A Longing for Peace

The readings from Common Prayer for today give voice to much discontent within my own soul.

Nine years.   Nine years since the 'shock and awe' campaign into Iraq in search of WMDs and the occupation that has since followed.  Over 10 years of the U.S. serving as the world's policeman,  "costing thousands of soldiers' lives, tens of thousands of civilian lives, and billions of US dollars."

As a husband and father, I am also keenly aware that my three sons have never known a day when their own country was not engaged in war.  I wonder what impact this culture of combat will have upon their generation.

For now, my family and I continue to pray for the  wisdom of God to reign upon the world's stage.  As more and more American troops are sent repeatedly through multiple deployments, I fear that  the collateral damage to the collective soul of our nation will soon be beyond measure (if it isn't already).

I find that my heart is in accord with Moses, shouting "let my people go" (Ex. 5:1).

O Lord, our one and only King, by your might, bring them home.  Enough empire building, already.  Lead us in the ways of peace, dear Lamb, for we have proven ourselves incapable of finding it on our own.

Cure thy children's warring madness; bend our pride to thy control...


Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss thy Kingdom's goal....


Prayerfully,

Darren