By Maren Tirabassi
God, we pray for justice and peace,
and acknowledge that it is
the greatest puzzle in the world.
We pray that airstrikes do not fall
and rockets cease to rise up
killing and injuring civilians and children.
We pray for your love and gentleness
to surround those who grieve
in old Jerusalem and new Tel Aviv,
in Ashkelon, Gaza, and Lod.
We pray for your wisdom
to fill the proud, the mighty,
those who trust only in violence,
the unholy alternative
to words of reconciliation.
All Merciful and All Compassionate,
Eagle, Hen, Rock, Shield, Refuge,
be among those who cannot hear, “fear not,”
but only long for,
“I am with you.” amen