I like my sister Alabamian Carmen Andres, who I have a lot of respect for her writings, have wondered; where are the church's response, pastoral message for the Mid East conflict. I guess it took them sometime to figure out what was going on, what to say, and then get approval to say it. Not sure.
But today, I found this at my denomination's (United Methodist) website: Mission Leader calls for Peace in the Mid East . It also includes the full text of his statement.
Here are some scriptures and a prayer to accompany this blog peace (piece) :
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;he [God] utters his voice, the earth melts.The LORD of hosts is with us;the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Psalm 46:6-7, NRSV)
Our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12, NRSV)
Pursue peace with everyone. . . . See to it . . .that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble. (Hebrews 12:14-15, NRSV)
For Peace for Those Intoxicated with War
God of peace;
God of shalom;
God of salaam:
Save us from intoxication with war.
Turn down the media's frenzy and
unquestioning assumption that war will come.
Pull all peoples back from unstable international policy.
Deliver the nations from going out of control as the solution to conflict.
Bring us to sobriety of spirit.
Turn our hearts to peacemaking.
Give wisdom and light to our leaders as they choose the way to peace,
in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Daniel Benedict
February 1, 2003
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (John 14:27, NRSV) Jesus I know you said these words so long ago, that you leave us with your peace, but I am still trying to understand what your peace is. I pray for your peace in this world that has turned so hostile, and violent. I pray for your peace in the Mid East that once again has turned weapons of war to control. I pray for peace in Iraq for those who have turned on each other, and use sucide as an answer. I pray for you peace for the countries who build up their numclear weapons at the cost of their own peopls. I pray for your peace for the world leaders including my own, that often themselves try to bring about peace throught military intervention. I pray for your peace for families torn apart by strife and hatred. I pray for your peace in all our lives. Lord. Amen
2 comments:
Abi, thank for these thoughts. The UCC has yet to make a statement, which is surprising. I find the violence sickening and heart-wrenching. I hope you have a great mental health day!
i too thank you for this (and for your personal kind and encouraging words; the feeling is mutual, believe me). what a gift to give people, the words to pray and meditate on during such a time as this. it can be so overwhelming. your congregation is blessed to have you--as is the blogging community! blessings.
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