Beloved,

We relentlessly pray the words of the prophet: "they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." But God's dream of the peaceable kingdom still alludes us.

On this day, we grieve the escalating violence in South Sudan. This young nation has known too much violence and sorrow. We pray that those involved in the violence and bloodshed will cease their warring and find a way toward peace.

On this Sunday as we celebrate the baptism of our Lord, we especially pray for the people of South Sudan as well as the Church in South Sudan. Also, please remember our brothers and sisters in this Diocese who have come from South Sudan, many of whom have family and friends in places that are now places of danger.

Please feel free to use this prayer that I offer:

O Gracious God, on this day, your Son our Savior was baptized by John in the River Jordan: We pray that your transforming Spirit may be poured upon those places in our world that suffer war and violence, especially South Sudan. May civil leaders of South Sudan and all nations find a way to end their strife and bind the wounds of this young nation. We pray that your church in South Sudan may continue to courageously and faithfully serve and spread your gospel. And guide us from afar to do what you would have us do as ambassadors of your peaceable kingdom. All this we ask in the Name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. AMEN.

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes