Nurturing, loving God guide those in power to bring an end to the violence and destruction of this moment. In your mercy and grace transform hearts and minds that we might end the bombing, end the violence, end the terror, end the hatred and finally end the warfare so that peace might have a chance. Amen

The pope said we must pray for a swift and just conclusion to this war. This means that the sooner the fighting is over, the sooner we can begin to assume our responsibility for the restoration of Iraq and the restoration of our reputation as a nation that stands for peace and cooperation. Amen

Gracious God that unites us as one body, we lift up our collective voices in prayer. Holy God, grant that, with the power of your love, we might break down the walls that divide us. Grant that we may rid ourselves of the weapons of darkness and instead invest ourselves in the works of light. Help our leaders come to peaceful solutions. Put your loving protective arms around the soldiers and the Iraqi people. We pray for an end to wars so mankind can live in peace. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid". (John 14:27)

Dear God please give us the wisdom to teach our children to love, to respect, and to be kind to each other so that they may grow with peace of mind and not be witness to the atrocities of war.

When we are ready, like Martin Luther King was, to lay down our lives for the cause of peace, we too shall overcome. We, too, can disarm our enemies - any enemy - with love. I am certain of it.