Dear friends, sisters and brothers in Christ
Today we are faced with the devastating news that war has broken out in Europe. I am deeply grieved and saddened that in the region of the European Baptist Federation we are experiencing this kind of conflict and aggression. In the coming days, let us hold fast to the bonds of fellowship that have taken root and flourished over many decades – bonds of faith and friendship that reach across national and social boundaries. Let us not forget the strength of these bonds of fellowship that they offer us a way of living and relating that does not capitulate to violence but offer us a way of peaceable living and provide a basis and means for hope. We pray with our sisters and brothers in Christ that we will be tenacious in holding on to peaceable relations with each other and courageous in standing against injustice.
Here at IBTS we regularly pray for those who are peacemakers and those who are victims of violence and injustice by using the words of a Celtic liturgy. I find these words provide us with a prayerful vocabulary in the face of dark circumstances. I share them with you here.
Peace and strength!
Mike Pears (Director IBTS)
Prayer for Peacemakers
Circle, O God, those who work for peace (you may wish to specifically name people), encircle them with your presence.
Keep wisdom within, keep folly out;
Keep strength within, keep weariness out;
Keep hope within, keep despair out;
Keep light within, keep darkness out.
In the name of the Sacred Three, the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.
For those victims of violence and injustice
Circle, O God, (name people and places), encircle them with your presence.
Keep truth within, keep falsehood out;
Keep compassion within, keep hard-heartedness out;
Keep love within, keep hatred out;
Keep light within, keep darkness out.
In the name of the Sacred Three, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.