In light of all that is going on in regards to Syria, I find hope in this prayer…”O Lord, deliver us.”
“From self-righteousness that will not compromise, and from selfishness that gains by the oppression of others. O Lord, deliver us. From the lust for money or power that drives to kill, O Lord, deliver us. From trusting in the weapons of war, and mistrusting the councils of peace, O Lord, deliver us. From hearing, believing, and speaking lies about other nations, O Lord, deliver us. From suspicions and fears that stand in the way of reconciliation, O Lord, deliver us. From words and deeds that encourage discord, prejudice, and hatred; from everything that prevents us from fulfilling your promise of peace, O Lord, deliver us. Amen.” (Prayer for Peace with Justice Sunday, from theĀ United Methodist Book of Worship, page 428)
One day, we will “study war no more.”