Heavenly Father, you sent your son, Jesus Christ, to be our Prince of Peace. In this world, and even our church, we need a fresh infusion of your peace. Creator God, quiet the noise around me and within me, so that I may receive your divine gift of peace. Amen.

Prayer by a member of the Dakotas Conference of the UMC

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight — indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 3:1