Gracious and Healing God,
We hold in our hearts and prayers all troops and military personnel from various nations and all of those who have died since the Iraq War began. We pray for them, their families and friends during the continuing tragedies inherent in war.
O God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We hold in our hearts and prayers the many thousands who have returned from the war with physical and mental injuries. Many of these soldiers and their families are members of our congregations. Enable us to surround them with compassion; help us to be responsive to their needs. Fill us all with your hope.
O God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We hold in our hearts and prayers the hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who have suffered deprivation and death. Give hope, strength and vision to the orphans, widows and other survivors of war and those who care for them. Be with those who are wounded, whose homes have been destroyed, and who have been traumatized.
O God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the leaders of every nation. May they find the wisdom to establish peace and justice everywhere in your creation. God of Grace, hear our cries. We long for an end to the hostilities and sorrow. We long for reconciliation and the power of your peace. We look to the hills for help, knowing it can only come from you.
O God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Prayer from the National Council of Churches, courtesy of the Center of Concern's Education for Justice website.
