I am pleased to hear of the release of the three hostages, including Harold Kember. They were working for Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) They are rightly pleased, though saddened at the murder of the fourth member of the team, Tom Fox. Thankfully, it was a peaceful rescue operation. I have to confess to feeling a wimp in the face of the courage of peace activists. Prayer can seem such an easy option in comparison, but prayer vigils have meant that participants have given up sleep and food in solidarity.
Modern methods of communication mean that we are in touch with news throughout the world instantly; and it is terrible to think of all the hostages still being held throughout the world. A simple search on Google says it all. The struggle for me each day is to avoid the trap of feeling helpless. I may not understand the big picture, I may not understand how prayer works, but I can keep being involved – even when it hurts.
I think that sometimes it is easier to March for peace or stand vigil for it, than it is to pray for it.
Really, we need both. And having seen the power of prayer, I start at that place, and let it grow from there.
It is mostly good news though.
Thank God for mercy.