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Litany for Hiroshima and Nagasaki Memorial Sunday

L:As we gather together this morning, we remember the deaths of over 200,000 men, women and children who were killed in the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
P:God, forgive us for wanting to forget, for wanting to ignore the gruesome details of what happened (forty?one) years ago this week.
L:We know much about the consequences of nuclear war;
P:Help us to learn the consequences of peace.
L:Teach us to choose peace where we can,
P:To be aware of the possibilities in each moment to foster peace and compassion.
L:Even small tasks, like changing a diaper or a tire,
P:Preparing a meal or a field,
L:Offer us opportunities to choose peace.
P:As we hope to protect our loved ones from a nuclear war,
L:Let us remember that families world round desire the same,
P:And that our desire for peace is a connection with all mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, aunts and uncles in our global community.
L:Help us to remember that the Holy Spirit will take our work for peace
P:And expand it, multiply it, and move beyond it.
L:When we feel powerless in our combat with nuclear powers, remind us that the power of the Spirit of God is greater than they are,
P:And that prayer is the most powerful source of strength and hope for turning our world around.
L:We are told that delicate lavender and yellow flowers soon grew from the blasted, pounded earth in Hiroshima.
P:Let us also rise from the ashes of remembrance to create beauty in your world.
L:Help us to live by the words of the prophet, Isaiah:
A:"Integrity will give peace, justice will give lasting security, my people will live in a peaceful country."
L:In the name of your messenger of peace, Jesus,
A:Amen.

Ideas from: MCC (Gerald Schlabach?), Jim Wallace, Joyce Hollyday, Mobi Ho, and others.
Susan Mark Landis, 1986