A Prayer for Children: World Peace

This monthly column is to help parents, grandparents, and teachers introduce children to spiritual topics in the context of prayer. It includes a prayer for adults, one for children and adults to share, and a short affirmation for children to remember and take with them.

Creating peace through a mindset of compassion, trust, and unity

We live in a world that often feels anything but peaceful. We can’t deny that our children are exposed to the struggle and angst that seem to grip our world. Even if children aren’t watching the news, refugees may show up in schools; bullies are on the bus, playground, and social media; and there’s political division, racism, and social unrest worldwide. Knowing we are all energy and all connected means we are all affected to some degree by what’s going on around us.

So how do we explain the war in Ukraine, the fleeing refugees, or racism and political division to our children?

We can acknowledge that most humans have forgotten who they truly are—that, in fact, we are all emanations of one God consciousness. Many people are living from a mindset of fear and separation instead of compassion, trust, and unity.

In this game called life, if winning means achieving world peace, then it means creating a world that works for everyone—where everyone’s needs are met; where people are fed, have access to clean water, education, and healthcare; where all are treated fairly. We win when world leaders are inspired to choose peace over violence and agree through dialogue on the best outcomes for all involved.

Talk with children about what it means when we say, “Peace begins with me.” We may not be able to stop the fighting overseas, but children can choose whether to fight with a sibling or defy their parent or caregiver. What might be a better way? Can we handle our upsets through conversations and negotiations?

We can acknowledge that most humans have forgotten who they truly are—that, in fact, we are all emanations of one God consciousness. Many people are living from a mindset of fear and separation instead of compassion, trust, and unity.

Talking to our children about how they speak to themselves and one another is key. We don’t want to put down ourselves or others. There’s no reason to tease or make fun of people. When we see someone who needs a friend, we can choose to be a friend. Show children there is power in choosing kindness.

We can present life as a game with things such as war, terrorism, racism, hunger, illness, and illiteracy needing to be conquered. Share these challenges with your children in an age-appropriate manner and with a calm energy. Remember they can feel your anxiety even when it’s not verbally expressed. Ask them for ideas on how they might help, or research individuals and organizations that are working to eradicate problems. How might you and your family contribute to the solution?

When traumatic situations are happening in the world, as Mr. Rogers said, it’s best to focus on the helpers. There will always be people doing good in times of trouble. We can ask our children what they might do. Remember children have innate wisdom, and the more we allow them to tune in to it, the more they will trust and develop skills for doing the right thing.

An Adult Prayer for World Peace

Knowing that we are all one, I take a deep breath, and with my eyes closed and arms extended out, I imagine I am embracing the world. I feel my heartbeat sync with Mother Nature and all of humanity. I give thanks and send love to everyone and everything. I acknowledge that darkness and fear cannot exist in light and love. I inhale peace and exhale light and love into the world. I see peace in our homes, our nations, and our world. Peace is the truth of who I am and who we are.

A Shared Family Prayer for World Peace

We are all children of God created by one source. We release fear and tune in to love. We remember who we are. Made in the image and likeness of God, we are creators and creative. We choose to live in a world that works for everyone. Using our imaginations, we embrace the world in a big hug. Breathing deeply, we bring peace to ourselves and our world.

Together we affirm:

Did you know? All children are welcome to pray with Unity Prayer Ministry associates.