'Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.' Prayer intention: Encourage me to seek reconciliation, Lord, before You. Let me restore peace with others as an act of worship to You.
Scripture: Colossians 3:15 - 'Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.' Prayer intention: I thank You, Lord, for the peace You provide. May it rule in my heart, and may I always be grateful for Your presence.
Scripture: Colossians 3:12 - 'Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.' Prayer intention: Lord, clothe me with compassion and kindness. In my interactions, let me reflect Your love and peace.
Scripture: Luke 6:28 - 'bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.' Prayer intention: Enable me, O God, to bless and pray for those who mistreat me. Through Your strength, let me extend peace even to my enemies.
Scripture: Isaiah 48:18 - 'If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.' Prayer intention: Lord, help me to heed Your commands. May Your peace flow through my life like a river, abundant and constant.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:2 - 'Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.' Prayer intention: Instill in me a spirit of patience, humility, and gentleness. May my interactions be characterized by love and peace.
Day 39: Reflecting God’s Peace Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18 - 'And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.' Prayer intention: Transform me into Your image, Lord. As I contemplate Your glory, let Your peace shine through me to others.
Day 40: Commitment to Peacemaking Opening Prayer- See Above Focus on your Breath for a few minutes Silently reflect on (Reflection background music):
Scripture: Psalm 34:14 - 'Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.' Prayer intention: Strengthen my commitment to do good and seek peace, O Lord. Let me actively pursue peace in all areas of life.
