Prayers Before the Impending War in Iraq
Writer: Rev. Max B. Surjadinata, New York, NY
Almighty and most gracious God,
You have created us for life together.
We confess that all too often,
we have only thought of ourselves
as being the center of the world.
All too often, we have thought of ourselves as
above and beyond other nations,
and that we are the center and source
of peace and freedom in the world.
From arrogance and pride,
from thinking of ourselves
as better than others and other nations,
Forgive us, O God.
From being quick to lift up arms.
because we have been attacked,
and feeling insecure,
Forgive us, O God.
In these days when, as a nation,
we seem determined to go to war alone,
or with only few allies,
and ignore the United Nations Security Council
or the counsel of other nations,
Restrain us, O God.
Help us once more,
to learn to trust in you alone.
Help us, once more,
to act in a manner that exhibits true greatness,
that is found in right relations, right dealings,
just acts and compassionate dealings,
as you have truly demonstrated to us how to live,
in the manner of Jesus Christ,
our suffering Savior and Redeemer,
in whose name we now so fervently ask and pray. Amen.
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