Pray for Peace

Dear Siblings in Christ,

In the last days we have celebrated the birth of Christ, the Prince of Peace, the one who said “Blessed are the peacemakers,” and who urged us to love our enemies. And we have watched with increasing anxiety and fear the escalation of tensions and violence between the United States and Iran. Like many of you, I am horrified, fearful, and anxious. Like many of you, I hate what is happening but feel helpless, unsure what, if anything, I can do.

As you know, there are no easy answers, no quick fixes. You and I cannot push a magic button and stop what is happening in Washington and in the Middle East. But we can do what Christians have done for centuries in times of war and fear. We can pray. Pray for peace. Pray for our leaders to act with wisdom. Pray for our troops and all who are placed in harm’s way. Pray for the people of Iran. Pray to be channels of peace in our own lives and for the courage to stand firm in our faith. And we can act—act by making sure those who represent us in government know that we, as people of faith, are opposed to violence and that we recognize the emptiness and futility of war.

It is in times like this that I am particularly grateful for the community of faith that is St. Peter’s. A place we can gather and share our feelings of anxiety and vulnerability, where we can receive strength from each other, and, most importantly, where we can pray to and receive strength and comfort from the God of Love and Prince of Peace.

In Christ,
Claire+