As I watch the continued news of the bombings in Gaza the rocket fire into Israel these words have been a helpful focus for prayers. If you're interested in other ways of advocating for an end to the violence, click here.

A prayer for peace during a time of war

God whose voice spoke, “Let there be light” (Gen. 1:3) –
Let your overcoming light scatter the violence that darkens Gaza and Israel;
Let your guiding light give wisdom to leaders who seek for peace;
Let your healing light envelop the wounds of war and restore wholeness to body and mind and spirit.

God whose voice is powerful and full of majesty (Ps. 29:4) –
Open our ears to hear your Word;
Open our eyes to see your glory;
Open our hearts to humbly walk in your way of justice and peace.

God whose voice spoke, “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11) –
Make us secure in knowing that we are your dearly loved children;
Make us confident in our calling as your ambassadors of reconciliation;
Make us steadfast in loving others as you have loved us.

God whose Spirit empowers us to speak words of truth (Acts 19:6) –
Give courage to our timid spirits;
Fill us with fresh passion for peace;
Make us bold to stand up for what is just and right and true.

God who separated the light from the darkness, God who called the light good (Gen. 1:4), make us to walk in your light. Be well pleased with all your children. Amen

Prayer by Cynthia and J. Daryl Byler, MCC representatives for Palestine, Jordan, Iraq and Iran. They live in Amman, Jordan, and frequently travel throughout the region. They wrote this prayer for Mennonite Church USA’s weekly “Prayers for Peace.”