We Pray for Peace

We Pray for Peace

We pray for peace, O God of love and justice,
as once again, we face a time of war.
The meek and humble try — amid the crisis —
to love and build, to nurture and restore.
May leaders hear the truth the prophets teach us —
that gifts of peace are well worth struggling for.

We pray for peace, O Christ who calmed the waters —
who stilled the storm, who stilled disciples’ fear.
You spoke with love and with amazing power;
be with us now when trouble is so near.
May leaders see the miracle you offer —
that words and deeds can calm the nations here.

We pray for peace, O Spirit here among us;
your love emboldens, judges, and restrains.
Take any hate and acts of impulse from us;
make leaders wise, amid competing claims.
May we seek peace, O God of love and justice;
may love and mercy be our highest aims.

— Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (2022)
We Pray for Peace was written in response to the crisis in Ukraine.

Music Video on YouTube:
The Rev. Casey Carbone sings “We Pray for Peace”. Rev. Casey gives permission for use of the video. The Rev. Casey Carbone (he/him/his) is Pastor of The First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac, NY and the IT/Communications Facilitator for Hudson River Presbytery in NY. Tune: FINLANDIA (“This Is My Song”) Jean Sibelius, 1899

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is the author of over 400 hymns that have been sung by thousands of congregations around the world and are found in 20 books and thousands of websites, including www.carolynshymns.com.  She and her husband Bruce are Presbyterian ministers who have served congregations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey. Permission is given for free use of this hymn, including in online worship services.