Future Sundays with worship, prayer and teaching resources Sundays in Lectionary Year A

 

April 8	April 15	April 22	April 29	May 6	May 13
Second Sunday of Easter	Third Sunday of Easter	Fourth Sunday of Easter	Fifth Sunday of Easter	Sixth Sunday of Easter	Seventh Sunday of Easter

Pray for Syria

I was reading an article this morning on the website of Premier a Christian media broadcaster. It was looking at the situation in Syria following co-ordinated air strikes by the US, UK and France. It reported the statement given at the White House by Mr Trump who said the strikes were in response to the alleged chemical weapons attack in the town of Douma last Saturday - which killed up to 75 people, including children - and how it would send a clear message to his Syrian counterpart Bashar Al-Assad. It went on to report that Mr Trump had called for prayer and said "This evil and despicable act left mothers and fathers and children thrashing in pain and gasping for air. Tonight, I ask all Americans to say a prayer for our noble warriors and our allies as they carry out their missions. We pray that God will bring comfort to those suffering in Syria.” "We pray that God will guide the whole region toward a future of dignity and of peace. And we pray that God will continue to watch over and bless the United States of America."
The article was largely factual but the comments in the discussion which followed caused me concern. For example one person quoted Bob Dylan, ’You don’t count the dead, when God is on your side.’ and added 'If the scum bags had gassed your kids, you wouldn't want to be waiting for a parliamentary vote or a UN resolution.

There will be much discussion as to which side God is on in terms of the actions taken by nations in response to what is occurring in Syria. A statement signed by the president and vice-president of the Methodist Conference, Rev Lorraine Mellor and Jill Baker, says:
'We continue to remember those killed or injured in Douma and their families in our prayers. The use of chemical weapons is deplorable, and it is essential that those responsible are identified and held accountable for their crimes. There is a role for the whole international community to play in bringing justice to this situation.'
However, it continues, 'air strikes on Syria risk further destabilising the situation in the country and escalating the conflict'.
The statement concludes: 'We pray that in this situation national leaders will demonstrate qualities of understanding, perception, creativity and commitment. We ask that any immediate response recognises that ultimately the conflict can only be brought to an end through negotiation with all parties.'

Whatever position we may eventually consider to be the better outcome it is of utmost importance that at the top of our minds is a remembrance of all of the lives which are lost in conflict. Counting the number of each one of the dead is the responsibility of Christians for we are mindful that each and every one of them is a child of God. When Bob Dylan wrote the words to the song he was writing about weapons such as those of 'chemical dust'. The song was an anthemn aganist the futility of war. Those who we have fought and now call our friends, and it concludes with the words, 'If God's on our side, he'll stop the next war.' That is something which each on of us can pray for. Charles Royden

Prayers for Syria

Almighty eternal God, source of all compassion, the promise of your mercy and saving help fills our hearts with hope. Hear the cries of the people of Syria; bring healing to those suffering from the violence, and comfort to those mourning the dead. Empower and encourage Syria’s neighbours in their care and welcome for refugees. Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms, and strengthen the resolve of those committed to peace. Amen

O God of hope and Father of mercy, your Holy Spirit inspires us to look beyond ourselves and our own needs. Inspire leaders to choose peace over violence and to seek reconciliation with enemies. Inspire the Church around the world with compassion for the people of Syria, and fill us with hope for a future of peace built on justice for all. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace and Light of the World,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

We pray for the people of Syria, that God may strengthen the resolve of leaders to end the fighting and choose a future of peace. For people leaving everything behind to flee to safety, for those who have lost loved ones, for lives interrupted, educations stalled and families separated. We thank you for the work of partners, for the hospitality of neighbours, the generosity of strangers, for those who give of themselves to help others, for those who refuse to be silent in the face of injustice. Lord, give the people of Syria hope, for peace and justice to prevail, for there to be new beginnings for all people living in that land, for freedom to replace fear and for there to be a better tomorrow. Lord, bless your people. Amen