Choosing Peace

I’ve been thinking about David Edwards, a Disciples of Christ minister, lately. With multiple wars and increasing violence in communities across the country, I find myself returning to the principles David employed as a conscientious objector. David passed away from cancer in March of 2019. I met David through his wife Kaye and through his writing and music. 

I met David because I was invited to coauthor a discussion and action guide to be included in the publication of the book What Belongs to God. It is a theologically rich narrative that inspires readers to consider how they choose peace daily. 

An Advent Prayer for Peace

Gracious and Merciful God,

As we gather in this sacred space during the season of Advent, our hearts are heavy with the weight of the world’s strife. We come before you, recognizing the cries of those affected by the scourge of war, the pain of gun violence, and the wounds caused by hate speech. In the midst of these challenges, we seek your presence and your peace.

Lord, we lift up to you the nations torn apart by conflict, where the clamor of weapons drowns out the whisper of hope. May your spirit of reconciliation descend upon leaders and nations, guiding them toward paths of justice and understanding.