Friday, March 23, 2012

22/3/12 - English


Wednesday, March 21st is Mother’s Day, in Palestine.  We praise God for all of the mothers, especially for Palestinian mothers who live under occupation; Lord knows they endure more than their fair share of trouble, often without recognition of their consistent efforts for the survival of their families and communities.  We give thanks for all people who nurture one another toward greater understanding, strength, and love of life.  Lord in your mercy…

Last Saturday, at the age of 88 years, Egypt’s Coptic Christian community lost their leader, Pope Shenouda, III, who served 41 years as the spiritual head of the Coptic Church.  We thank you for his faithfulness and love of his church.  We pray for those who mourn his passing.  We also pray for healing in the church as new leadership comes forth.  We pray for all churches in the Middle East, especially for those who continue to be faithful in the midst of suffering and wars.   Lord in your mercy…

We pray for the Sunnyvale Friends of Sabeel North America conference.  The theme of the gathering this weekend is “Breaking the Barriers to a Just Peace in Israel/Palestine.” We do indeed pray that the barriers would be broken…open to live in new ways that yield the fruit of a just peace in the Holy Land and everywhere.  Lord in your mercy…

We pray for Sabeel Nazareth’s programs this week, as they cultivate community in the Galilee during this season.  Following their Mother’s Day program, they will host an Easter dinner for young adults.  We give thanks for the opportunity to celebrate in the midst of lives of difficulty.  Lord in your mercy…

We pray for Sabeel’s upcoming Swedish conference which is also sponsored by Bilda and Diakonia.  As more than 100 participants, speakers and those behind the scenes make final arrangements; we pray for safe travels, smooth entry and blessed experiences throughout their 10 days of preconference and conference encounters.  We pray that each person involved in the conference will grow in faith and knowledge.  May they be challenged to make a difference with what they experience and learn.  Lord in your mercy…

With the World Council of Churches, we specifically pray for the churches and populations of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.  Lord in your mercy… 


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