O Lord -
Armies move into fields, and forests hold our battles. People are defeated, and the slaughter is great.
Division spreads across the country, and the forest claims more victims than the sword.
We are caught fast in the forest and left hanging between heaven and earth.
As battles and divisions rage within us, around us, and among us,
may we deal gently with one another,
so further grief, anguish, and pain does not meet us at our gates.
Amen.