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| Image via Wikipedia-Syria, Church of St. Simeon Stylites |
We do not have to form political or military opinions about what should be done by other nations as Syrians fight each other now. A harsh ruler uses military action against Syrian citizens, deliberately trying to end opposition by hitting the weakest in that country--women, children, the old. Almost anyone going outside, into the streets for any reason, reports have said, is in danger of being targeted. Fear reigns on all sides. One of many questions about the future is might a religious state arise that would not tolerate other religions?
Reports from Syria show photos and that is all we have to go on. We hear the numbers mounting, of people killed and wounded, of hospital shortages...not just of materiel and doctors but of hospital buildings. Basics of healing care in a modern age are stretched or lacking.
Given the military actions of the U. S. in Afghanistan after 9/11 and in Iraq, based on questionable reports of chemicals for warfare, and then Libya, Americans are skeptical about getting involved in Syria on the ground or in the air. Discussions and debates continue about whether or not arms should be sent to help the citizen opposition. How can we so far away reliably gauge the issues involved in this long-running strife that has recently re-flared. It is about freedom? Is it about politics? Is it about religion? What are the stakes according to both sides?
Leaders of the country have defected. We have heard of two at least. Some of the Syrian military have done the same, according to some reports.
You probably know all of this and more than I know or could tell. I'm just remembering what I've heard reported over the past weeks. What can you and I do other than think, pay attention, and pray? That last one, prayer, is the one with the most power by far. We pray not only for better days soon in Syria. We pray also for lives to be saved, for families not to mourn more losses or annihilation. It is not our country. The world does not belong to any one nation or assembly of nations. We who value freedoms, however, long to see everyone free of war.
Remembering Sudanese people also in our prayers, we know that little help went to those on South Sudan who were being killed, run out, and the lives dismantled. We know that no one urged military action to help them, to intervene. As usual, thanks be to God, helping agencies got into Sudan as now they seek to get in and stay inside Syria. We can pray for them too.
We can pray for humanitarian workers who have colleagues nearby, for those who get cut off from their groups, or those who deliberately volunteer to serve alone. I once met a young woman at a church service when living in Geneva, Switzerland. She sat with my husband and me, and after the service she and I struck up a conversation. She was a westerner working with an aid organization in Chechnya, yet she was all alone, posted in an especially dangerous and isolated area. As a trained nurse and as a Christian, she had skills and hope to offer.
We can pray for people helped by such individuals and groups...trying to get into difficult places at war right now. We can do that much and that is a lot, considering the power of the One to whom we pray:
Lord, we thank You for hearing our prayers when we cry to You. We cannot claim any good on our own, and we rely upon Your goodness. We pray for Bashar al-Assad of Syria, that his cruelties will end. We pray for the oppressed and endangered, that they may escape the evils coming upon them. We pray for those who are trying to get food and medical supplies where they are most needed, and for people in Turkey and elsewhere offering haven to those who escape. We pray for those who apply healing care to others. We pray for all Christians in Syria, whatever their walks of life, that You will strengthen their hope and faith according to Your Word. May they comfort many, Lord, and their faith and strength be increased, their wisdom amazingly effective to help, protect, and shield, as well as to find ways of escape for their loved ones, neighbors, and themselves. In the name of Jesus we pray to You, that this war end soon in the best outcome possible. Amen.
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