Entering the Conflict Zone

As peaceful streets begin to feel like war zones,
Jesus hear our prayers.
When we see boots on the ground
and bodies on the street,
we need you.
Amid the weapons and the screams,
as people and even children of colour
are dragged into vans by masked men,
we need you.
When people and even children disappear
into a murky system of detention and deportation
with no access to due process,
we need you.
In the chaos of conflicting political views,
in the onslaught of media messaging,
we need you.
When we are tempted to join the club
of those who close their eyes and ears
to human suffering,
your presence saves us.
It’s crystal clear.
We will stand with the weak
and shield the defenceless,
because these are the little ones
that you gathered in your arms.
We will resist being taken over by hatred,
because your love is infinitely more powerful.
We will pray for everyone;
our politicians, every government employee,
every voter, and democracy itself.
We will pray for those living in terror,
and those families torn apart.
We will pray for the dead and their families.
Our prayers will lead to actions.
Thank you for giving us courage and creativity
and communities of faith
where we can discern the lengths to which
we will love our neighbours as ourselves.
You showed us how to love our neighbour.
Everyone is our neighbour.