Prayer

Continued Prayer & Action for Peace in Pakistan

by Jim McGinnis, inspired by his new book

As we continue to pray and act for peace around the globe this week, especially as the plight of Pakistani refugees from the Swat Valley continues to be desperate, please consider forwarding this weekly prayer & action request to your networks.

Insight on Pakistani refugees. Kathy Kelly's articles and photos from the delegation of Voices for Creative Nonviolence to the refugee camps for almost 2 million displaced Pakistanis from the Swat Valley continue to touch us and call us to prayer and sacrificial acts of solidarity. Read the articles and print some of the photos to focus our hearts and minds prayerfully on these millions of our sisters and brothers.

How quickly and effectively the government of Pakistan and the international community respond to this growing crisis will determine in large measure whether the number of Taliban and other extremists increases or decreases. It is here where the struggle for hearts and minds is being waged. Let us add our own hearts and minds to the struggle for justice and peace.

Prayer for Peace in Pakistan. We continue to use the prayer of Rev. Riaz Mubarak from the Diocese of Peshawar in the North West Province Territories (pp. 39-40) in PRAYING FOR PEACE AROUND THE GLOBE.

Dear God, we live in a time and season where there is much hatred and unrest. Where there is extremism, bring moderation and balance; where there is terrorism bring peace and reason; where there is religious traditionalism, bring a broader understanding and tolerance of other views; where there is economic pressures, bring relief and supply for people's basic needs; open the storehouse of your wealth and the hands of those who are hoarding your riches that they might be more evenly distributed; guide the hearts of our people and give them strength to resist the temptations of the evil one - to lie, to steel, to hate, to murder, and to kill by suicide bombings. Instead give them a resolve to resist the evil one. We pray that You build up your people on the foundation of Your son Jesus Christ and be their shield and hope. We pray for stability on every level, all this we pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Action for Aid to Pakistani Refugees. Besides urging our own government to take the lead in raising the $532 million needed by the UN for health care and other emergency needs, we can directly support the efforts of Doctors Without Borders and Catholic Relief Services.

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