Lord, we come before you today with a heavy heart. Our nation is once again at war, and while we may not hear the thunder of bombardment or feel our own lives imperiled, we know that in our world there are those who do–on this day, in this moment. We know war to be a scourge on the human family, brought about by our own deceit, greed, and arrogance; equipped by our own terrible weapons; launched or incited by our own lack of creativity, conviction, and compassion to find some other way.

We repent–not for ourselves alone, but on behalf of your human family. Purge us of the attitudes that give rise to war, free us of the animosities that give license to war, rid us of the callousness that can even abide war as an option in human affairs.

We plead–not for ourselves alone, but on behalf of all those who now directly suffer on either side of the line of battle. We plead not for your blessing on one or the other, but for all these to find in you some source of comfort in the midst of trouble and trauma. We pray for the leaders, that they may move beyond their own biases and interests, to the interest of the human beings at their command and within their reach.

Lord, we recognize that there is evil in our world. It is plain to see. Help us to also see that we ourselves are not fully good, but hold within our own hearts the capacity for ill. Help us as well to see that even in our foe, the capacity for good resides. Give us then humility in our own lives and the ability to see your image in the lives of each of your children.

Now we pray for the courage to believe: to believe in the power of suffering love as exemplified in your son; to believe in the working of the Spirit, who can transform us and our world in ways we cannot yet imagine; to believe in your love for the world–love that extends to the least and the last, to friend and to foe, to combatant and to civilian. May this love yet transform us, and through us your world.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

"Prayer for a time of war" written by David Radcliff, former director of Brethren Witness

---

Write for Life postcards (with photo of Iraqi mother and child) are available for use in communicating concerns about the war to the President. Contact the Brethren Witness office to order quantities of cards (800-323-8039, ext. 228/229; witness_GB@brethren.org).

Download and use photos of Iraqi civilians and others at risk in the current conflict. See billboards that have been created by Brethren for use in their own communities. (Get photos together)

---

A church member in Virginia put it succinctly: "How can we show support for the people of Iraq without supporting what the Iraqi government is doing?" Add to this our commitment to not resorting to violence to attempt to change things, and this states well the quandary many Brethren face as the conflict with Iraq unfolded. How indeed may we help all God's children experience the peace and opportunity everyone deserves, yet use Christ-like means to achieve this goal?

• We must be consistent in our witness for peace with justice and call on governments to do the same. While nations act–or do not act–according to their self-interest, the church has a mandate to care for its neighbors in all situations. Where was the voice of the church when the United States sided with the Iraqi government in its brutal war with Iran, even giving aid to Iraqi programs to develop agents of "mass destruction?" Where are places in today's world where the health and future of the people is at risk and their well-being might be enhanced by persistent voices from the religious community? Wars raging in Columbia, the West Bank, Sudan, and Chechnya come to mind. Jesus stood by the outcast and pushed down of his time when it was not politically correct to do so–indeed, this is what eventually brought down upon him the wrath of the leaders of his time. How are we standing by the oppressed of our day, including calling for national policies that are consistent in their respect for human dignity?
  
  
• We can work through trusted partners to reach out to disenfranchised populations. Government aid or aid given to governments is often subverted for political purposes. Aid given through church agencies or other non-profits is more efficient in being delivered to the people who need it in a form they can best use it. The Church of the Brethren has used these channels in supporting health and community development projects in Iraq.
  
  
• We can find ways to stand by persecuted people. While delegations or long-term presence may not change the political equation or stop military attacks, it can give our neighbors hope as they see they are not alone in their struggle. Brethren and others have taken on this role in the current conflict, and must continue to do so wherever this is needed around God's earth.
  
  
• We can pray. It is imperative to bring to bear spiritual power on what are at heart spiritual concerns of misplaced loyalties and obsession with material security. Our prayers must start with ourselves, and the things within us that contribute to a world of conflict and oppression. We pray for our neighbors, which in biblical terms includes those called "enemies." We pray for soldiers and civilians on all sides. We pray for courage and faith to believe that taking up the cross is ultimately more powerful than taking up the sword.

In these and other ways, people of faith can help avoid those times in world affairs where the remaining options seem to be "fight or flight." This more assertive and sustained approach of sharing the good news of Jesus' way of peace and of God's love for all is part of what the Christian community has to contribute toward creating a peaceful and secure world for all God's children.

The Church of the Brethren has reached out to the people of Iraq in the recent past through grants to support health programs and community development needs. Both of these designated funds of the denomination will be alert to opportunities to work through partners to meet needs that are certain to emerge from the current conflict. Donations to either fund will be needed and appreciated.

"The people want peace; indeed, I believe they want peace so badly that the governments will just have to step aside and let them have it."

—Dwight Eisenhower

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

—Mother Teresa