Praying for Peace

Over the past few weeks, the war in Syria has stepped into the spotlight after reports that the government used chemical weapons to wipe out hundreds of people. Immediately, there were cries demanding justice, which led to UN inspections and heightened rhetoric from nations around the world. Whether or not the United States will send troops into the area is still up in the air, and it's sparked a huge controversy. On one hand, there are those who say we cannot allow a government to get away with war crimes against its own people, and something must be done - whether by military force or some other means. But on the other hand, I've heard a lot of people saying it's none of our business - that the US needs to focus on its own problems and stay out of Syria at any cost.

I have to admit I don't know all the details, but what I do know is that it's a complicated situation. I don't want to see us rush headlong into another war, but at the same time, we can't just sit idly by and watch injustice continue. If you see a crime taking place and you do nothing to stop it, then you may as well be participating in the crime yourself (Proverbs 29:24).

So what are we to do?

Right now, I think one of the most important things we can do is to pray for our leaders. Pray for them to have wisdom to know the right thing to do and courage to carry it out. We should be praying for the people of Syria, too, that this war for them will end soon, that lives will be spared, and that peace will come in their hearts and their lives.

Sometimes, when all the voices you hear are calling for violence and war, you think that's the only option, but I was so thankful when I heard that the Pope had called for an interfaith day of prayer and fasting for peace this past Saturday. It reminds me that I am not alone in my desire to see both justice and peace, but there is unity among Christians, and in fact, there is a certain amount of unity we can have with people of other faiths.

Finding that sense of unity and emphasizing the call not just for justice but for peace is also especially important, given that today marks another anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Our world needs less fear and less violence, and more peace.

With that in mind, I want to share these prayers I found in the United Methodist Book of Worship today. May these be the prayers we all share! Will you pray with me?

This first one is a prayer intended for "Peace with Justice Sunday" (first Sunday after Pentecost):

From self-righteousness that will not compromise,
   and from selfishness that gains by the oppression of others, O Lord, deliver us.
From the lust for money or power that drives to kill, O Lord, deliver us.
From trusting in the weapons of war,
   and mistrusting the councils of peace, O Lord deliver us.
From hearing, believing, and speaking lies about other nations, O Lord, deliver us.
From suspicions and fears that stand in the way of reconciliation, O Lord, deliver us.
From words and deeds that encourage discord, prejudice, and hatred;
from everything that prevents us from fulfilling your promise of peace,
O Lord, deliver us.
Amen.

These others are listed as prayers "for the nation":

Teach us, God of every nation,
   to see every question of national policy in the light of our faith,
   that we may check in ourselves and in others
   every passion that makes for war, all ungenerous judgment,
   all promptings of self-assurance, all presumptuous claims.
Grant us insight to recognize the needs and aspirations of other nations,
   and remove our suspicions and misunderstandings,
   that we may honor all people in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Look graciously, O Lord, upon this land.
Where it is in pride, subdue it.
Where it is in need, supply it.
Where it is in error, rectify it.
Where it is in default, restore it.
And where it holds to that which is just and compassionate, support it.
Amen.

God of all the ages,
   in your sight nations rise and fall, and pass through times of peril.
Now when our land is troubled, be near to judge and save.
May leaders be led by your wisdom;
   may they search your will and see it clearly.
If we have turned from your way,
   reverse our ways and help us to repent.
Give us your light and your truth, let them guide us;
through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of this world, and our Savior. Amen.

In the midst of these trying times filled with violence and terrorism and war and rumors of wars, I am blessed as I remember that the God of all creation is still yet in control. So I trust him, and I pray for his creation, that we might all turn to him more fully and receive his peace and love.

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

- Philippians 4:6-7

Will you continue to pray with me?