When witnessing the increase in violence in the world, among our first actions should be to commit ourselves to praying for peace.
True and lasting peace can only be established with the help of God, as too often our own efforts fail. When we try to create peace without God, it is a peace without a firm foundation.
Here are several prayers for peace that can inspire us and call upon God’s help to end the violence all over the world.
Prayer for Peace in the World
O Almighty God,
who can bring good out of evil
and makes even the wrath of man to turn to your praise,
we ask you so to order and eliminate the issue of this violence,
that we may be brought through strife to a lasting peace
and that the nations of the world may be united in a firmer fellowship
for the promotion of your glory and the good of all mankind.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen
John Paul II’s prayer to Mary, Queen of Peace
From this moment I entrust these initiatives to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking her to sustain our efforts and those of humanity in order to achieve peace.
We ask you, Queen of Peace,
to help us respond with the power of truth and love
to the new and unsettling challenges of the present moment.
Help us also to pass through this difficult period,
that disturbs the serenity of so many people,
and to work without delay to build every day and everywhere
a genuine culture of peace.
John Paul II’s prayer to Mary, Queen of Peace
St. John XXIII’s Prayer for Peace
Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace,
who are yourself our peace and reconciliation,
who so often said, “Peace to you,” grant us peace.
Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love.
Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace.
Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace.
May all peoples of the earth becomes as brothers and sisters.
May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all.
A powerful prayer for peace in the world
Prayer for peace that endures
O God, from whom proceed all holy desires,
all right counsels and just works;
grant to us your servants that peace which the world cannot give,
a peace that endures,
that our hearts may be devoted to your service,
and that we may pass our time in peace under your protection. Amen.
Prayer for an end to violence
O Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God and Mother of Humanity,
We are inspired by the certainty that your eyes,
which wept over the earth crimsoned by the blood of Jesus,
are yet turned toward this world racked by wars and persecutions,
the oppression of the just and the weak.
From the shadows of this vale of tears,
we seek in your heavenly assistance, tender mercy,
comfort for our aching hearts, and help in the trials of Church and country.
We believe finally that in the glory where you reign,
clothed with the sun and crowned with stars, you are,
after Jesus, the joy and gladness of all the angels and the saints,
and from this earth, over which we tread as pilgrims,
comforted by our faith in the future resurrection,
we look to you our life, our sweetness, our hope;
draw us onward with the sweetness of your voice,
so that one day, after our exile, you may show us Jesus,
the blessed fruit of your womb. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.
Pray for an end to violence through the intercession of Our Lady of the Assumption
Prayer for the conversion of terrorists and for victims of terrorism
[M]ay a more intense prayer rise from the hearts of all believers for the victims of terrorism, for their families so tragically stricken,
for all the peoples who continue to be hurt and convulsed by terrorism and war.
May the light of our prayer extend
even to those who gravely offend God
and man by these pitiless acts,
that they may look into their hearts,
see the evil of what they do,
abandon all violent intentions, and seek forgiveness.
In these troubled times,
may the whole human family find true and lasting peace,
born of the marriage of justice and mercy!
Prayer for the conversion of terrorists and for victims of terrorism
Pope Francis’ prayer on a Day of Fasting for Ukraine
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
Open our eyes and our hearts,
and give us the courage to say:
“Never again war!”;
“With war everything is lost.”Instill in our hearts the courage
to take concrete steps to achieve peace.
Keep alive within us the flame of hope,
so that with patience and perseverance
we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation.
In this way may peace triumph at last.
Amen.
And today we celebrate...