A Prayer for Peace

The "Mother of All Bombs" is the nickname for the bomb the U.S. dropped Thursday on Afghanistan, but our guests in Kabul say civilians there are asking if any mother would conduct such an attack. -Democracy Now, April 14, 2017 

The Urban Way of the Cross in Albuquerque on Good Friday 2017 began with a prayer for peace. This was a last-minute addition--a response to the U.S. government's decision to deploy the the most powerful non-nuclear bomb ever released in the history of the world in in Nangarhar Province in Afghanistan.

Larry Gallegos and Anne Hanke led the congregation in singing The Prayer of St. Francis. Rev. Susan Allison-Hatch then followed with a prayer.

The prophet Jeremiah writes about the leaders of Israel, “They heal the brokenness of the daughter of My people superficially, Saying,'Peace, peace,' But there is no peace. 12"Were they ashamed because of the abomination they had done? They certainly were not ashamed, and they did not know how to blush”

"Jesus, we stand with you at the Cross and we remember the victims of those who knew not how to blush. Forgive us for our complicity in acts of terror, for the moments we kept silent, for the time we turned away, for the times we turned away from the pain our silence enabled. Embolden us to speak out against the injustices done in our name: bombs dropped, refugees turned back, aid programs cut. Comfort those who mourn, surround those whom  fear now stalks with your tender love, strengthen our resolve to work for justice, to live with kindness, and to strive for peace as we follow you through this day and every day. Keep us ever mindful of your faithfulness and open our eyes to see your mercies which are indeed new every morning."