A Prayer for All of Us

A prayer for all of us (415)

They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace. (Jeremiah 6:14)

No peace, no peace.

There is weeping in New York, there is weeping in Palestine, there is weeping in Egypt, there is weeping in Afghanistan.

God’s children are wounded.

The horse and rider are swept into the sea, and those who love them mourn. Workers in the World Trade Centre were swept away, and those who love them mourn. Soldiers and civilians are swept away by mines and explosives, and those who love them mourn. Peoples rise up against oppression, and some are killed; and those who love them mourn.

Let us not dress the wounds of God’s people, and say they are not serious.

(silence)

After the shocked silence, the voices are raised:

“Peace, peace!” they cry “Justice, justice!” they shout “Revenge, revenge!” they scream.

There is no peace … not yet, not now.

(silence)

Let us pray for all God’s people:

For those who are victims of violence, for those who have been wounded, and those who have died, especially remembering on this anniversary day those who died in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center of September 11, 2001 at the hands of strangers, and for those who have been victims of violence in their own homes at the hands of loved ones. For those who are held captive by their own violence, who see no path beyond that of destruction, especially remembering those who are caught in the cycle of violence in their own homes, or in armed conflicts around the world. For those who work for peaceful and just solutions to the situations that erupt in violence. For those who stand on guard to protect the helpless. For those who heal the wounds of others, seeing neither enemy nor friend, but seeing only need. For those who pray, and for those who do not remember how to pray. For those whose names are in the headlines, and for those who are forgotten. For those who repent, and for those who believe they are beyond redemption. For those whose strength is shown in gentleness, and those who show their gentleness through the wise use of their strength.

Let us pray for all God’s people.

There is no peace … but there will be, there will be. In the meantime, O God, help us to be healers of one another’s wounds.

Opening Sentences (Psalm 29:11; 34:14)

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Opening Prayer

Eternal God, your image is found in all peoples; Different languages, different faiths, different ways. Help us to remember That you love all your children; That all religions are a response to you; That all hearts yearn alike. Help us to be faithful neighbours, and faithful to our vision of You. Be among us in our time of worship.

Benediction

Jesus’ promise never fades: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Go now in peace to love and serve the Lord.