Moderator offers prayers for Syria in a time of war

In the aftermath of the chemical attack in Douma and the growing possibility of military action by US, UK and French forces in Syria, the Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning, Moderator of the General Assembly has written a prayer which the Church hopes will be used over coming days.

Lord Jesus Christ,

In war and time of war,

When the world is tense And people are fearful,

We turn to You for peace.

Lord Jesus Christ,

In this time of uncertainty,

We turn to You for wisdom,

We turn to You for justice,

We turn to You for peace.

Lord Jesus Christ,

In this time of suffering,

We pray for the people of Syria,

For victims of gas attacks,

And for those who perpetrated those attacks.

We pray for world leaders,

Struggling with the politics of retaliation,

And struggling with the consequences of military action.

We turn to You for peace.

Lord Jesus Christ,

When right and wrong,

When action and consequence,

When short-term response,

And long-term planning

Become enmeshed and complex,

We pray for cool heads,

And compassionate hearts,

And actions marked by moral courage.

We turn to You for peace.

Lord Jesus Christ,

Prince of peace, and hope, and justice.

Hear our prayers.

Amen