Pray for Peace

There's an old saying that you should pray with a bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other. Last Sunday, the themes of the readings happened to coincide with the headlines:

You have heard that it was said,

You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.

But I say to you, love your enemies

and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5: 43-44)

Middle East and North Africa Erupt Against Dictators

Future of Egyptian Government Uncertain

Extremist Reaction Feared After Uprising

So at Mass we sang this prayer, a litany for peace:

Give Peace in Our Time, O Lord

by Martin Foster

Give peace in our time, O Lord,

in our hearts, in our homes,

in our land, in our world.

Give peace in our time, O Lord.

1. May the Church proclaim your gospel

(Give peace in our time, O Lord.)

to the poor and the oppressed:

2. For nations torn by conflict,

(Give peace in our time, O Lord.)

for countries broken by hatred:

3. For people starving for food,

(Give peace in our time, O Lord.)

for people thirsting for life:

4. For all scarred by abuse,

(Give peace in our time, O Lord.)

for all hurt by addiction:

5. For all waiting for news,

(Give peace in our time, O Lord.)

for all burdened by sin:

6. In the light of your resurrection,

(Give peace in our time, O Lord.)

in the hope of each new day:

Let's pray for peace in the world, and strive for peace in our homes and community.