O God of mercy and of peace,
We hold before you
the peoples of Afghanistan;
be living bread to those
who are hungry each day.
Be healing and wholeness to those
who have no access to health care
amidst the ravages of the pandemic.
Be a true home to all
who have been displaced.
Be open arms of loving acceptance
to those who fear because of their
gender, ethnicity,
religious or political views.
Be peace to those engaged in armed conflict,
and those who live within its shadow.
Turn our hearts and minds to your ways
of just and gentle peace;
open our eyes to see you
in all acts of compassionate care.
Strengthen our hearts to step out in solidarity
with your suffering people, and
hold us all in your unfailing love.
Image caption and credit: Germany has the second largest military contingent in Afghanistan after the United States. (Wakil Kohsar/AFP)