God, have mercy.
We wake this morning to a world whose wars are growing more and more frightening. The devastation and killing of innocents in Palestine is unconscionable. The holding of hostages, using human lives as bargaining chips, is horrific. Now the escalation of violence with a drone strike by Iran on Israel leaves us groaning in grief. We shall not look away. We shall not ignore the atrocities. We pray for the killing to stop. We pray for peace.
God, have mercy.
Time and time again we are taught the painful lesson that violence is not the way, that violence only begets more wretched violence. For the sake of all those in war’s path, help us learn this lesson, God. Have mercy on the victims of these wars. Shield those on whom bombs fall. Soften the hearts of global leaders to work together towards peace. Save your people, God, from this warring madness.
Amen.
