A Litany of Light in a Time of War

Third Week in Lent
^{A LITANY OF LIGHT in a Time of War}

The following litany was prepared by the National Council of Churches as part of its ongoing witness on behalf of Peace and in faithful opposition to a war in Iraq. It is prepared for use in churches and other settings during the Christian observance of Lent 2003.

It may be used in community interfaith settings and peace vigils. It is suggested that a family or other small group bring an offering of a pillar candle to the front of the sanctuary or the center of the worship space. Arrangements should be made in advance for the candle, once lit, to be placed on the communion table, altar or another small table as appropriate within the specific context or tradition. The candle should be a white pillar candle (2-3 inches in diameter and 6-10 inches in height). A second family member ought to be designated ahead of time to light the candle when indicated in the litany.

At the conclusion of the litany members of the congregation may be invited to display a single candle in their homes as a means of witnessing for peace. Small electrical, battery operated candles may be safely used to display a witness for peace in home windows.

Call to Prayer

Leader: The Light shines in the Darkness

People: And the darkness cannot put out the light!
Lighting of the Candle

(One lights the candle, holding it above his/her head for a moment and then placing it on a central table)

Leader: As war’s storm clouds gather and nations take up arms against other nations we pray in confession.

People: Forgive, O loving God, the failure of your children that is represented in all war. In your loving mercy forgive our failure to make peace with one another. Grant pardon to all who have contributed to war’s progress through ambition, belligerence, falsehood, suspicion, arrogance, animosity and terror.

Leader: As peace recedes and the clatter of warfare begins to dominate we pray in petition:

People: God grant new measures of courage to those under arms this day from all nations. Where there is paralyzing fear and dread draw close to your children and give them hope. We pray for all the innocents now in harm’s way and seek your special blessing upon those who are helpless, homeless and hapless in war’s presence. Loving creator and sustainer abide with all those who are frightened, displaced, wounded and killed by war’s horrible destruction.

Leader: In shadow of war’s might we dare to bring our prayers of intercession.

People: Here the participants are encouraged to offer specific prayers of intercession for individuals, nations, civilians and combatants. After each person has offered a petition s/he may conclude by saying "Lord in Your mercy…" and all the people may respond with, "Hear Our Prayer"

Leader: God of life and light, in the face of war’s destructive violence we pray in adoration to you.

People: God of love and of life, power and might, no challenge is beyond your reach, no darkness too deep for your illumination, no wound so grievous as to be beyond your healing. Stir now to bring your Spirit among us, stilling, teaching, sustaining, comforting. Abide and keep all your creatures in your eternal care, no matter what harm we may try to inflict upon one another.

Leader: In a time in which kindness and mercy are hidden from sight, we pray in thanksgiving that you are steadfast in your love and forgiveness.

People: We thank you for those who even now work for peace and order through diplomacy. And we praise your name for the gifts of generosity, healing, courage, wisdom and love which are daily demonstrated by those who aid those who are uprooted, injured and dying in war’s terrible wake.

All: Nurturing, loving God we know your heart breaks at war’s dawning. Left to our own devices we are completely without hope for a just and peaceful future. Make still the passions that set us to contend one against the other, and breath the spirit of peace into us. 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 menacing, end the terror, end the hatred and finally end the warfare so that peace might have a chance.

Leader: Let us mark our commitment to peace through our disciplines of prayer. Pray, therefore without ceasing for the peace of the earth and the dignity of earth’s people.

People : Lord, make us instruments of your peace!

All: Come to our aid, O God our help and our salvation. Amen.

Sung Response:

O Holy Spirit, who did brood,
Upon the chaos wild and rude,
And bade its angry tumult cease,
And gave for fierce confusion, peace:
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.

Tune: Melita; Used with permission

Litany for the Second Week in Lent