Praying for the World

The nineteenth-century poet and Archbishop of Dublin Richard Chenevix Trench observed that we must not “conceive of prayer as though it were an overcoming of God’s reluctance, when it is, in fact, a laying hold of [God’s] highest willingness. As Christ-followers we have been instructed to pray and to lay hold of God’s desires for all creation. The practice of praying for the world is one way to do that.

Try It Out

• Begin by taking a few slow, deep breaths, centering your awareness in the present moment. Ask the Holy Spirit to flow through your heart, mind, and spirit as you pray.

• Envision the earth as astronauts in space see it. In your mind’s eye, see the jewel-like orb: the blues of the bodies of water, the browns and greens of the land masses, and the clouds hovering around it all.

• Imagine the whole planet being surrounded with the light of God’s compassion and love for all creatures. Let this light surround you also as you join in the Spirit’s intercession for the world.

• Notice also individual stars of light within God’s light—those children of God who care, pray, and work for good in the world. See how those stars are so numerous that they also encircle the globe. Acknowledge that your prayers join those of all who also love God.

• Focus on the places on the planet where particular situations of need or trouble exist. Be aware of these specific needs while remembering that God’s light surrounds them all.

• Conclude the prayer with your agreement that “God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”