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?
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
