In your mercy

Lord, in your mercy,

may the days come in which we are able to beat our swords into plowshares

and our spears into pruning hooks.

In your peace, may the day come rapidly when nation will not fling bombs against nation.

May we step toward a world in which there shall be war no more!

Until that day comes, spread your arms around those who are suffering the pains of war.

Enfold those for whom the fear and threat of war all around them,

Protect those who are trying to live their lives in turbulent places,

who are being threatened by powers outside of their control,

and who are facing the reality of death for no reason other than where they live.

May your Spirit descend on this world like a rushing wind.

May you move the hearts of leaders, nations, communities, and peoples to move towards peace and life.

Holy God, hasten the day when your peace reigns for all!

Amen

Isaiah 2:2-4

2 In days to come
    the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
    and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
3     Many peoples shall come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
    and that we may walk in his paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
    and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations,
    and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
    and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
    neither shall they learn war any more.