A Common Prayer by Michael Leunig Let us pray for the victims of war: for those who mourn and are afflicted. For the earth and its innocent creatures now mutilated and in disarray. For the aggrieved and suffering souls now bombed into submission and tormented silence. For the scales of justice now locked in false balance. For the dove, now mocked by the metal wings of cruelty and greed. For the yearnings and labours of peacemakers, healers and teachers now degraded by the cunning and cowardice of military minds. For the needy whose precious resources are now wasted and spent. For the beautiful treasures, icons and holy places, now defiled by a crass science, now smashed by vulgar and heartless economies. For those who seek to know and understand what has befallen their world, now deceived and bewildered by the dictatorships of information. We lament this poisoned and sorrowful state, this brutal claim on the future of the spirit and soul. And let us pray for the liberation of the American people. May they be freed from their illusions of victory and righteousness. May they be liberated from the compulsions of their violent dreams and the oppression of their lusts for power and material wealth. May that which is tender and loving in America, that which is compassionate and merciful, hold to its difficult task and be brought to bear on the affairs of that troubled nation. We pray for peace. Amen.