God,

I watch on TV the violence on the streets of some of our cities. Property destroyed. Rocks and bottles thrown. Guns are brandished, and people even killed. I know that there are some people who live in fear of violence in their neighborhoods every day, and I can’t imagine what that must be like. Your son came as the Prince of Peace, and it is by his grace and the power of the Holy Spirit that real peace can come. As his people, his body in the world, I pray that somehow, we might “do the things that make for peace.” (Romans 14:19)

It is easy for me to condemn that violence on the street, as it seems so far from me. But I know, God, that the root of it is still at work in my heart. There is anger that boils up. There are words spoken silently in my thoughts that wish ill upon others. There is self-righteousness that fuels division and foments barriers. Too often, I rejoice in the mistakes of those with whom I disagree and celebrate the misfortune that befalls others. Jesus tells me that I am accountable for these thoughts and motivations, as they show the condition of my heart. Forgive me, and cleanse my heart. Remind me to remove the log from my own eye before I check for the speck in my neighbor’s.

God, you tell me that love for neighbor is to be our highest value and highest calling, that it is the same as love for you. Show me how to love my neighbor with my whole heart. Amen.