Blessing of the three oil lamps sent to Iraq

Background: Daryl Byler, MCC Washington Office Director, visited Iraq May 17-27. Daryl presented three oil lamps with the Mennonite Church logo to leaders of Orthodox and Evangelical churches. This gift will remind Christians of Iraq that Mennonites in the United States and Canada are praying for them, often. Eighth Street Mennonite Church, Goshen IN, dedicated the lamps May 12, 2002.

Darkness has fallen between the people of North America and the people of Iraq.
Wars and rumors of wars threaten our kinship.
Suspicion and mistrust haunt us.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

God is the light of all nations.
God makes wars cease to the end of the earth.
God breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, saying
"Be still, and know that I am God!"
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

As reflections of God's light, we choose to love, for
Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light.
Over the past years, our love has sent food, and medical and educational supplies to the people of Iraq
And the people of Iraq have time and again received us with gracious hospitality.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Today we dedicate these lamps as a flaming symbol of our choice for light and love,
And in the tomorrows to come, we will continue to light candles to symbolize our decision to reflect God's love and to pray unceasingly.
We hold our Iraqi sisters and brothers, the leaders of our governments, and ourselves in prayer before our God of justice and peace.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

May the burning of this lamp, and the prayers of our hearts, be pleasing to God
As God calls us to be people of light, of hope, of resurrection.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Mennonite Church congregations will be invited to dedicate their own lamp (and candles for home use) using this prayer, and light it each Sunday as they pray for peace between our nations.