Prayer for peace and protection from violence and from terrorism
O almighty and merciful God, Lord of the universe
and of history. All that You have created is good
and Your compassion for the mistakes of humankind
knows no limits. We come to You today to ask You
to keep in peace the world and its people, to keep
far away from the devastating wave of terrorism,
to restore friendship and instill in the hearts of Your
creatures the gift of trust and of readiness to forgive.
O Giver of life, we pray to You also for all those who
have died as victims of brutal terrorist attacks
(especially the Muslims killed in New Zealand). Grant
them their eternal reward. May they intercede for the
world that is torn apart by conflicts and disagreements.
O Jesus, Prince of Peace, we pray to You for the ones
who have been wounded in these acts of inhuman violence:
children and young people, old people and innocent people,
accidentally involved in evil. Heal their bodies and hearts;
console them with Your strength and, at the same time,
take away any hatred and a desire for revenge.
Holy Spirit Consoler, visit the families of the victims
of terrorism, families who suffer through no fault of their
own. Wrap them in the mantle of Your Divine Mercy. Make
them find again in You and in themselves the strength and
courage to continue to be brothers and sisters for others,
above all for immigrants, giving witness to Your love
by their lives.
Touch the hearts of terrorists (especially those who killed
Muslims in New Zealand) so that they may recognize
the evil of their actions and may turn to the way of peace
and goodness, of respect for the life and for the dignity
of every human being, regardless of religion, origin, wealth,
or poverty.
O God, Eternal Father, in Your mercy hear our prayer which we
raise up to You amidst the deafening noise and desperation
of the world. We turn to You with great hope, full of trust in
Your infinite Mercy.
We entrust ourselves to the intercession of the Blessed Mother.
We ask for the gift of peace and of the elimination from our midst
of the sore of terrorism.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Adapted prayer of Holy Father, Pope Francis, offered
in the Basilica of St. Francis, Kraków, July 30, 2016.)
