Litany for Hiroshima and Nagasaki Memorial Sunday

L:	As we gather together this morning, we remember 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 in 1945.
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 the world around 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.

Susan Mark Landis, 1986

Credits: Gerald Schlabach, Jim Wallace, Joyce Hollyday, Mobi Ho.

Nuclear weapons are a prominent feature in current news stories as negotiations with Iran and North Korea continue. In 2008, the Bush administration once again tried for funding to develop new “reliable replacement warheads” - but again Congress zeroed out the request. This August, remember the only times that nuclear weapons have been used in war and say "never again."

Additional resources: http://www.faithfulsecurity.org/html/remember_hiroshima_nagasaki.html