We end our prayer each night with these words:
Protect us, Lord, while we’re awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
I wonder how those words would sound,
what they’d mean and feel like in my soul
if we lived in Israel, in Gaza, in Ukraine?
What kind of protection would we be praying for?
What sleep might we hope to find?
How could we not keep fearful watch
were our homes a target for rockets and bombs?
How could we hope to find peaceful rest
when peace cannot be found?
Whatever our troubles this night, Lord,
no matter how restless our souls,
we need not fear the danger faced
by those who live with war…
Keep us mindful, then, of our blessings, Lord,
and let us never forget
how our brothers and sisters around the world
tremble and fear before the night
and pray with all their hearts and souls
to live to see the dawn…
In your mercy stop the bloodshed, Lord,
in your compassion move our hearts to peace,
to end the horror of war…
Protect us Lord, while we’re awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
A song of faith and trust
in the face of terror in the night…
Psalm 16 by Marty Haugen
You will show me the path of life,
you are my hope and shelter.
In your presence is endless joy,
at your side is my home forever.
Faithful God, I look to you,
you alone my life and fortune,
never shall I look to other gods,
you shall be my one hope.
From of old you are my heritage,
you my wisdom and my safety,
through the night you speak within my heart,
silently you teach me.
So my heart shall sing for joy,
in your arms I rest securely,
you will not abandon me to death,
you shall not desert me.
