Wartime Prayers – The words might seem, at first glance, incompatible.  But look again.  When, in the course of human existence, are prayers more crucial than at times of war?  War is something that has, at some point, touched all our lives, whether we are veterans of the battlefield or the home front.  It touches us today as our sons and daughters, grandchildren, friends and members of our congregations pack their belongings and head out the door.  We don’t know when or how they will return. 

          Whatever our personal situations, whatever our individual positions, the one thing we can all do is lift up our prayers regarding war.  Whether it’s a prayer for a veteran member of the Greatest Generation, a petition on  behalf of those we love serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, or a plea for the plight in a third world nation, our prayers can make the difference.

During the 2007 Annual Meeting, the Communication Services Committee discussed the possibility of an issue of the Congregationalist focusing on Wartime Prayers.  In an effort to expand the concept, CommComm determined that a companion devotional would be created to concentrate on the same issue.  The overarching goal of the project was to speak to our collective care about the subject without regard to personal opinions or ideology.