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It is always concerning when one nation uses military force against another. The military strikes the United States launched against Iran today certainly fall into that category. Not only in the sense that all military action raises concerns, but also because of the long history of conflict in that region and our nation’s role in many of those conflicts over the last century.
Although we might wish for unambiguous scenarios for which the use of force is necessary, we are rarely presented with such moments. While Christians are a people who follow the Prince of Peace, we also have the capacity to understand when the use of force can prevent greater loss of life or grave evil. Only time may provide the best lens for evaluating the use of force at this time and in this case. There are many who recognize the threat of a nuclear weapon in the hands of Iran’s current leaders, and the brutal way that Iran responds to dissent is appalling, to say the least.
While it is far too soon and far too complicated an issue for us to pass judgment on motivations, I know we want to. Historic and current partisan sentiment might cause us to cheer or condone today’s actions far too easily and quickly. As followers of Jesus, we lament violence and the loss of innocent lives, no matter the particulars. We are called to pray for peace in all situations, even those for which the use of force can be seen as just. Violence and death grieve the heart of God, no matter the reason for it. We do not know what will happen in the days and weeks to come, but we know that we seek the peace that passes all understanding.
As this tense situation continues, we pray for the care and protection of the men and women of our armed forces who are fulfilling their duty, serving when called upon. We also pray for the men and women of Iran who will suffer in the short term after already suffering so much. We pray for leaders and heads of state who are discerning next steps. We pray for nations that will come under attack in retaliatory strikes. In and through all of it, we pray that the Holy Spirit is working towards peace, and that somehow, someday, the peoples of this world will live beyond hatred and enmity.
I know that praying feels like far too little in a moment like this, but I assure you, our prayers shape us and allow the Holy Spirit to work. As individuals, we cannot stop missiles or war planes, but we can make peace part of our lives. We do that by loving our neighbors, loving our enemies, and resisting any invitation to see individuals or groups as other. I know that many of us are glad we do not have to make the kind of life-and-death decisions that those elected to or holding power do, and we pray for God’s wisdom to rule their hearts and guide their actions. In the meantime, we pray. It’s not enough, yet it’s also more than sufficient.
I know many of us have already turned to the prayers of our tradition, so I am including some prayers from the Book of Common Prayer that might be particularly helpful when we don’t know how to pray.
For Peace
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn
but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the
strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that
all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of
Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and
glory, now and for ever. Amen.
For Peace Among the Nations
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the
world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among
them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they
may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen.
For our Enemies
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love
our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth:
deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in
your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For those in the Armed Forces of our Country
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and
keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home
and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly
grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give
them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant
them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For our Country
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our
heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove
ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will.
Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and
pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion;
from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend
our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes
brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue
with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust
the authority of government, that there may be justice and
peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we
may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth.
In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness,
and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail;
all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We
commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided
by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant
to the President of the United States, the Governor of this
State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom
and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the
love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful
of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the
Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
