Chorlton Central Church

Listen to the words of Jesus:
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

…..for the times when fear and ignorance have festered
for the hatred that breeds prejudice
for the prejudice that incites violence …..

Merciful God, forgive us, for we do not know what we are doing.

….. for misinterpreted religious beliefs
for misplaced patriotism
when stones are thrown at little schoolchildren
when major acts of terrorism are committed
and we succumb to the downward, destructive spiral of retaliation …..

Merciful God, forgive us, for we do not know what we are doing.

Listen to the words of women in Afghanistan:
"We stand with the rest of the world in expressing our sorrow and condemnation for barbaric acts of violence and terror. But indiscriminate acts on a country that has been facing permanent disasters for more than 20 years will not be a matter of pride. Attacking Afghanistan and killing its most ruined and destitute people will not in any way decrease the grief of the American people."

Listen to the words of women in America:
"Many children are now without their father. We have to live with this for the rest of our lives. We do not want anyone else to experience this. Retaliation can only bring more grief and suffering."

Listen again to the words of Jesus:
"Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does."

They are truly blessed
who refuse to repay violence with violence
who would turn the other cheek
who would drop food instead of bombs
whose hands are open to give and to receive
who work for justice
who believe that the ultimate sacrifice has been made, once and for all
who would always look for non-violent ways to resolve conflict.

Merciful God, you have offered us forgiveness.
We have heard your word in the voices of others.
We know what we must do to bring peace.
Give us courage to accept your forgiveness
to respond to your word
and to travel along the paths of peace.

Revd Sarah Brewerton November 2008

Prayers from this page may be freely used in Christian worship, so long as:

- you acknowledge the author's copyright in any printed order of service as follows;
'copyright © author's name; used by permission'; and
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revised 30 Nov 2008