What do you see when you first look at the facemask-wearing young man in this picture? Anger? Determination? What if you focus on the bunch of flowers he is holding. Does that change your perspective?
Perhaps fittingly, this iconic Banksy mural has been variously titled: “The Flower Thrower”, “Flower Bomber”, “Rage” and (my favourite) “Love is in the Air”. Also, perhaps even more fittingly, the original, produced in 2003, is in Beit Sahour in the West Bank in the Middle East.
The theme of this week’s Life Light is peace, and today’s focus is on prayer. In March 2022, I contributed a reflection to “A Secluded Place”. I wrote it very shortly after Russia had invaded Ukraine, a moment when the world was plunged into a new era of uncertainty and fear. Like many, I felt powerless in the face of such military might and powerful global forces? I asked, what difference can we make?
I drew inspiration then from Oswald Chambers, the early-twentieth-century Scottish Baptist evangelist and teacher, and I shared two of his most well-known quotations about prayer. He said: “We pray when there's nothing else we can do; Jesus wants us to pray before we do anything at all.” He also said: “Too often we treat prayer as the preparation for the work of the church. Do you not see? Prayer IS the work of the church.”
Twenty months on, these wise words continue to be an inspiration, a challenge and even sometimes a comfort. The uncertainty and fear created by the invasion of Ukraine has not subsided and, as I write this, Russia has launched a major drone strike against Kyiv. More recently, the events in Israel and Gaza have opened up a new seam in our fractured world. But there is hope. The Russian offensive did not overrun Ukraine as quickly as many had feared. The solidarity shown around the world with the people of Ukraine has been heartwarming and deeply humbling. And even in the Middle East, amid such mistrust and hatred, Qatar has negotiated a pause in the fighting and the release of some of the hostages and prisoners held by both sides.
But we continue to live in deeply uncertain times, and Oswald Chambers exhortation to us to continue to pray remains as relevant as ever.
As I look at the Banksy mural, I am reminded of the words in Isaiah 2 v4 which say: “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.” In Banksy’s mural I see a vision of hope and an inspiration to pray and work for peace. How wonderful would it be if people turned their bombs and grenades into bunches of flowers.
We must continue to keep doing the work of the church, and to pray for peace in our world. As we do this, may we draw inspiration from all who shed light on the dark corners of our world; by what they say, do and – sometimes – paint.
God of peace, bearer of hope,
we seek your help
for the peoples of the Middle East.
Quiet the clamour of war
and guide us towards peace.
Where there is hatred and division
sow seeds of calm and openness.
Where there is destruction
help us to rebuild.
Where children are crying
bring an end to tears.
Shelter your peoples and protect them
Guide them and keep them from harm.
Show us how to break down the barriers of history and fear
and breathe whispers of hope.
Amen.
(A prayer for the Middle East by Linda Jones / CAFOD)
Philip Clarke
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