Pray for the Islamic State (ISIS)

‘Love your enemies, bless those cursing you, do good to those hating you, and pray for those accusing you falsely, and persecuting you’
Matthew 5:44

With the atrocities being committed by IS, prayer for them may seem misplaced, and offensive to those they’re persecuting. But there is no competition between prayers.
I tremble to say it, but Jesus Christ was sacrificed for these people also.
So we should pray, and pray fervently, that God be good to them, and teach them mercy and peace. Please, join me in praying,

Almighty God, be with the persecuted minorities of Iraq at this time. Comfort and strengthen then. Bless them to know you now, and to bear faithful witness to you in their trials. Keep and protect them all, and hold them in your embrace.
And bless the people of and in the Islamic State, that this day love may be clearer than ever to them; in your creation, in your wisdom, in their friends and family and loved ones, and also in those they’re persecuting. Reveal yourself to them, as the one they are persecuting, as the crucified saviour of the world, as the Prince of Peace, as the Lamb of God, and as love itself. Reveal to them love, mercy, forgiveness, repentance, and mourning. Awaken their consciences, and rebuke their sins in visions and dreams also, and by your miracles. Bring peace to Iraq and Syria.
Lord God Almighty, please, be thoroughly present for Iraq.
Amen

St. Stephen, first of the martyrs, please pray for the Christians and other persecuted minorities of Iraq. Amen
St. Paul, you persecuted the Church before Jesus revealed himself to you, rebuked you, and transformed your life; please pray for those persecuting minorities in Iraq and around the whole world, for their blessing and incredible conversion. Amen
Mary, Queen of Martyrs, intercede for those facing persecution, for their every blessing and strength; for their faith, hope, and charity to grow stronger by their trials; for their salvation from their enemy’s hand; and that they know your divine son, ever better. Amen

Thank you

Britain faces charges for hundreds of abuses in Iraq war

http://m.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/19/british-troops-accused-iraq-torture

Britain is going to court over the widespread claims of illegal torture and abuse by British soldiers in Iraq.

‘The court will rule on whether the abuses were isolated incidents of which commanders, senior ministry officials and politicians were unaware, as the government insists, or “systemic” and authorised as policy.’

I’m not sure which idea is more disturbing; that from the top down this was endorsed and hidden from the public; or that soldiers do this independently, as a result of their nature, their training, or their job.
One law professor

‘will present five so-called “state practices” they claim were “unlawful, right to the top”, including illegal interrogation techniques taught at the army intelligence facility at Chicksands, north of London, unlawful detention and unlawful use of lethal force.’

It’s deeply disturbing.

‘Most of the alleged incidents took place while prisoners were in custody, though some occurred during “strike operations” on people’s homes, with suspects and their families allegedly subjected to abuse and crude violence. Prisoners who died in custody were invariably said to have done so due to “natural causes”, despite beatings and kickings.’

But here, I need to get philosophical, and look into the morality of torture. I suppose, it could be defended from two sides. Firstly, justice/punishment. Secondly, the greater good.
Essentially, those who speak of justice these days, already mean torture. That’s what they want prison to be. Just, very mild and protracted, and chiefly mental torture.
And the greater good is a very common argument for war. What about the civilians maimed, killed, widowed, or orphaned? “Collateral damage for the greater good.” So if knowingly allowed and acccepted, why not endorsed?

‘All’s fair in war.’

But I do not accept either of these ideas. War is evil. The “Justice” system does more harm than good. The only hope I see against evil is to

‘Be not overcome by the evil, but overcome, in the good, the evil’

Romans 12:21

I strongly recommend reading the entire article at the top of the page. If you don’t want to scroll up,  here’s another link to it.

God bless you.