Thursday, September 5, 2013

5/9/13 - English

Gracious God, we ask that you guide and protect the children of Palestine as they begin a new school year. More than one million Palestinian children returned to their classrooms this past week, but what should be an exciting time of new beginnings for these children is inevitably tarnished by ongoing worries and complications stemming from the occupation. Lord, we pray that Palestine’s most vulnerable population is able to learn, create, and play in an atmosphere of safety, and that they no longer have to suffer through checkpoints, face the Separation Barrier, and endure settler threats and violence just to seek an education. Lord in your mercy…

Lord, it is also a time of great uncertainty and tragedy for many people across the Middle East. In the wake of the latest alleged chemical attack which took the lives of nearly 1,500 people, we wish to pray especially for the people of Syria, remembering the more than 100,000 killed and the 6.2 million displaced by the horrific civil war. At this time of upheaval, many countries surrounding Syria fear for the security and the stability of their nations; Merciful God, hear our people’s cries for safety, justice, and peace. Lord, also give wisdom and restraint to world leaders that they will not respond to this recent tragedy with warfare and instead will seek the path of non-violence. We pray, God, for a political solution that will stabilize this war-torn country and the entire Middle East. Lord in your mercy…

Gracious God, we lift the Egyptian people up to you. In the midst of turmoil and violence, we beg you to be the light that shines in the darkness and reveal your way of peace and reconciliation. Lord, we pray that you would provide a way forward which honors the dignity of all and brings a peaceable political solution and end to the conflict. Lord in your mercy…

Lord, the end of summer marks a time when we begin anew with plans and projects; this means the return of Sabeel staff from holiday, and the arrival of four new staff members beginning their ministry with Sabeel Jerusalem/Nazareth. We pray that their transition goes smoothly, that grace will abound as they learn new responsibilities, and that they fulfill their tasks knowing the fullness of your presence. Lord in your mercy…

Lord, we also pray for the Clergy Program on September 6th in the Galilee and for all of our staff as they focus much of their energy on preparations for the 9th International Conference later this year (November 19-25). Lord in your mercy…

God, we pray along with the World Council of Churches for the countries of Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia. Lord in your mercy...

To our local partners in prayer, we wish to announce that our weekly Communion service will recommence this week on Thursday, September 5. The service begins at noon and is open to anyone in the community who wishes to join us in praying for our neighbourhoods and the world.




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