Brave Humans

OK, some background: I go to Sunday school. I’ve never gone to an adult religious education class before, and this group focuses on thinking about and exploring religious issues; it’s not traditional Bible study. Anyway, this Sunday, Dec. 31, we’re all supposed to bring in a message or prayer for peace to usher in the new year. I found the following on a website called “Síocháin in Éirinn” (Peace in Ireland).

For me, the most powerful component of this prayer is not the appeal to my Christian God, but the first five lines of the second verse. I’m not even going to discuss them; I believe the words speak for themselves. Anything I’ve tried to write seems trite, obvious, or redundant in comparison. Instead, I’m going to ask you to think about those five lines in particular, and, if you agree, to put out vibes in whatever way works for you in hopes of making 2007 a safer year for everyone. Obviously, 2006 has been a mess for much of the world:

Loving Father,
Your will is that we should all be of one mind in this land;
God of Peace, bless Ireland and bless those countries
where there is civil strife,
Where neighbour rises up against neighbour,
Where familiar streets become battlefields
And familiar people the casualties.

Change the hearts of all
Who think that their cause
is more important than another person’s life;
Change the politics of those on either side which
create, condone or extend the conflict;
And by the power of the cross
Help all who have been sinned against to forgive
That peace may come
Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.

Be brave. Be human.
Susan