Missouri Shared Prayers [link removed] Devotion
"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men."
In the midst of the American Civil War, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, struggled with depression. During the war, his wife died, and his son was severely injured in battle. We hear Longfellow’s disillusionment with the suffering of war as he writes:
"And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said:
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men.”

Longfellow’s words still speak today. With war in Ukraine, in Gaza, and division in our nation, is peace really possible? Writer Anne M. Dilenschneider suggested widening the vocabulary of prayer to include dance, art and music. We communicate in many ways so our prayer can take many forms.
Perhaps Christmas carols that express our desire for peace could become our prayers. Longfellow’s poem, “Christmas Bells” closes with the promise:
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead’ nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”
Consider choosing a Christmas carol like “Silent Night,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” or “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” to pray for peace. Sing them as a prayer asking God for peace on earth."
This Week's Churches and Pastors
Northeast District
December 1
St. Joseph’s West
mailto:[email protected] Chaplain Christine Dumas and spouse Mark
December 2
Mercy Hospital
mailto:[email protected] Chaplain Karen Fields and spouse William
December 3
Aldersgate UMC (Juneau, Alaska)
mailto:[email protected] Extension Ministry Kristin Saviers McGuire and spouse Brian
December 4
NW Healthcare
mailto:[email protected] Extension Ministry Jill G. Walter-Penn and spouse David
December 5
Endorsed Chaplain
mailto:[email protected] Chaplain Robert Collingwood
December 6
Center for Counseling
mailto:[email protected] Chaplain Linda Horrell
December 7
Eden Theological Seminary
mailto:[email protected] Extension Ministry Kristen Leslie
December 8
Endorsed Chaplain
Chaplain Harold Morse and spouse Lin


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Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202 | Phone 573-441-1770 | www.moumethodist.org