“My eyes fail from weeping,
I am in torment within;
my heart is poured out on the ground
because my people are destroyed,
because children and infants faint
in the streets of the city.”
Lamentations 2:11
"I remind all parties that in this war, as in all wars, it is children who suffer first and suffer most." (UNICEF Executive Director)
It is daunting to attempt to write something public about the war in the Middle East. While the history and complexities are more than most of us understand, we all have a response of some sort (ignore it, become enraged, seek to help, pray) when we hear more of the news.
Know that this is not a “hot take” on foreign policy or a comment on how or what or if to post something publicly yourself.
While there is a proper God-given call to work, give, and fight for what is right, for this moment, I’m here to offer an opportunity to lament.
And I’m leaning on some other believers to show us the way:
“Lament is a form of prayer. It is more than just the expression of sorrow or the venting of emotion. Lament talks to God about pain. And it has a unique purpose: trust. It is a divinely-given invitation to pour out our fears, frustrations, and sorrows for the purpose of helping us to renew our confidence in God. . .
To cry is human but to lament is Christian. . .
Christians not only mourn the brokenness of the world, but we also long for the day when all weeping will cease. We wonder, ‘How long, O Lord?’ (Psalm 13:1). Anyone can cry. But only Christians can faithfully lament.” - Mark Vroegop
This is a prayer of lament by Kate C Bowler that we can pray for the people of Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank today, and tomorrow and again.
The world is not lost,
but sometimes it seems so.
With trees and homes uprooted—
and people’s lives alongside them.
With wars raging on and violence unceasing.
With the utter randomness of disaster
and tragedies that don’t seem to discriminate.
With hunger and homelessness and pandemics.
Blessed are we who cry out—
how long, oh Lord?
The suffering we’re witnessing is unbearable.
Come quickly.
Bring swift relief and sweet comfort to those in need.
Bless those who have lost everything.
Bless the helpers, the aid workers, the first responders.
Bless the leaders and peacemakers who are swift to act.
Bless the rescue workers, the shelterers, the neighbors.
And bless those of us who feel helpless in the face of such evil.
Give us clear eyes and sharp minds and courageous hearts
to know what little we might offer,
to ease pain where we are able,
to bear witness to what demands to be seen.
“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
—Matthew 28:20, NRSV
God, you know the need.
You are the beginning and the ending.
You have not left us alone.
God, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Spirit, have mercy. Amen.
ABOUT OUR BLOGGER
Originally from Georgia, Mary Beth Gombita is a lover of sweet tea, a proud Georgia Bulldog and an avid music fan.
She works in public relations, running her own communications consulting business from home.
Mary Beth and her husband, Stephen, have two young sons. She is currently the editor of our Willowdale Women blog.
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