Light a candle, as a visible sign of the light of Christ, who is the light of the

world.

Take a deep breath. Feel the breath of God that has given you life.

Centre yourself and pray…

Borders, barricades, bewilderment…

When the bargaining begins,

God please protect peace.

Sanctions, security measured in minutes and it’s scary…

When safety scatters,

God please protect peace.

War dresses up in peace-keeper’s clothes,

Troops amass, the ground trembles and so do people…

When the future feels fragile,

God please protect peace.

The littlest, the least likely to have a say,

Those whose lives are sanctioned and bargained over –

Violence always finds them first.

And the ‘Oh so important political manoeuvres’ mean nothing to them.

They just want to live.

When the winners want to wipe them out of the way,

God please protect peace.

We will not turn away.  We will stand together –

God give us the strength to protect peace.

Amen

(Sally Foster Fulton)