Holocaust-denial and St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein feast 8/9)
O watching Lord of the heavens above, as You gaze on your peoples with infinite love.
Look with mercy on our trembling land, retrace our borders with Your holy hand.
As leaders thunder in their anger deep; firing deadly drones stealing rest and sleep.
Yet You, O God, are unmoved by storms. You still the wind, and disarm missile forms.
You bend history's arcs toward peace. You calm fears, quiet fires and make conflicts cease.
Stretch Your hand over lands with angst, and those fearing night with dread, advanced.
Your peoples long for a world made new, where mourning fades like morning dew.
Guard the soldiers, calm anxious hearts; and steady powerful hands so evil departs.
Where anger gathers, sow gentleness. Where pride overflows, seed humbleness.
Where vengeance whispers, let mercy speak. Where war looms large, raise those who seek ...
a courage greater than the might of kings. Sow strength that only Your wisdom brings.
Remember, Lord, souls everywhere — in mosques, synagogues or in churchful prayer.
Those whispering Your name in quiet rooms, and those despairing in doubtful glooms.
Gather us all beneath Your sheltering wings, as birds enfold their nestlings’ wings.
Teach us to trust—not bullets nor might, not missiles, nor treaties, or alliances tight—
But in Your steadfast love that never tires, outlasting all fade of earthly empires.
And when the weary world grows tired of fear, when vitriol fades and smiles reappear.
In every culture, welcoming and warm; let all nations praise You in the passing storm.
Let us seek gratitude for His goodness-endeavors,
For His mercy is endless, and endures forever.