3/11/11 - English

We watch with anticipation as the world community responds to the Palestinian bid for statehood at the United Nations. We are glad so many nations voted in affirmation for Palestine's admission as a UNESCO member, recognizing the unique role that Palestine's history and culture have for global education and science.  We are sad that the United States reacted to this vote of confidence with decision to financially starve this important UN initiative.  We pray for the rest of the UN deliberations, that they may result in what is truly best for our world community. Lord in your mercy… 

We pray for the thousands of Catholics and others that will gather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (United States) for the “Call to Action 2011” conference this weekend.  We are grateful for the way this conference gathers those who are willing to take on the hard questions facing the church.  We pray for Naim Ateek and all of the conference presenters.  We pray that this weekend will provide spiritual renewal for Christian activists, and catalyze further loving action. We honor the Ho-Chunk Nation who lived in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area before the Europeans arrived. Known as “People of the Big Voice,” we pray for their communities as they continue to exist, even though suffering from displacement and prejudice.  Lord in your mercy…

We mourn the recent violence in Gaza and the retaliatory rockets fired across the border into Israel.  Reports note that drones, which are remote controlled military planes, carried the bombs that were dropped on Gaza. We thank God for the growing movement around the world that protests the use of drones in warfare. We pray for all families affected and frightened by the violence.  We pray for a ceasefire. Lord in your mercy…

As Jesus noted, though the harvest is plentiful, the workers are few. We pray for the small staff at the Sabeel office in Nazareth. We are inspired by their energy and creativity. We pray for their upcoming programs, especially the youth meeting and the children's olive picking this week. Since 1993 Sabeel Nazareth has worked tirelessly to preserve the Palestinian Christian heritage in the Galilee. We ask God to uphold them, give them strength, and volunteers. Lord in your mercy…

With the World Council of Churches we pray for Burundi, Congo, and Rwanda.