Dear God,

As we work through conflict in our personal lives, amongst our families and friends, with our work colleagues and in our chaplaincies, remind us that we are all made in your image and that every one of your people has the ability to be creative, resourceful and whole.

Make us curious and give us the patience to converse to listen rather than be heard, to listen to learn and understand, and to listen to love.

Grant us wisdom to seek out multiple viewpoints and understand complexity - how we each see a situation is but a partial view, and often no one is “wrong” or “right”.

Remind us that the tone of each of our voices shapes the discussion: help us be empathetic and open, constructive in our ideas and flexible in seeking solutions.

Give us courage to understand difference, to see strength in diversity and help us to work towards better ways of living, working and worship together that reflect your kingdom here on earth.

God of peace, guide our words, our relationships, and our decisions. Make our chaplaincy communities places of mutual respect, reconciliation, and hope—places where no one feels excluded or forgotten, but where  finds a home, a voice, and a place to belong.

We ask this in your name.

Amen

By Philippa Hayward and Keir Fitch (Peacemakers)

You can download a copy of this prayer here: A Prayer for Peace and Conflict Transformation