A Liturgy from Praying the News
When Conflict Escalates
“With God are wisdom and might;he has counsel and understanding.If he tears down, none can rebuild;if he shuts a man in, none can open…He looses the bonds of kingsand binds a waistcloth on their hips…He pours contempt on princesand loosens the belt of the strong…He makes nations great, and he destroys them;he enlarges nations, and leads them away.He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earthand makes them wander in a trackless waste.”
Job 12:13–24 (ESV)
God of Wisdom and Might,the chaos of our sin sickness is splinteringacross your good world,threatening order and peace and goodness and beauty.The cities we’ve built as paragons of human achievementhave become epicenters of tension and turmoil.The skies and seas we’ve explored, charted, and claimedhave become passagewaysfor missiles, drones, destroyers, and death.The border lines we’ve drawn across your creationhave become places of contention and violence.
As provocations threaten to spiral into chaos,we cling to you, Our Fortress and Hiding Place.We are waiting for you to bring your reign of peace.
Grant wisdom, creativity, and humility to world leadersseeking deescalation.Comfort with eternal hope those who mournlosses of loved ones, livelihood, home, prospects.Provide daily bread for the vulnerableswept up in swirling hostilities.And establish your church as a lighthouseof peace and hope shining into the storm.May the unity among believerson opposite sides of enemy linesdemonstrate the supernatural powerof your reconciling gospel;and may our good works push forward gentleness and harmonyin a world that values power and victory.
As provocations threaten to spiral into chaos,we cling to you, Our Fortress and Hiding Place.Strengthen us to extend your mercy boldlywhile we wait for you to bring your reign of peace.
On that day, we’ll celebrate the healing of the nations,free from the suspicions and hostility that divide us.The peoples will gather in innumerable multitudesto sing the praises of the Prince of Peace.And the humble will inherit a harmonious world,reigning alongside its Savior forever.
You are so patient to delay that day—longing for, invitingeach soul in the throng to turn to youfrom every corner of our splintered world.You are so patient to endure our power struggles and strife,gently cultivating the fruit of peaceeven in the thorniest lands.
Make us new while we wait for youto bring your reign of peace.
Amen
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