I invite you to pray* with me tonight in opposition to the escalation of the war in Iraq, not for prayer's utility but for the pure, blessed contrariness of announcing that we will not go along with a moral abomination.
In peace, and for the peace of the world, let us pray for the needs of the global community: that all people may be safe, that they may be secure, that they may pursue their lives in freedom and dignity. May all oppressors and the unjust depart from their evil, seek peace and do it. Make safe Somalia and Spain, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Darfur, Venezuela, Israel and Palestine, and all nations everywhere wracked by violence and fear.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the facing of this hour,
For the facing of this hour.
In peace, and for the peace of the nations, let us pray especially for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan, that their decades of bloodshed and war may come to an end. Protect them from unnecessary violence and shield all their children. Sow the seeds of reconciliation among their many factions, ease their grief and anger, release them from animosity and the need for revenge. Do not hold your peace at their tears, but hear the cries of your children, O God.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the living of these days,
For the living of these days.
In peace, and for the peace of our own nation, let us pray for our leaders and for those who serve us. We are for peace, but when we speak, they are for war. Guide Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Ted Kennedy, and other leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate - both Democrats and Republicans - as they discern the best way forward. Help them to govern peaceably, and sensibly, without bloodlust or posturing. Strengthen them in their resolve to challenge the wrongs that have been done in our name, and to seek a path toward righting them, not sinking further into the mire. Redeem President Bush, for he is your child as well. Steer him away from irresponsibility and recklessness. Make him whole, and able to listen to reason, for we affirm that there is no one who is beyond the reach of your grace.
Be with the Generals and other military leaders who have been given a crushing duty to carry out. Allow them to see that the time for war has passed, and now is the time for peace. Give them backbones of steel in resisting madness and hands of mercy as they carry out their orders. Protect our soldiers and marines placed in harm's way for the sake of a lie, and kept there for vanity. Bless their families in their absence, and comfort those who grieve their loss. Heal their wounds, cure their bodies, and restore them to us, for they have served their nation well and they are our beloved friends and family.
Cure Thy children’s warring madness,
Bend our pride to Thy control.
Shame our wanton selfish gladness,
Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the facing of this hour,
For the facing of this hour.
In peace, and for the peace of our souls, let us pray for our own needs. O God, seemingly we must go into this new warring madness. Help us not to go quietly. Fill our lungs with the Spirit of your love and our legs with the power of that love set in action. Give us hope that this will soon be over, and that it is never too late to replant the flowers of peace and justice. Remind us that the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust for ever. Even now, Lord, it is not too late. Enable us to beat our swords into plowshares and to work toward the transformation of ourselves, our communities, our nation, and the world.
Save us from weak resignation,
To the evils we deplore.
Let the search for Thy salvation,
Be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Seeking peace and not for war,
Seeking peace and not for war.