“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most
High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). Lord Most High, we run willingly to your
shelter, calling out for you to protect all the communities in Gaza who now
face an appalling lack of shelter from last week’s bombings. Lord, would you
provide material resources as people seek to rebuild homes and infrastructure
and heal the injured. Would you bring comfort for those who grieve, and
psychological healing for the many who experienced trauma – especially the
children. Oh, that Gaza’s pain would not be forgotten and that peacemakers
would rise up to work for justice. Lord, in your mercy...
God, we long to see this
long-lasting conflict in Israel-Palestine ended and a just peace established in
all the land. Today as Palestine’s bid for non-member observer state status
goes to the UN, we hope for a step towards recognition of Palestinian
legitimacy and right to self-determination. We pray that the human rights of
all people would be respected, and we pray against any unforeseen negative
consequences of this action. Lord, in your mercy...
We pray also for our neighbors in
Egypt after President Morsi made a strong decree increasing his powers last
week. Lord, please bring about a speedy and peaceful resolution to the conflict
that would usher in true democracy, with representation for all and a
stabilized situation. Lord, in your mercy...
We thank you, Lord, for the
beginning of Advent this weekend – for valuing humanity enough to become one of
us, for taking on flesh and teaching us how to love. As we remember this event,
may your love be evidenced among us – especially as we begin the season with a
Sabeel Women’s visit to the Orthodox Four Homes of Mercy in Bethany, and later
as we join together for the Ecumenical Sabeel Christmas Dinner. Lord, please
use these events as well as the upcoming Interfaith program on school curricula
& religious discourse to build true community and further your kingdom. We
pray also for Sabeel Nazareth’s programs, especially for the conference on "Nazareth in the eyes of its
people." Lord, in your mercy...
Finally, we pray alongside the
World Council of Churches for the countries of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali,
Mauritania, and Niger. Lord, in
your mercy...
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