19/06 • PEACEMAKERS

WE LAMENT:

The air is thick with threats.
War rooms are alive with activity.
Roiling with rage disguised as righteousness.

[SELAH]

This isn't your way, Jesus.
You walked the road to death without lifting your fists.
You wept over Jerusalem, and you weep over us now.
You asked us to love our enemies.

Forgive us, Prince of Peace, for ignoring you.

WE INTERCEDE:

For the leaders of countries:
May they be burdened by the weight of their decisions. Soften what has hardened. Create in them a clean heart and renewed spirit.

For those planning military action:
May they be flooded with compassion that is irrational, unplanned, and of no strategic value.

For people sheltering in fear and families grieving too soon:
May we feel the full weight of their sorrow. God, be their sure rock and foundation.

For those holding reasoned justifications for conflict:
Help us to discern the line between protecting life and justifying harm.

For peacekeepers, humanitarians and those pursuing peace:
We honour the parts of their lives they have given up for the sake of others.

For those who hate what they do not understand:
Surprise them Lord with how irrational  your grace really is, and how deeply it can reach.

For Your Church:
Make us brave enough to resist the momentum of human weakness. Help us to declare your words Jesus: "Blessed are the peacemakers".

[SELAH]

WE CONFESS:

Forgive us Jesus,
For when we choose sides instead of peace.
For when our prayers extend only to our favourite team.
For when we forget your example,
And that you died for your enemies - including us.

WE GO:

We go from this moment,
Remembering that death does not get the final word -
Those words were Yours to say, Jesus.

Instead, we go as people of the resurrection,
Living in Your promise of new life,
New hope for the future,
And peace that can only be found in You.

May we carry that holy burden into this week.

Amen.