Prayers for Peace

I do not make any claims to understand the dynamics of the conflict in the Middle East, all I know is innocent men women and children are dying on all sides. All I have are questions that never seem to be answered. How is this accomplishing anything; bombing each other taking military action, or cutting off the resources for the people in the area? Where is this leading the region? Will anyone win?

In the face of all the wars going on in the area-Iran, Iraq-Afghanistan- Israel- Palestine-Darfur- Congo as well as too many other places to even count, what is being accomplished? Is there anyone who can tell me what good will come from all the conflicts, murder and horror that people are inflicting on others? How does this provide any security for either side? Why do so many have to suffer for what seems to be an endless trail of violence that is fed by hate, greed and history?

As someone to d deeply believes that non-violence is the only way to accomplish peace in the world, I struggle to remember to pray for those inflicting such pain on others. I do pray for the victims, especially the innocent, but those who carry out the bombings, the attacks, the political maneuvering, it’s harder for me to pray for them. I want someone to blame for the suffering of so many, and it would be much easier to fall into the trap of creating “devils” out of certain groups or individuals, but I am reminded that I am to pray for everyone.

Matthew 5:43
The Message (MSG)

"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of
prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created
selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to
nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all
you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you
simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any
run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

Matthew 5:42-44 (in Context) Matthew 5 (Whole Chapter)

So today and every day I will pray for all sides; victims and aggressors, soldiers and politicians, terrorists and freedom fighters, children, women and men caught up in the violence around them. My prayer is for the peaceful resolution of the conflicts, for justice for all people and an end to the greed that spurs humans to engage in war.