The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise them up. ... Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. James 5: 15-16.
These word are from this morning's first reading. I sat down with them just after I listened to the morning news on NPR and read some online news about the downward spiral that is Iraq.
It's a mess, rapidly aproaching if not already in the midst of a civil war. The third anniversary of our war against Iraq is next month, and I know there are protests planned around the country and in my own City.
But at this point, it seems prayer might be more effective than protest. It's such a gigantic mess. The people of Iraq need our fervent prayers for healing. Yes, you like me may feel like our nation ignited this power keg by invading Iraq - if so, feel free to confess our collective sins. On the other hand, you may have different political feelings about the source of the conflict tied to 9/11.
No matter, at this point our brothers and sisters in Iraq need our fervent prayers for healing. So please take a moment if you can and join me:
Loving and all powerful God. Our brothers and sisers in Iraq, who have suffered so long from war, now find themselves in the midst of a sea of sectarian violence. We pray that their divisions may be healed and that you may help them find a calm in the storm. May they feel the calming presence of their God. Comfort their children and keep them safe during this tumultous time. Grant wisdom and courage to their political and religious leaders. Most of all we pray for peace for all your children. Amen.
1 comment:
My mom prays for 'peace without destruction.' Which is a pretty tall order, especially in light of the 'downward spiral' that never seems to end.
Post a Comment