Prayers for the American troops:
We pray that the 'support our troops' slogan will bring us together in prayer for our troops. Forgive us for using the phrase as a divisive tool. We pray the Holy Spirit will be in the hearts and minds of the troops to comfort them when they are lonely, when they are tired and when they are scared. We especially ask that the Holy Spirit would touch them and turn them to the Lord in prayer. In Jesus name. Amen.
Prayers for a Peaceful Resolution to the Iraq conflict:
Dear God, we lament the suffering and violence in Iraq. We mourn the loss of all who have died, the unknown numbers who are wounded in body and mind, and the millions of Iraqis displaced from their homes. We pray for healing and peace for all involved in this war. Amen.
Prayers for the people of Iraq:
Dear Lord, grant your people in Iraq and the other countries of the Middle East the strength and will to endure lives torn apart by war and conflict and by leaders who are without limits on their power. Give our brothers and sisters in these lands the faith and courage they need to survive and overcome the multitude of challenges they face each day. Amen.
Prayers for the American people:
Loving God, we all are in need of forgiveness and understanding regarding the wars in the Middle East. Wrap your loving arms around your people of all political persuasions that we/they may be moved toward peace and harmony, and toward loving embrace of all those who have given so much on both sides. In our Savior's name. Amen.
Prayers for the Protagonists in Iraq:
We live, O God, in a world of much hatred, much violence, much deception. We are tempted to give in to bitterness, vengeance and cynicism. We are tempted to label and to hate our enemies. Thank you, dear God, for giving us the courage to love our enemies, to change our way of thinking as you would have us do. Today we pray for our enemies. Help them--and us all--to turn to you for inspiration, for understanding and for guidance. Amen.
Prayers for the American government:
We ask, O God, that you guide our nation and its leaders in a clear understanding of the differences between the situation we find ourselves in in Iraq and the larger issue of the conflict between western societies and extremist groups around the world. We ask for understanding on the part of all nations and peoples and their leaders that they might engage in dialogue and diplomacy instead of hatred and violence. Hear our prayer. Amen.
For more information about the Prayers for Iraq group or to share your prayers, please contact Carole Peterson at cpete572@aol.com or Wendy at wosman@bethlehem-church.org