Prayer of Petition: Nonviolent Formation

Gracious Father in heaven,
Who revealed in Your Son Jesus the path of true desire,
We beseech You to reshape our innermost longings.
Where rivalry divides us, plant seeds of unity and self-sacrifice.
Where violence stirs our spirits, instil the gentle power of nonviolence.
Where grudges linger, grant us hearts quick to forgive,
As Jesus forgave even from the cross.
By the Holy Spirit, guide us from the illusions of self-centeredness
To the freedom of giving ourselves for others,
That we may live as reflections of Your kingdom.
Hear our prayer, O God, and make us new.
Amen.