Monday, September 9, 2013
Brian McLaren’s prayer for peace
On his blog for the Progressive Christian Channel at Patheos, Brian McLaren shares with us his prayer about the conflict in Syria and the many concerns related to it. The prayer includes these lines: “We pray for peace, God of peace: not just the cessation of conflict, but a new day of reconciliation, civility, and collaboration for the common good … in the Middle East, and around the world.” Perhaps you will find McLaren’s prayer a helpful guideline for your own prayers.
Related. To further inform your prayers, take some time to watch this video clip about the staggering number of refugees who are leaving Syria to settle in refugee camps in surrounding countries—countries that are showing compassion and a willingness to help but are being overwhelmed by the humanitarian crisis. In the video, NPR correspondent Deborah Amos, who covers the situation in Syria and the refugee camps in neighboring countries, is interviewed by Phil Donahue, guest host for the television program “Moyers & Company.” I think it’s important that we, as Christian feminists, seek understanding of the terrible suffering of so many ordinary people who just want to live their lives— and ask God’s guidance for anything we might be able to do to help. This BBC timeline is helpful in providing the big picture of Syria’s complex history up to the present.
