How long, O Lord, how long?
There is no peace in Aleppo. There is no peace in Syria. Every night the people flood their beds with tears and drench their couches with weeping. Their eyes waste away with grief. Their spirits shake with terror. You are the one who took them out of the womb. They have been entrusted to you ever since they were born.
How long, O Lord, how long?
We turn to you, O Lord. To whom else can we go? Lord, hear our prayer for the people of Aleppo and let our cry come to you.
O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth,
Have mercy upon Aleppo.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy upon Aleppo.
O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful,
Have mercy upon Aleppo.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God,
Have mercy upon Aleppo.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for them.
St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, St. Uriel,
Defend and protect them in the day of battle.
All you holy Archangels, Angels and, bodiless powers of heaven,
Be at their side to guide and guard them on their way.
All you holy Saints of God,
Intercede for them.
All you faithful Martyrs,
Stand beside them.
For the displaced, homeless, and refugees of Syria,
Loving God, accompany them as you accompanied your refugee Son on his flight to Egypt.
For all refugees who have left their land and know not where they will go,
Loving God, guide them to the green pastures and lead them beside still waters.
For all refugees walking though the valley of the shadow of death,
Loving God, be their Good Shepherd, let them fear no evil, and comfort them with your rod and your staff.
For all refugees who hunger and thirst,
Loving God, prepare a table before them and let their cups run over.
For all refugees looking to the past and what has been lost and left behind,
Loving God, let your goodness and mercy follow them all the days of their lives.
For all refugees who long to go home,
Loving God, give them hope, restore their souls, and let them dwell in your house forever.
From death, injury, and illness,
Defend and protect them, Sovereign Lord.
From all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation,
Defend and protect them, Sovereign Lord.
From fear, despair, and suffering,
Defend and protect them, Sovereign Lord.
With fervent prayer,
Sustain and strengthen them, O Christ.
With steadfast faith,
Sustain and strengthen them, O Christ.
With unwavering hope,
Sustain and strengthen them, O Christ.
With enduring love,
Sustain and strengthen them, O Christ.
With courageous hearts,
Sustain and strengthen them, O Christ.
With persevering wills,
Sustain and strengthen them, O Christ.
With food, water, and safe shelter,
Sustain and strengthen them, O Christ.
With open borders and welcoming hearts,
Sustain and strengthen them, O Christ.
With new friends and neighbors,
Sustain and strengthen them, O Christ.
To all who have died in the Syrian crisis and all who are dying in Aleppo,
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls, through your mercy, rest in peace.
For all who grieve the death of family or friends,
Remember them in your mercy, nourish them with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace.
To those bringing humanitarian aid and providing medical assistance,
Give your strength and protection.
To the leaders of the nations and the President and Congress of the United States:
Give humility and guide them in the ways of peace and justice.
To all who work for unity, peace, concord, and the freedom of all people:
Give wisdom, creativity, and perseverance.
To all who look on from afar in the security of distance,
Give tears of compassion, fervent prayer, and generosity of giving.
To all who live in safety, comfort, and privilege,
Let them show forth your praise not only with their lips but in their lives.
Give us your grace and the will to overcome fear, violence, prejudice, and hatred,
That we may love one another as ourselves.
Open the borders of our hearts and minds,
That we may receive each refugee as the Christ.
For our actions, failures, or indifferences that have contributed to the suffering in Syria,
Lord have mercy and forgive us.
For our times of silence that became complicity,
Lord have mercy and forgive us.
For political or economic interests and agendas that blinded us to human suffering and need,
Lord have mercy and forgive us.
Let there be no peace in the hearts of those who pray for Syria,
Until there is peace in the heart of Syria.
For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women everywhere, revealing your image and likeness,
We thank you, Good Lord.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon us.
Lord, hear our prayer,
Let our cry come to you.
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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