The News Is Terrible: Lighting a Candle for Peace

The news is terrible.
Even though we may not know any of the people involved, we can imagine what it must be like.

To live in fear. To live wondering if you are next. To wonder if you have anything left of home, family, neighbourhood, or livelihood.
Peace is a dream. Peace is a necessity.

First, hostilities must cease. Then understanding and mutual respect must develop.
We pray for true peace to come to all the lands and all the peoples God loves.

May this light remind us of the God of peace.
May it call to us: “Be a people of peace.”

Let us pray:

In a world torn apart by bombs and hunger,
we pray for peace, O God.

In a world of shadows and fear,
we light a candle to show us the way.

In a world of competing ideologies,
we invite the light of Christ to guide us on the way.

When the world sings the songs of consumerism and militarism,
may the light of this candle remind us of a different tune and sing to us of a new way.

Shine on, light of Christ.
Show us your life-giving way. Amen.

Beth W Johnston, Bridging Waters P.C., Nipawin, Sask.