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The war in Iraq continues without a clear end in sight. We feel helpless to do anything meaningful about it. But we can pray, as our Father in heaven has commanded us to do, putting our concerns, our fears and our hopes before Him. Members of Bethlehem have joined together in the Prayers for Iraq group to develop prayer requests like those below for use by individuals and small groups.

Will you join us in prayer?

Prayers for the American troops:
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for hearing our cry and for walking with our people in the military: Christopher, Adam, John, Thom, Jessica, Glen, Shannon, Benjamin, Wesley, Bryan, Bruce, Jake and Pierce and all others serving abroad and at home. In your name we pray. Amen.

Prayers for a Peaceful Resolution to the Iraq conflict:
Dear God, we lament the suffering and violence in Iraq. We mourn the 4,000 Americans and 80,000 Iraqis who have died, the unknown numbers of both 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 God, we ask your blessings for the Iraqi police and security forces who are charged with the overwhelming task of establishing and maintaining stability in a war-torn land. We pray for their safety, that they be protected from terrorist bombings, kidnappings and murder. Help our American forces to teach them the skills they need to protect and to serve their people, their homes and their nation's security. We pray in your name. Amen.

Prayers for the American people:
We confess to you, Creator of us all, that we are overwhelmed by the immensity of the Iraq situation. We have no capacity to see how your will might be done, yet we look to you for solutions beyond our imaginations. We ask your blessings as we pray for guidance, for transformation of hearts and minds that will bring about peace and your perfect will. 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

This Summer you are invited to join Bethlehem's sailing ministry on the beautiful waters of Lake Superior's Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.