“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18)

On a foggy morning late in 1862, Confederate General Robert E. Lee stood on a hilltop.   Around him, Lee’s troops were entrenched in their positions.

Then, rather quickly, the sun burned off the fog.  Down below, Union troops were lining up for battle.

Rows of uniformed men marched to the music of military bands, flags and banners waving in the breeze.  Looking on the impressive pageantry, Lee told his staff, “It is good that war is so terrible – else we should grow too fond of it.”

I quoted Gen. Lee in my article for my previous church’s newsletter when the war in Iraq began.  As that conflict began, I (and our whole nation) witnessed some similar sights: men and women in uniform, bands playing, convoys of military vehicles rumbling through our streets and on our highways.

Such scenes brought a strange mixture of emotion.  I noted then “Many of us feel inspired or proud.  But many also feel sadness or fear as well, for we know as General Lee did, that war is indeed terrible.”

Christians, along with our entire nation, have been debating about the best course to take.  Now that our nation is now at war, and with different thoughts about our involvement, we may wonder, “How should we pray?”  I would share the thoughts of two leaders.

Shortly before the war began, President Bush, a United Methodist, stated during a press conference “…My faith sustains me because I pray daily. I pray for guidance and wisdom and strength. If we were to commit our troops, I would pray for their safety, and I would pray for the safety of innocent Iraqi lives, as well. One thing that’s really great about our country is there are thousands of people who pray for me that I’ll never see and be able to thank. But it’s a humbling experience to think that people I will never have met have lifted me and my family up in prayer.”  The President ended by saying, “I pray for peace. ” (Source: www.presidentialprayerteam.org).

The morning following the first air attacks in Iraq, then-Iowa Conference Bishop Gregory Palmer released this statement:

“It is truly heart wrenching that this conflict has escalated to this level. It has always been my prayer that an alternative to violence could have been achieved. At this juncture, it is my deep hope and prayer that this war will end quickly with a minimum of casualty and bloodshed for all involved.

“My heart goes out to families and our military troops. I pray for safety for them and peaceful hearts for our leaders. May the Prince of Peace be with us all during this trying time and may we all find solace in God’s love and everlasting care.”

After ten years of struggle and remendous cost in human life and in resources, that war has ended.  As we sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth” in worship on January 1^st, I am sure many of us felt another mixture of emotions: joy for those headed home, sorrow for lives lost, and perhaps hope and apprehension for the future of the nation of Iraq.

We will continue to pray: for those who serve our nation anywhere in the world, but especially those in Afghanistan, and their families; civilian contractors in areas of conflict; the families who have lost loved ones; the people of Afghanistan and Iraq; for our leaders in government and military.  May “Let There Be Peace on Earth” continue to be the song of our hearts.  We will pray-sing it every first Sunday in worship, when we share communion, until troops are home from Afghanistan as well.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Bob Dean