I will give the following prayer on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Saturday, September 6, 2014 as part of a rally in support of persecuted, religious minorities in Iraq and around the world. The latter part of this prayer was adapted from “The Rhythm of Life: Celtic Daily Prayer” by David Adam (London, 2007), p.91-92

Creator God,
God of justice and truth,

You have heard our voices here today, for the sake of persecuted — not only, but especially now –Christians in Iraq: for the Syriac Church, the Assyrian Church, the Chaldean Church, the Yazidis, and others. Preserve the dignity of every human being. We pray that the world assembly of nations remain attuned and respond constructively to the atrocities and deplorable, evil acts of violence made against these people. Honour their lives, You who created them. And give them peace.

May our passion and focus abroad also reflect our commitment and responsibility to communities within Canada. Within our own borders may our relationships improve with religious minorities, immigrants, and between settler and indigenous people on whose Algonquin land we stand today.

Redeemer of the world, You have already the victory over sin and evil. So,
Let your kingdom come, as it is in heaven.
Let your peace reign in the world.

We pray:
That the barriers that divide people may be broken down.
Lord, have mercy.
That we may live in unity, peace and concord.
Lord, have mercy.
That we may come to mutual understanding and care,
Lord, have mercy.
Upon all who suffer from dissensions and quarrels,
Lord, have mercy.
Upon all who are torn apart by war and by violence,
Lord, have mercy.
Upon all who are divided in their loyalty and love,
Lord, have mercy.
That all who work for unity may be blessed,
Lord, have mercy.
That all who heal divisions may have hope,
Lord, have mercy.
That all who lead nations may seek peace,
Lord, have mercy.

May God enrich us with grace, and further us with heavenly blessing.
May God defend us in adversity, and keep us from all evil;
May God receive our prayers, and graciously bless all that we do, for others.
Let your kingdom come, as it is in heaven.
And give us peace. In the name of Jesus, Amen.