The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need was planning to organize a prayer campaign for Syria in October, a month dedicated to Our Lady and the month of the rosary. But with the news being reported and the decisions being made in the last few days, the charity has decided to begin the week of prayer today.
(Phrases in quotes in the prayers have been sent to Aid to the Church in Need from people in Syria. Some of the authors are named, others must remain anonymous.)
Prayer and Intercession for Peace in Syria
God of Compassion,
Hear the cries of the people of Syria
Comfort those who suffer violence
Console those who mourn the dead
Give strength to Syria’s neighbouring countries to welcome the refugees
Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms
And protect those who are committed to peace.
God of hope,
Inspire leaders to choose peace over violence and to seek reconciliation with their enemies
Inflame the Universal Church with compassion for the people of Syria
And give us hope for a future built on justice for all
We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and Light of the world.
Amen
First day: Hear the outcry of the Syrian people
“Suffering has gone beyond bounds. The whole of Syria has become a battlefield. Every aspect of democracy, human rights, freedom, secularism and citizenship is lost from view and noone cares. The crisis has mown down thousands upon thousands of soldiers, opponents, civilians, men, women, children, Muslim sheikhs and Christian priests.” Patriarch Gregor III. Laham
We pray for peace in Syria. We pray that weapons would be silenced. We pray for an end to all violence and all armed conflict. We pray with the Holy Father, all of us united: Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for Syria, pray for us.
