Prayer

Prayer & Action for Peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan

by Jim McGinnis, inspired by his new book

As we continue to pray and act for peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan, please consider forwarding this weekly prayer & action request to your networks.

Putting the New York Times together with my PRAYING FOR PEACE AROUND THE GLOBE book continues to be a blessing. I was touched by an article on May 15 - "Afghan Villagers Describe Chaos of U.S. Strikes." The pictures are especially helpful for focusing our prayer. Notice the contrast in emotions on the faces of the mother and child on the second photo - an icon of the realities of this war.

Abdul Malik Mujahid wrote two other excellent articles (one describing the situation in Afghanistan, the other article discussing Pakistan) deepened my awareness and led me to prayer and action. Read them on Voices for Creative Nonviolence.

Then go to this prayer from "Praying for Peace in Afghanistan" (p. 84 in the book) and the action suggestions that follow.

Prayer of Petition. Jesus, Prince of Peace, bring the fullness of your peace to the people of Afghanistan as they continue to struggle with poverty and war and all its devastating consequences, especially for women and children. Touch the hearts and minds of political leaders in the U.S., Afghanistan, and at the United Nations to find alternatives to violence to end a war that continues to drag on. Help us to be among the instruments of your peace in Afghanistan and in our own families and communities.

Action. Consider supporting the work of Women for Women International in Afghanistan. For deeper insight and inspiration, see the "Annotated List of Films and Videos" on the Praying for Peace website Consider the advocacy and solidarity suggestions of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows and reaching out to wounded veterans through Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Order a copy of Praying for Peace Around the Globe online, email jimppjn@aol.com or call 1-800-833-0245.

Thanks for caring,

Jim