Bless the children of Damascus tonight,
Bless them with sleep and dreams,
Kind and gentle parents, wise and caring teachers.
When day breaks in Damascus,
Make them laugh and dance and sing,
And open wide fields for soccer games
And keep them safe from harm and hatred.
O God of the stars, the silver moon and night:
Teach us to choose justice and release animosity.
Help us make connections, to see that injustice anywhere
Threatens your precious children everywhere.
They want only to play,
So make us passionate for peace
And courageous in admitting our mistakes
And fearless in choosing reconciliation
When it means letting go and turning around
And changing our ways.
Amen.
