The two wars that are raging close to home – the Ukrainian War and the Israeli-Palestinian War have left many people bereft. Both conflicts are heartbreaking. Tonight I will pray for peace with my prayer group. I have been asked to read this prayer, but I am also aware that when we pray together in silence something powerful and mysterious occurs that appears to transcend time itself.
My last two prayers both explore peace and silence in different ways.
Peace Prayer: October 2023
The loving peace of silence speaks to us it reminds us of the cacophony of war the endless thunder of bombardment then silence two faces of humanity
In the theatre of war silence heralds the quiet before the shrieking storm
In the theatre of war silence offers respite or maybe curtains
Together you and I stand in another place we stare into the landscape the ugly drama is remembered the horror of conflict is distant yet close to our beating hearts
Together we pray in silence asking for the conflict to end
Let us pray in peace for peace let us pray for the conflict to end let us pray for understanding let us pray for compassion let us pray for love
Having lived through a number of wars in my lifetime, I have come to realise that holding views on the rights and wrongs of any conflict is almost pointless, unless one is directly involved in the war itself. And yet I find it impossible not to hold views. I like to think I understand what is right and what is wrong, but so many others think the same way, and it doesn’t heal conflict. Today the war in Israel involves members of our community, in this City, who will hold opposing views. For this reason I am hoping that if we hold a vigil, it may be possible to have a silent vigil, so that we may all share prayers of peace… just peace. This prayer is simply a peace prayer, that may be read, and felt and expressed in silence.
Silent Peace Prayer
We ask for peace In silence Though our hearts may be full
We pray for understanding Acceptance, forgiveness So that the conflict may end
There will be a day When the scars of the past Fade and disappear
Time offers insight Insight unlocks compassion Knowing this We contemplate The perfection of peace So that all lives May exist and flourish In harmony
We ask for peace In silence Giving thanks
And though we pray in silence Let our prayers be heard By the forces of love… Love beyond understanding Amen