This week held a difficult meeting. I found myself reaching for this liturgy I wrote a few years ago. I'm thankful to say the meeting was resolved in my favor, but more thankful to have the ability to turn to prayer even when it was still uncertain.
O Lord,
Prince of Peace, in the hours before me,
I foresee an occasion for conflict.
My stomach feels hollow,
My mouth is dry,
My mind rehearses my case over and over.
In this time before I encounter __________,
Calm my spirit.
May your peace that surpasses understanding guard my mind against anger, fear, and pride.
Reveal to me if there is anything preventing me from seeing this situation clearly.
I know it is all too easy to overlook my own faults while magnifying the shortcomings of others.
Open my eyes.
Silence is kept to reflect and confess as needed.
(If the person is a Christian)
May the same Spirit in each of us guide our words.
Give us wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen,
Wisdom to know when to humbly submit to one another and when to hold firm to a conviction.
Even in our disagreement, may observers know we are your disciples by our love for one another.
Let this potential clash not end in division or damage.
Instead, let it be a sharpening of our souls, that we each may become more like you.
(If the person is not a Christian)
When I face this person you have created, help me recognize your image in a broken vessel.
Though human brokenness has brought about this conflict, remind me of their value in your eyes.
If peace is possible, help me work towards it, whether they are willing or not.
When they look at me, may they see a true reflection of you, O Christ,
You who at times spoke in hard sayings and at times remained silent, even before your accusers.
Let this potential conflict be a revealing of truth, a righting of wrongs.
May your kingdom come a little more fully even in this.
Whether this conflict brings change or changes nothing,
Whether it ends in agreement or remains unresolved,
Whether it is the beginning of healing or the end of a relationship,
May I be confident in hope,
Knowing you, yourself, are the peacemaker.
You brought peace between me and you,
Before I even desired it and when I was still unable to effect it.
You, O Christ, are my peace.
Amen
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