THE CONFLICT ... which conflict?

Passion flower from our garden

This piece about conflict was written many years ago when a contraversial war was going on. I and many others, Christians or not, were campaigning, holding silent vigils, hoping and praying for it all to end. But now I realise this is even more relevant. So much finger-pointing, war, posturing, prejudice, cancelling of platforms etc. I am still appalled. But what if it's not just about ‘them’? 🤔 😳

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THE CONFLICT, a lament… and a few home truths

War, aggression, invasion and prejudice –

I stand against them all.

I abhor the horror,

I recoil from the thought

of atrocities committed in my name.

I stand firm and immovable,

or sad and bemused,

or angry and depressed,

wandering how it ever came to this …

and I pray for a speedy end to the conflict.

And as I pray, I become conscious

of the conflict within me,

of the anger and prejudice

I feel towards those I think are responsible for war …

and I pray for a speedy end to the conflict.

(pause)

The conflict within me is shocking.

I abhor the horror,

and recoil from the thought

of atrocities I commit in my heart …

and I pray for a speedy end to the conflict.

(pause)

And as I offer the conflict to God,

asking his help to find the path to peace,

I become aware of other conflicts –

all as horrifying, all as disastrous –

these other conflicts are all around me,

miniature wars of prejudice, anger and fear -

and those that escalate in the media -

and I pray for a speedy end to the conflicts.

(pause)

Will God hear my prayers?

Will peace come?

When will the conflicts cease?

God reminds me of my conflict within,

and I know now

that conflicts around me will not cease

until conflicts within

are stilled.

So…

I offer the atrocities of my heart,

the conflicts within, to God.

and ask Him to cleanse the thoughts of my heart

by the inspiration of his Holy Spirit,

that I may perfectly love Him

and worthily magnify His Holy name

…in my thoughts

and in all my actions

... everywhere.

Amen.