Almighty God,
our refuge and our strength,
we turn to you as a new year begins
we turn to you as a new year begins
as we once again witness
the rising of conflict
and the fear laid upon ordinary lives.
and the fear laid upon ordinary lives.
Trusting in your steadfast love,
we hold before you our friends and partners
we hold before you our friends and partners
across the Middle East,
in communities already stretched
in communities already stretched
beyond endurance.
Surround them with your protection.
Be a fortress for those who cannot flee
and a shield for those whose work
is to heal and to hope.
We remember before you
all whose hearts are filled with dread today
and whose future feels unbearably fragile.
and whose future feels unbearably fragile.
Do not let the innocent be swept away
by the decisions of the powerful.
Break the bow and shatter the spear.
Open paths for wisdom, restraint, and justice
where none seem possible.
where none seem possible.
Give courage to peacemakers
and clarity to those who speak truth.
Let your peace take root
in scorched and fearful places.
in scorched and fearful places.
Keep our hearts from despair
and teach us to stand with those who suffer,
to pray without ceasing
and to hope, even now,
and in the new year,
in your redeeming mercy and love.
