Lord Jesus, you suffered violence
at the hands of human beings so that we might be free of it, so that we might
be reconciled to one another. Now, may we humans not reject that opportunity. It
seems that each time we are on the right path toward peace, fiery and
provocative speeches from both Israeli and Palestinian extremists threaten to
dissolve our hopes for real resolution. We reject such provocations – whether
in word or deed – and cry out for a new commitment among all people to
peaceful, nonviolent means of achieving justice and safety for all. Lord, in
your mercy...
Lord, we celebrate the
Declaration of Human Rights on Human Rights Day (Monday, Dec 10), and we long
to see those statements become reality in all countries of the world. We
especially pray for Arab citizens of Israel who suffer inequality and grave
violations of human rights, and also for Palestinians living under occupation.
As turmoil in neighboring countries of Egypt and Syria continues, we ask
desperately for an end to violence and human rights abuses and for good, just
leaders who will serve the people selflessly. Lord, in your mercy...
As winter ushers in harsher
weather, we think of all people who are suffering from lack of food or shelter
and from destroyed homes or businesses in the wake of the many environmental
catastrophes this fall. We remember those who suffered earthquakes all over the
world, those still rebuilding from Hurricane Sandy, and especially for the many
people in the Philippines who suffered the effects of category five Typhoon
Bopha just last week. Please help all of us in the international community to
chart a path into a more environmentally sustainable future. Lord, in your
mercy...
God, we come before you grateful for
last week’s successful interfaith conference and a positive response from the
ministry of education regarding the suggestions made for school curricula. We
continue to ask for fruitful upcoming Sabeel programs, especially the
Ecumenical Christmas Dinner this Saturday. As we look to next year, we ask for
your provision and inspired creativity as we plan for the Global Young Adult
Festival in summer 2013. Please bless Bonganjalo Mbenenge, past conference
participant, as he shares the vision for this upcoming festival at the African
Youth Conference on Democracy and Good Governance in Mozambique this week.
Lord, in your mercy...
Finally, we pray alongside the
World Council of Churches for our brothers and sisters living in Cape Verde,
the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal. Lord, in your mercy...
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