The war between the United States and Iran has entered its fifth month, and this week the fighting intensified across the Strait of Hormuz. Fresh strikes brought explosions to several Iranian cities, including Bushehr, while tankers and bases around the Gulf were attacked. Traffic through the strait — which carries a fifth of the world's oil — has nearly halted. Behind the headlines are ordinary people: families along the Gulf coast sheltering from the blasts, seafarers sailing dangerous waters, and households across the world facing rising prices that fall hardest on the poorest. We pray for all who are suffering and afraid, and for the peacemakers and negotiators on every side — that wisdom may prevail, the guns fall silent, and a just and lasting peace return to these ancient waters.