A Prayer for the World ……by Ron Bichan
A photo in the news this week
of a small child being carried dead from the surf
has haunted the world –
a living reproach upon how some
conduct themselves towards others.
A prolonged cry for action
to deal with refugees has been sounded.
Something has to be done,
by someone, somewhere.
Creator God, see our concern
and send forth your light
through lives such as ours.
People are gathering in other places
(from all over the place).
… driven by wars, by poverty,
by pollution of their space,
by fear of their neighbours,
by climate changing
where they have lived for ages passed.
Loving God, we cry out on their behalf,
send forth your light and your truth,
through lives such as ours.
People are searching for work, for a safe home,
for space free from violence for their loved ones,
for someone who will care in a careless world.
God of peace, let Jesus be found sowing his peace.
send forth your light and your truth
through lives such as ours.
In the faces of so many we see written
the dangers they have passed through,
The privations they have experienced,
and the evil they have suffered.
God grant that somewhere on this earth
there may be new life for them.
Send forth your light and your truth
Through lives such as ours.
These faces may haunt us for a while,
But what next, O God?
Will our response condemn us also?
Will there be some who can open their lives
to the ones who stumble along life’s way?
God grant that there will be an inn
to shelter them,
A kindly heart to welcome them,
open hands to offer sustenance,
healing and mercy
from whatever wrong has been done.
Send forth your light and your truth,
Through lives such as ours.
Ron Bichan