In Prayer with James Baker

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

As a faithful congregant at St. Columba's Episcopal church, I attended services, enjoyed the spectacular, variegated music programs of Judy Dodge and John Hurd, placed a toddler in the nursery school, and avidly partook of community life.  I was not alone, as this congregation, a mile up the road from the National Cathedral, was truly a fantastic and welcoming community.

Saw many a familiar face at services: sitting in the first few pews one was apt to spot Morton Kondracke, Ray Suarez, or Judy Woodruff.

There is a portion of the Episcopal service, known as 'bidding prayers,' or Prayers of the People, which begins (emphasis mine):

With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying, "Lord, have mercy."

For the peace from above, for the loving kindness of God, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
(Lord, hear our prayer.)

For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
(Lord, hear our prayer.)

For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
(Lord, hear our prayer.)

For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
(Lord, hear our prayer) ....

In times of war anywhere in the world, Reverend Billy Tully or his successor Jim Donald would offer specific reference to Kosovo, or Kuwait, or Israel, or Iraq, or Darfur, and we would collectively pray for peaceful resolution to strife.

Imagine sitting in the central nave on Sundays during January and February 1991 with Desert Storm gathering, looking to the right, under the balcony, and seeing James Baker - the sitting Secretary of State.  Head bowed, hands together, deep in prayer.

It's not so common today, but I recall always feeling fortified to know that our leaders have a frame of reference bigger than themselves, when so much of the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Blessed are the peacemakers - Those who strive to prevent contention, strife, and war; who use their influence to reconcile opposing parties, and to prevent hostilities in families and neighborhoods. Every man may do something of this; and no man is more like God than he who does it.