"Prayers for Turbulent Times"

Prayers of Intercession:

Gracious God, Creator of all nations, Parent of humankind -
You know the innermost thoughts of our minds and the deepest longings of our hearts.

We are in mourning for all the victims of the war in the Middle East - especially for the innocent lives that have been snuffed out, as well as the lives that are left behind to build from the destruction. Have mercy on all the victims whose way towards recovering from the trauma will be long and challenging.

We are in mourning for the offenders and perpetrators of the war - especially for those who continue to believe that peace can be achieved by violence. Have mercy on them and touch them with your desire for true peace that is grounded in justice.

We pray that you will send agents of good will and courage to Iraq - who will help put an end to the spiral of violence and hatred; and who will help build genuine and lasting peace.

We are also in mourning for the victims of the pneumonia virus that is plaguing Hong Kong and other places. We are in mourning for the victims of depression, panic and anxiety that have affected so many during these difficult times.

Give us the strength and endurance, as well as the humility and patience to put our trust and faith in you. Grant medical experts and scientists the wisdom to understand this disease, its cause and cure; and the leaders of government the wisdom to understand the needs of the people, more than economic profitability and GNP.

We join other churches in praying for Japan, Taiwan, North Korea and South Korea, our close neighbors who also face the problems of peace and security. We pray that their leaders will follow the path towards a more peaceful world rather than a violent and self-destructing world.

Gracious God, Our Holy Friend, and always the Loving Mystery -
We also pray for ourselves - make us instruments of your peace in whatever ways we can do, wherever we are.

[24 Mar.03] The Christian Conference of Asia offers the following prayers in the wake of the war in Iraq:

Prayers during these turbulent times…

(1)

Loving Parent of all humankind,
In the wake of the war being waged against Iraq,
we cannot help but echo the words of the psalmists:

We are terrified, and the terrors of death crush us.
We are gripped by fear and trembling; we are overcome with horror (Psalm 55:4-5).
see violence and riots in the city, surrounding it day and night,
filling it with crime and trouble.
There is destruction everywhere;
The streets are full of oppression and fraud (Psalm 55:10-11).
How much longer, Lord?
How much longer will criminals be proud and boast about their crimes? (Psalm 94:3b-4).

Source of Life, we come to you seeking comfort and strength
at this time when anger and uncertainty assail us.
Help us to find these in You, and in those who work with the hurting and suffering.

Giver of peace, we long for true peace with justice
and security for all your peoples.
Help us to find these in You, and in those who work for justice.

May we realize the work for peace and justice.
And so fulfill the vision of your prophet:
“Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore." (Isaiah 2:3-5)

(2)

Let us pray for all the people involved in the war against Iraq,
including the soldiers from all involved countries
who are like pawns of the power games of government leaders;
the peace-loving people from different countries
who have taken the risk by serving as human shields,
and whose daring message is peace;
the medical teams and other humanitarian groups that provide services to all in need,
regardless of faith, creed, and color;
the women, youth and children who are always the innocent victims,
who are not consulted or considered when leaders simply decide to go to war;
the leaders of governments behind this war – whose agendas are often colored by their political and economic interests rather than the interest and welfare of the people;
the protesting masses of people all over the world who continue to shout and pray for peace with justice.

(3)

Gracious God,
Creator and Re-creator of all peoples,
Sustainer of life and Giver of hope to the afflicted,
Power of the powerless peoples,
We remember your constant care for all humanity, which you created in your own image.
We recall your intervention in the history of humankind whenever the sacredness of your image is threatened or violated.
We are reminded of your dealing with the oppressed and suffering people, bring them their deliverance and hope.

At this time of uncertainty and terror leashed at the people of Iraq,
we come before you seeking your mighty intervention
on behalf of the people whose lives are at risk.
Compassionate God, we know that all life is precious in your sight.
Thus, we pray that you confront the injustices and evil designs of powerful and rich nations engaged in this war that breaches all norms of humanity.
We ask that you empower the people of Iraq and those who suffer due to this war.
We pray that justice, peace, love and harmony will soon come about.
Strengthen the hands of those who constantly work for the affirmation of human rights and the restoration of human dignity.
Help all of us believe and experience that
‘weeping tarry for the night but joy comes in the morning.’

AMEN.