The Best I Can Do

Gracious, loving, and almighty God,

I am not sure how to respond to the news of Osama bin Laden's death. I feel relieved knowing that the world's most dangerous terrorist is dead. I am relieved knowing that head of a terrorist organization is no longer in this world. I am relieved. Yet, I am disheartened and sad. I am sad at the words chosen by your people, your children. Words that do not bring about reconcilation and peace but words of destruction. I understand the mix of emotion of anger and justice. I understand the responses. But they sadden me. I simply do not know how to respond. Therefore, I simply will pray to you.

Lord, I thank you for this life. I thank you that I may praise you publically, that I may write what is on my mind, and that I may speak and live a life of freedom thanks to you alone.

Lord, I lift up those who are serving in the military across the world. I lift up those men and women, of all nations, who are seeking to put an end to terrorism. I lift up those who have to make the difficult choice to take a life. I pray for those who have had the unfortunate experience of doing so. I pray your love and guidance be with all. Love them as you love me.

Lord, I pray for those who have been affected by terrorist attacks all over this world. I pray that your love and peace find them, protect them and lift them up. I pray they find a peace of mind in a violent world. I pray for the childern left with a family. I pray for those whose lives have been destoryed by war, murder, and destruction. I hold them up to you. Love them as you love me.

I pray for the hurting victims of the violent storms that took place last week. I pray that in the midst of their suffering they find you. I pray they know you are there. I lift them up and ask that you give the rest of us the strength to help them as they recover. We live in a creation where violence extends beyond war and hate. We live in a creation where violence manifests itself in the forms of horrible weather and natural disasters. Be with those affected by your creation both here, in Japan, and around your world. Love them as you love me.

Lord, I seek forgiveness where I and others who call your name have failed you. In anger, in fear, in relief we spew words that contradict your own words. We forget that you became one of us, you know our suffering, and we know that you do not take joy in the suffering of anyone. We know our justice is not your justice. I pray that you forgive us for when we do not lift high the risen Christ. Forgive us of our trespasses. Forgive us of our debts. Forgive us for when we have stumbled. Forgive us when we do not speak up for the oppressed. Forgive us for when we remain silent. Forgive us when we forget, “As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.” (Ezekiel 33:11) " "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:9. I humbly come before you and seek forgiveness. Love us as you have loved others.

Grant us the strength to truly remember and live your words, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Give us the strength to change this world. Give us the strength to live out your life before others. Give us the strength to stand, to kneel, to serve. Guide us as we live. Love us as you have loved others. Lord, I do not fully know how to respond. So I am simply praying to you. Love me as you love others. Give me the courage to love others as you love me; knowing that is the best I can do.

Amen.