Praying for Peace


What does it really mean to pray for Peace?


Thursday communion

we prayed for peace.

Peace

between Ukraine and Russia.

But what was I praying for?

A cessation of hostilities?

A coming together?


I have a niggle.

I want Peace 

for these places, 

but………

but I don’t want Putin to win.

If the fighting stops 

won’t it only start again?

and which country next?

How can I just pray for peace?


Doesn’t Justice have to occur at the same time?

And what does Justice look like?

A withdrawal of Russian forces back to where?

two years ago ?

or back to 2014 ?


So easy in worship

to use the words 

we pray for Peace.


The killing is terrible

children, women and men.


The destruction of homes.


The desolation of the 

environment.


Stop dropping your bombs 

and firing your missiles.


Its wicked and its wrong

full stop.


But there won’t be peace 

unless there is justice.


So what does justice look like

for Ukraine?

Or dare

I imagine for Russia.


How about if you are

a Palestinian

Israeli

Sudanese

Syrian

or live in Myanmar?


I pray

that the leaders

who inflict such violence

in these places

for their own ends

power

wealth,

are pulled down from their thrones

and people

of integrity

humility

and mercy

are raised up.


Oh God 

How long O Lord

till you answer me.


© Mark Goodhand 26th May 2024

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