Prayers for Families in a Time of War

Prayer for Those Who Wait at Home

O God of peace, calm us,
who wait and watch,
as events beyond our power and understanding unfold.
Deliver us from fear
that paralyzes our ability to seek faithfully
the ways you would have us be your presence
to our friends, our neighbors, and our children.
Help us to dwell in your presence
one moment at a time
and to know that you are ceaselessly at work
in our lives and in the world,
to bring your reign of peace;
in Jesus' name.
Amen.

Copyright © 2003 Katie Long. Used with permission.

O God, even as we pray for the day
when no one's children will be sacrificed to war,
we pray for the children among us.
Give them, in the midst of the confusion around us,
moments to play and to rejoice in your creation.
Give us calm to comfort their fears.
We include in our prayers those far away
who seek to comfort, feed, and shelter their children
in this time of tension and war.
Give all of us grace to be still,
know that you are God,
and join our children in moments of simple joy
that remind us all that life and love
are your enduring gifts;
in Jesus' name.
Amen.

Copyright © 2003 Katie Long. Used with permission.

The Rev. Katie Long, at the time of this writing, was Associate Pastor for Prayer, Caring, and Adult Discipleship at First United Methodist Church in Grapevine, Texas. Churches and individuals may reprint these prayers for worship or personal use as long as the copyright line is printed along with the words: "Used with permission."