Prayer for America 08/04/06

Gracious God, you have called your people to peace, and we have failed generation after generation. Our great country was founded on the blood of patriots and the blood of British soldiers that, in the end, were vanquished. Since then, we have fought other countries and even fought among ourselves in your name and for your glory. Lord, I know the freedom and human rights must be defended. Yet you call us to peace. Help me, Lord, to live in peace with my neighbors. Give me hope that one day all your people will pray, "God, make me an instrument of your peace." On that day the bloodshed will stop. Amen.