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’? 🤔 😳
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.


Thank for reading Karen. ❤️
I didn't expect to post anything while in between homes but this one just popped up from my archives and demanded some space!
Amen