What can we do?

...pray

• Individually or with your family or community offer prayers for strength, comfort and hope in the face of war that once seemed unimaginable . With the family, set aside a time each day to light a candle and pray, lifting the concerns that might arise from that day’s news or issues.
  
  
• Pray or read the Psalms. Many find the Psalms to be a meaningful source of comfort and security in times of war or in a time of fear and concern. Some suggested Psalms: 121, 23, 86, 61( vss. 1-5 ), 42, 46
  
  
• Pray for our nation’s leaders as they face multiple decisions.
  
  
• Pray for the victims in this terrible war and for their loved ones who are experiencing overwhelming grief and pain.
  
  
• And yes, pray for those with whom we are making war.
  
  
• Call together an interfaith group in your community or gather your congregation to discuss some of the following :
  
  How will we effectively take into account the political fall-out of threats of violence and war, without giving into them?
  
  How will we involve ourselves in political responses, while remembering to pray, to do everyday acts of kindness, to speak kindly to each other?

A Breath Prayer for Fear

When fear invades,
pervades,
paralyzes,
I remember
Jesus’ love
and breathe a prayer.

I do not have to wait
for courage;
courage is not a feeling,
but a response
to Spirit.

I breathe out,
relinquish fear,
anxiety,
thank God for presence.

I breathe in,
receive peace
and power in Spirit
to speak,
to move, to act,
to decide,
to be
courageous.

Roberta Porter, Alive Now November/December 1995

Prayer:

Tender God,
Who embraces us with love,
Through the ages you have told us, “Fear not.”
Whisper it again in our ears.
Write it on our hearts. Amen

Prayer used during the Service of Prayer and Discernment
at Washington National Cathedral

O God of many names and many nations, you sent your Son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world may be saved through him: so enflame us with a love of you that together we may show forth your kingdom. Give us, and those who hold authority in this and every land, wisdom to know your will, courage to speak your truth, and strength to abandon retribution and seek your new creation. Free us from our bondage to violence and enable us to see your world of Peace. Sustain us with your spirit and uphold us in your love. All this we ask through him who is the Prince of Peace, your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(http://peace.mennolink.org/articles/prayersjan03.html)

---

home • your prayers and ideas, or responses

---