Prayers for Lent 2007
Week Two

Litany based on Bishops statement

We pray that the Iraqi people will soon experience real security, freedom from, kidnappings, wanton killings and all forms of terrorism:

We pray that economic reconstruction will create employment and opportunity for Iraq:

We pray that the developing government of Iraq will advance stability, political participation and respect for religious freedom and basic human rights:

We pray for a just solution for other conflicts in the region, especially between Israelis and Palestinians:

We pray for an end to the deadly sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia:

We give thanks for the courage of the many Christians who choose to remain in the land of their birth and work toward a better future. We pray for Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq, that their rights and safety be protected:

We pray for the safety of the many men and women serving generously in the U.S. military and give thanks for the many heroic sacrifices they have made on behalf of the Iraqi people.

We pray for military chaplains and ask God’s continued blessing on their extraordinary ministry:

We pray with and for all families who have lost loved ones in this ongoing conflict, whether they be citizens of the United States or of Iraq or of other countries involved:

We pray for leaders of governments, especially our own, that they may have the wisdom and courage needed to take steps along the difficult path toward a responsible transition that helps Iraqis build a better future:

Eternal God, Creator of the universe, there is no God but You.
Great and wonderful are your works, wondrous are your ways.
Thank You for the many splendored variety of your creation.
Thank You for the many ways we affirm your presence and purpose,
and the freedom to do so.
Forgive our violation of your creation.
Forgive our violence toward each other.
We stand in awe and gratitude for your persistent love
for each and all of your children:
Christian, Jew, Muslim,
as well as those with other faiths.
Grant to all and our leaders attributes of the strong;
mutual respect in words and deed,
restraint in the exercise of power, and
the will for peace with justice, for all.
Eternal God, Creator of the universe, there is no God but you. Amen.

(This prayer authored by Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy was used in many places in inter-religious worships around the time of the Gulf War in 1991.)