The sun was sinking low behind Saltaire's church as I walked past. Along the drive, white bunting danced in the strong breeze. It's not usually decked with bunting unless there is a fair or a special occasion, but I think it may be linked to the poster by the gate that encourages us to be 'Praying for Peace'. There is so much war and unrest, in Europe, the Middle East and beyond, with few signs that peace may be achieved in the near future. Prayer feels like the only thing most of us can do in the face of all the aggression.
O God of all hope and peace, we bring to you the needs of our broken and hurting world.
Our hearts are breaking with images of lives lost and torn apart by grief
in Ukraine, in Israel, in Palestine and Gaza, in Iran and in so many other places.
We pray for an end to violence and warfare so that the challenging work of rebuilding may begin.
Help us, O Lord, to affirm our common humanity
so that in our differences we may build together for justice and peace.
In Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
(The Church of England - Prayers for Peace and Hope)
Amen to that, Jenny.
ReplyDeleteThe first photo has something magical about it.
Prayer flags from Tibet fly in the wind, scattering the prayers themselves out to the wilds of the air. May those prayers land forcefully upon those who make the decisions about war.
ReplyDeleteThe world feels like there is such chaos.
ReplyDeleteAmen to the prayer. I think these two photos make a good contrast, the first one with a rather threatening sky and strong winds blowing - and the one with the "praying for peace" sign, looking much calmer...
ReplyDelete