Knitting a Conundrum

Prayer for Terri Schaivo and all the victims of Man's Inhumanity:

O Lord,
so many of your children
have fallen victim
to acts of hate,
and become targets
without warranting this,
except for the fact
that they are human,
and in the wrong place at the wrong time.

O Lord,
have mercy on this world
which would offer up on the altar
of politics
the lives of people
who aren't even aware
that some might think them enemies,
or suitable burnt offerings
for whatever cause it is
that has an angry,
bloodthirsty demon
that requires appeasement
of innocent blood.

O Lord,
have mercy on those whose hearts are so shriveled
that they do evil in your name,
or who reject your claim to mastery,
or who are consumed with hate.

We ask you, O Lord,
to look down on Terri and the Schindlers,
and all the other people wrestling
with those who would take away the lives of the vunerable,
the weak,
those unable to fight back,
unborn,
hurt,
sick,
or just unwanted.
Keep them in your special care,
safe in the palm of your hand,
and help us see
that by being open to their needs,
we are being your hands here on the earth.

Have mercy on this poor world Lord,
where so much is done
in the name of evil
even as it is called good,
and may we, who love you,
be always open to be the tools
to do your will
and spread your peace.