Prayer for Peace

I usually write about the week's upcoming Gospel passage here. But, given the extraordinary events of this last weekend with the death of Osama bin Laden, and the outpouring of so much sentiment, I feel compelled to share with you a prayer instead. So, when and if you read this, please forward it on as you are able and so moved:

O, Lord of all people, of all Creation, hear our prayer this day. Your holy scriptures tell us not to rejoice in the fall of our enemies. But, we confess, dear Lord of Mercy, that it is hard not to do such rejoicing, especially in the face of such wanton evil that rears its head in such a profound, life-altering way as terrorism. We stand small before it, yet strong in you and for this strength we pray, and beg your hearing: Lord give us strenght --
Strength to pray for our enemies, as Jesus commanded us;
Strength to have compassion for those duped into hurting us and themselves, with the lie that it is faithful to your own calling;
Strength to remember those who have fallen protecting us -- those brave and stalwart souls, innocents all -- who gave their lives that others may not be risked; and their families, who have suffered such devastating loss;
Strength to lift our men and women in the armed forces who work so hard to protect us, and to live lives of integrity in the process; for their families, who sacrifice so much;
Strength to have courage to stand for what is right, and good, and loving, and forgiving -- no matter the circumstances;
Strength to hear the calling of Jesus Christ -- to give witness by our very lives to a new reality, the presence of your Reign of Hope and Love, that this never waiver.
Strength to beg forgivness for ourselves, that we may be agents of forgiveness to others;
Strength to pray for our national leadership, no matter our political persuasion;
Strength to serve as we are called to do -- in your name, with no barriers and no reservation.
Amen.