Updated December 18, 2023
This month I’d like to share a poem by Ann Weems which has brought me comfort and perspective in recent days.
I No Longer Pray for Peace
On the edge of war, one foot already in,
I no longer pray for peace:
I pray for miracles.
I pray that stone hearts will turn to tenderheartedness,
and evil intentions will turn to mercifulness,
and all the soldiers already deployed will be snatched
out of harm’s way,
and the whole world will be astounded onto its knees.
I pray that all the “God talk” will take bones,
and stand up and shed its cloak of faithlessness,
and walk again in its powerful truth.
I pray that the whole world might sit down together
and share its bread and wine.
Some say there is no hope,
but then I’ve always applauded the holy fools who never
seem to give up the scandalousness of our faith:
that we are loved by God . . . . . .
that we can truly love one another.
I no longer pray for peace:
I pray for miracles.
I hope to see you in worship, where we pray together for the miracles that will lead to lasting peace and for the wisdom to know how we can partner with God in bringing about peace in our world and in our communities.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jack