For War Victims--March 22, 2016

[From April 3, 2012 archive] 

Some would say, O God, you authorize war--

even claim its violence comes from you.

I believe wars are of human origin, but well

you know how the innocent are afflicted.

Many war victims are so utterly, unbearably

crushed that they despair of life itself.

Stretch out your hand, I pray, to these victims--

especially ones who have no other comfort.

In your compassion, be near the brokenhearted;

in your mercy, save the crushed in spirit.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 34; 146; 25; 91

Lam. 1:17-22

2 Cor. 1:8-22

Mark 11:27-33

Selected Verses

Ps. 34:18

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted,
          and saves the crushed in spirit.

Lam. 1:17a

Zion stretches out her hands, but there is no one to comfort her…

2 Cor. 1:8

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself.

Mark 11:30

 "…Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?  Answer me."  [Jesus to those who questioned his authority]