God of peace,
we confess that too often we choose violence
as our answer to difference,
as our solution to conflict.
We see its ripple effects —
families shattered, children traumatized,
whole communities marked with loss and fear.
Forgive us.
Teach us a better way,
a holy imagination of justice, mercy and reconciliation.
On this day of remembering,
strengthen in us a deep commitment to your way of peace.
Make us builders of bridges,
makers of community,
and keepers of hope,
until swords are beaten into plowshares
and your reign of love is all in all.
