A prayer in a time of war and violence

A took a prayer that I read from the Center of Education for Justice.  These are the words that are in my heart today:  

In this time of war, conflict, violence and terrorism 

we turn to you, O Lord of Mercy and Compassion. 

We are burdened and frustrated. 

Cries for help come out to you 

from the refugee camps in the Middle East, 

from the war torn neighborhoods of American cities, 

from those places in the world trying to stop terrorism, 

from the police precincts across our nation, 

from the streets where violence is a way of life.  

In a time of violence

we grieve, we pray, and we hope.  

We lift up communities past and present, 

local and global

in the hope that you will inspire us and guide us.   

In a time of violence

let us commit ourselves to the difficult work

of peacemaking, reconciliation and healing

as we honor and acknowledge 

the wounds, the suffering and the pain

of so many of our sisters and brothers.

Through the help of the Holy Spirit, 

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, 

Through our prayers united with the prayers

of the community of saints, 

give us courage and wisdom, 

give us strength and perseverance, 

give us patience and compassion, 

that we work together as brothers and sisters

so that peace and justice may flourish in every land. 

AMEN.