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Prayer & Action for Peace in Afghanistan

 

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

For those who don’t know, on August 13, 2009, Jim McGinnis died suddenly of a heart attack.  His loss is enormous for us here at the Institute for Peace and Justice We are determined to continue his work, including these prayers.  We will be sending them out a little less often than before, especially during this transition. For more information about Jim McGinnis see www.ipj-ppj.org.

 

Prayer & Action for Peace in Afghanistan

 As we continue to pray and act for peace around the globe this week, in solidarity especially with those people suffering from violence in Afghanistan, please consider forwarding this weekly prayer & action request to your networks.  Recently, we’ve seen many stories coming out of Afghanistan.  Danger and destruction are everyday realities there.  Let us also keep in our prayers President Obama and his pending decision on troop levels.

 Stories and Icons For Our Prayers:

  1. The full page prayer “Praying for Peace In Afghanistan” (pp. 83-84) is below.
  2. The NY Times has had several stories recently in relation to Afghanistan.  During this time of year, (October 7this the anniversary of when the US began bombing Afghanistan in 2001) we see the importance of peace and why nonviolence is important.

a. Recent attacks within Afghanistan call for our prayers for those wounded and killed as reported in the New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/world/asia/13afghan.html?scp=4&sq=afghanistan&st=cse

b. Our prayers are also called to those who are displaced by this war.  This link from Sojourners includes a video, which shows the devastation that is currently happening in Afghanistan. http://blog.sojo.net/2009/06/18/rethink-afghanistan/

Prayer for Peace in Afghanistan & for all people & nations

Gracious God, we pray for the people in Afghanistan as they strive to rebuild a country broken by wars, internal strife, economic devastation, natural disasters, poverty, and persecution.  Strengthen them in their efforts find peace and reconciliation. 

Merciful God, we pray for those who suffer from conflict, persecution, poverty, hunger, and fear.  Be with those who feel helpless, those who have fled their homes and arrive in neighboring countries as refugees, and those who strive for peace and reconciliation. 

Gracious God, Afghanistan is a country torn apart at its very roots.  Grant your healing hand upon all people.  God our Creator, you make all people part of your family.  You make all that is good in our lives and fill us with your everlasting love.  Bless us as we learn more about our sisters and brothers in Afghanistan.  Help us to embrace our common blessing in serving you.  Open our eyes to the gifts you give us in each other.  Guide us to build bridges between our nations and our hearts. 

We ask these things in the name of your precious Son, Jesus Christ.

Action Suggestions

  1. Consider supporting the work of Women for Women International in Afghanistan. http://www.womenforwomen.org/global-initiatives-helping-women/help-women-afghanistan.php
  2. Consider the advocacy and solidarity suggestions of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows. http://www.peacefultomorrows.org/
  3. Finally, reach out to wounded veterans through Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

(Prayer and Action Suggestions are from Praying For Peace Around the Globe.)

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

Thank you.