A Prayer After the Bombing of Iran and Retaliation

Rev. Lisa Degrenia

Jesus, we hunger for an end to evil, injustice, and oppression. We thirst for peace across your world. We lament another war and the death and destruction it brings. We pray it won’t escalate.

Grant leaders wisdom and a desire for change through other means. Remind them that their choices affect real human beings for generations to come. Protect civilians caught in the midst of conflict.

Protect those who serve their country on land and sea, and the families who watch and wait at home. Be their strength, their rock, their refuge. Guard veterans and their families who understand the deep cost of war, especially those who are triggered by recent actions.

Jesus, we claim your promises:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for right relationship, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6)

Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9) Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Jesus, we claim your promise that a day is coming when we will war no more. (Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3) May that day come quickly. Amen.