God, save the children tonight.
Save them from empty stomachs and hunger pangs.
Preserve them from beatings and harsh words.
Protect them from bullets and bombs.
Shield them from sexual abuse.
Guard them from pain and disease.
Shelter them from anger and discord.
In their innocence, grant them peace.
God saves the children tonight.
Saves them when someone sends food for body and soul.
Preserves them when a neighbour intervenes.
Protects them with peacemakers who make peace.
Shields them with caregivers who find safe places.
Guards them through workers who provide clean water and vaccinations.
Shelters them through protectors of the rights of the innocent.
The wide scope of God’s providence
brings salvation to the children
in the actions of all who work for peace tonight.
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.