Today in our prayers for the people of Slovakia.

Prayer for Peace

Everett Graffeo

We sit in darkness
of our own making, Lord.

Light moves across
the face of the land,
blinding in its brilliance.

Faces covered, we cry out—
“Protect our eyes, Lord!”

The wedge of light
widens the opening, lifts the veil,
the iris draws in the image.

The retina of the Spirit sees
sacred presence.

Our eyes brim with tears.

Dare we voice what we see?

Refugee camps, bridge underpasses,

World’s people, beyond weeping,
lying silent in poverty’s prison.

Shoulders lowered in submission,

Heads bowed down.

Arms too weak to lift.

Our eyes look away.

Lord of Earth’s abundance,
we plead in the darkness—

God, cast forth your light!

Jesus, walk with us until son rise!

Spirit, open our eyes to see!

Love, open the way!

Your peace lives in us!

Amen!