God of Ephesus and Antioch, of Tarsus and Istanbul,
God of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque,
Our hearts break as we hear news from the holy land of Turkey.
How long, O Lord? How long will violence hold the field at day's end? How long will tears well up?
Shall we be the ones to see the dawning of Your promised peace?
Or will our children have to take our places keeping vigil?
Do not let our hearts grow cold,
Do not let our hopes be extinguished.
Help us show love to our neighbor.
May our prayers stretch across the world, may Your love live in us.
And may Your love defeat death.
Amen.