“I lift up my eyes to the hills — from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
— Psalm 121:1-2
Dear People of Faith,
This morning, we woke to the terrifying news that in a joint military action the USA and Israel launched an attack on Iran. Since then, Iran began its counterattack. It is too soon for us to know the specifics of death and casualties as a result of this ongoing action. Still, we have seen the tragedy these kinds of actions have wrought on the most vulnerable of non-combatants: children, the sick, and elderly. Our prayers are needed.
As people of faith, our immediate response is to pray. To pray fervently. To pray without ceasing. To pray with friends and family. Beseeching God with all our hearts for deescalation, for peace, and for protection. Some of us have family and friends in the regions affected, for all sorts of reasons including military service.
There are many prayers in the Book of Common Prayer that can support you; we have suggested two, below. And, of course, you can pray using your own heart-felt words.
When the events of the world are at their most dangerous, I am reminded of the witness of Blessed Barbara Harris, “The power behind you is greater than the challenge before you.” When we pray, we go to God who has the power to make the impossible possible.
Grace and peace,
Bishop Hughes
Bishop Hughes also commends to you the letters from the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop, and the Most Rev. Hosam Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem.
Prayer for Peace (BCP p. 815)
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.
Prayer for those in the Armed Forces of our Country (BCP p. 823)
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.
