Genesis 3:23-24
“So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.  After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.”

Luke 22:49-51
“When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, ‘Lord, should we strike with our swords?’  And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.  But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’  And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.”

Colossians 1:21-22
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of  your evil behavior.  But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—”

Divine Judge, you hold the power to make the sharp separation between all that is good and all that would harm us.

With a flashing sword you protect us from our own foolish decisions, and with a gentle hand you heal our battle wounds.  You are the guardian of the garden yet you fight for reconciliation.

Take from us the weapons we wield in anger.  Forgive us for our emnity with you and may we extend this gracious peace to others.

As you have directed us, we ask this in Jesus’ loving name, who came under the sword of judgement for the healing of our souls.

Listen to ‘Sorrow and Blood’ by the weak & the few