In the Midst of War

It’s been a month since Hamas launched raids on Israel, killing and kidnapping hundreds of people. Israel’s retaliation has killed thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, and there seems to be no letting up to the war. Meanwhile, wars rage on in Ukraine and in many other regions of the world.
“In the midst of war, I no longer pray for peace. I pray for miracles. I pray that stone hearts will turn to tenderheartedness, and the soldiers already deployed will be snatched out of harm’s way, and the world will be astounded onto its knees. I pray that the whole world might sit down together and share its bread and its wine. Some say there is no hope, but then I applaud those who never give up on our faith: that we are loved by God, that we can truly love one another. I no longer pray for peace. I pray for miracles.” - Ann Weems, Presbyterian elder
Affirmative prayer: I affirm that the love of God, nestled in the hearts of us all, is finding its way into the decisions, motives, and actions of those in command and of all citizens. May those in the throes of conflict be rescued, healed, fed, and attended to in body and spirit. May solutions show themselves with such clarity, truth, and fairness that peace become the order of all our lives. Infinite Presence, I bare the combative nature within me, and raise my consciousness to one of compassion, serenity, and harmony. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.

---