Thursday, May 8, 2008

Praying for Peace with Our Presbyterian Brothers and Sisters


So much conflict, so little time. So who else can we be praying with for peace? The real question is who can we not be praying with! However, today the focus is on our Presbyterian brothers and sisters.

They have been active in peace and justice issues at the family, local, national and world level for a long time. We have a lot to learn from them.

The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship is a cornucopia of resources (just felt like using cornucopia in a sentence). The focus is not on talking about peace, it is about action. Sounds like St. Francis, he wasn’t a peace-wisher, he rolled up his sleeves and WORKED for peace. This particular site has some good information on resisting militarism. That is a real challenge. We really were attacked. Our men in women in service, who are willing to die to protect us absolutely deserve our gratitude and support. The challenge is to support them and resist decisions made by leaders that simply generate more conflict. Not an easy position for anyone.

Presbyterian Peacemaking is a great site for just that, finding programs to work toward peace in our world. Swords into Plowshares is a great Presbyterian peace blog. Finally, The Witherspoon Society is one more related site with great resources.

So let us join with our Presbyterian brothers and sisters praying for peace…

Blessed are the Peacemakers,
for they shall be known as the Children of God.
But I say to you that hear, love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you,
pray for those who abuse you.
To those who strike you on the cheek, offer the other also,
and from those who take away your cloak,
do not withhold your coat as well.
Give to everyone who begs from you,
and of those who take away your goods, do not ask them again.
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

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