As Orthodox
Christians celebrate Christmas this week, we wish to pray especially for
Christians in the Middle East, many of whom are trapped in the midst of
violence in Syria, Egypt, and Lebanon. Lord, we ask that you allow this time to
be one of celebration and comfort in spite of the turmoil, and that you bring
peace to these troubled lands. Lord in your mercy…
God of Peace, we
put our trust in you as the peace negotiations continue here in Palestine and
Israel. With U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit came increased pressure
to establish a deal and increased tensions among all the people living here. Though
it is difficult at times like this, we put our trust in your unending
faithfulness and endeavor to do our part in bringing about your kingdom here on
earth. Lord in your mercy…
Lord, we decry
the treatment of African migrants inside Israel, many of whom face deportation
and detention simply because they sought asylum in a country that deems them
“infiltrators.” Merciful God, let us remember your commandment to help the
orphan, the widow, and the foreigner, and may we seek to see your image in all those
we come across. Lord in your mercy…
We also pray for
your blessing on Palestinian refugees under siege in Yarmouk refugee camp in
Syria. While they are denied their right to return they continue to suffer the
effects of the Syrian civil war, with many starving to death and lacking basic
necessities. We pray that their immediate needs are met and that a solution is
swiftly found. Lord in your mercy…
Lord, we pray
alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Iran, and Iraq. Lord
in your mercy…
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