Prayers for Peace in Syria, Iraq, the Middle East

More beheadings in Syria, and when news like this flood the media, I feel stunned, shaken. I have to turn to something beautiful -- art, music, nature, prayer to calm my spirit.

I found these prayers in a Jesuit site. May these give you comfort, dear Readers.

Prayer for Peace in the Middle East

God of mercy and compassion,
of grace and reconciliation,
pour your power upon all your children in the Middle East:
Jews, Muslims and Christians,
Palestinians and Israelis.
Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to hope,
oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation,
that violent encounters may be replaced by loving embraces,
and peace and justice could be experienced by all.
Amen.
- Reverend Said 

A Prayer for the People of Syria

Almighty eternal God, source of all compassion,
The promise of your mercy and saving help fills our hearts with hope.
Hear the cries of the people of Syria;
Bring healing to those suffering from the violence,
And comfort to those mourning the dead.
Empower and encourage Syria's neighbors
In their care and welcome for refugees.
Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms,
And strengthen the resolve of those committed to peace.
O God of hope and Father of mercy,
Your Holy Spirit inspires us to look beyond ourselves and our own needs.
Inpsire leaders to choose peace over violence,
And to seek reconciliation with enemies.
Inspire the Church around the world with compassion for the people of Syria,
and fill us with hope for a future of peace built on justice for all.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace and Light of the World,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.
-Adapted by the USCCB from Catholics Confront Global Poverty


Prayer for those Persecuted in Iraq - source
O God of all the Nations,
the One God who is and was and always will be,
who in your providence willed that your Church be united to the suffering of your Son,
look with mercy on your servants in Iraq
who are persecuted for their faith in you.
Grant them perseverance and courage to be worthy imitators of Christ.
Bring your wisdom upon leaders of nations to work for peace among all peoples.
May your Spirit open conversion for those who contradict your will that we live in harmony.
And in all things may we be united in truth and freedom to seek your will in our lives.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace,
Pray for us.

 Read also
Thoughts on Turkey and Kobani
Turkey, the World is Watching You Regarding Kobani in Syria
Islamic State: How Evil Flourishes & the Power of the Media
Closeup on al Nusra Front

Tags: Syria, Iraq, Middle East, ISIL, IS, Assad, war, prayers, Catholic, religion

This is all for now,
Cecilia