A Poem of Lament - WAR

Plaster

broken, cracked

Wood

rotten, splintered

Water

flows green down the walls as I sleep

Not sleep

Awake

Waiting

Fearing

Listening

I tuck my child into me

and wipe dirt from his chin

protect his ears from one more blast

How long, Oh Lord?

Metal

twisted, hard

Wire

Split, Frayed

Grass

disintegrates as I walk

Not walk

Hide

Waiting

Fearing

Listening

I gather my child to my side

and smooth my hand on her hair

protect her body from one more man

How long, Oh Lord?

Friends

dead, gone

Family

murdered, lost

Earth

holding those as I love

Not loved

Tortured

Waiting

Fearing

Listening

I gather my love to my chest

and trace the lines on his cheek

protect my only photo from decay

How long, Oh Lord?

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Jesus, we cry out to you in fear and disbelief, begging for your mercy on countries torn apart by war.

We pray for the people. Those hiding, those fighting, those grieving, those helping, those working. We pray for comfort and healing and safety and courage.

We pray for the leaders. Those who are not serving their people, but instead oppressing, causing lasting pain and injustice. We pray that you would intervene, that their hearts might be changed, that they would be called to account for their vile actions.

And, Lord, for those of us safe in our homes in peaceful countries, I ask for your wisdom. Please show us how to advocate for those living in war-torn countries. Please show us how to speak on behalf of those who have no voice. Please break our hearts for our brothers and sisters around the world who need care and support. Please show us how to be your instruments of peace.

How long, Oh Lord?

We pray that the peace that passes all understanding will descend upon this earth.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen