Embracing the World: Praying for Justice and Peace (Book)
Jane E. Vennard, Author.  San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2002.

Describing a model of prayer for justice and peace, Jane Vennard draws us into deeper relationship with God and the world. While we often think of "prayer" and "action" as opposites, Vennard presents them as complementary. Indeed, action is itself an approach to prayer, one of the five approaches that this book explores. The other four are intercession, renewal, transformation, and discernment, and the book devotes a chapter to each.

Vennard’s model begins with intercession. Here we ask God to intercede on behalf of peace and justice. Intercessory prayer leads to action prayer: we pray with our bodies when our focus is on God and our intention is God's work. Interceding and acting for peace and justice engage us in the world's needs and lead to a desire for renewal. Prayers of renewal draw us to a deeper relationship with God, where we are encouraged and strengthened for the work of peace and justice. These three prayer forms guide us to reexamining the heart and recognizing that we need transformation. Prayers of transformation invite God to open and turn our hearts and to illumine our lives. Throughout each of these approaches, prayers for discernment help us understand the actions to which we are called.

Embracing the World is written for the activist and the pray-er, as well as anyone who longs for justice and peace. It is recommended for small groups or individuals seeking vital connections between their prayer lives and their activism.

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See also these resources:

Lord, Have Mercy: Praying for Justice With Conviction and Humility (Book)
Claire E. Wolfteich, Author.  San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2006.
Lord, Have Mercy presents six case studies to explore how Christian communities are using prayer to respond faithfully to complex social issues, especially when they are divided on the issue confronting them.