Nick Fawcett (devotional and reflective writer)

Lord God,
what words can we find to pray for the people of the Middle East,
broken and divided as they are by such hatred,
such suspicion,
such violence?
We think of the thousands of innocents who have been slaughtered in recent months,
caught up in the divided history,
and corresponding tensions,
that rack that region.
We think of the families of loved ones killed:
parents,
children,
wives,
husbands –
these and so many more.
We think of the thousands more maimed or injured,
shattered in body, mind or spirit;
of those whose homes have been destroyed;
those fleeing as refugees;
those for whom there suddenly seems no future.
Reach out to those experiencing such immeasurable suffering,
and grant that somehow there might be dialogue between warring parties,
negotiation,
justice,
peace.
Where we can see no prospect of an end to discord,
to slaughter,
to confrontation,
work to bring harmony,
respect,
understanding:
a fresh chapter;
a new beginning.
Amen.