This
week, we wish to pray for the people who live in Palestine and Israel, for
those who face uncertainty, violence, and injustice, and those who yearn for
the end of oppression.
Grant
Jerusalem your peace, O Lord. The past week has been one of unthinkable
violence, unparalleled since the Second Intifada, in which women, children, and
innocent civilians have been targeted for violence, based entirely on their
ethnicity. The brutal lynching of Mohammed Abu Khdeir has been the prelude to
many acts of incitement and racism in this intensely divided city, and many
Palestinians fear for the safety of their families. Bring not only calm, but a
true, just peace to Jerusalem and all its inhabitants. Lord in your mercy…
Grant
the West Bank your peace, O Lord. Though most of the demonstrations have been
occurring in Jerusalem, West Bank Palestinians have endured collective
punishment and an increase in settler attacks in recent days. Put an end to the
occupation that inspires such actions, and allow justice to reign in its stead.
Lord in your mercy…
Grant
the Gaza Strip your peace, O Lord. The 1.7 million Palestinians imprisoned in
the Gaza Strip bear the brunt of Israel’s anger through incessant airstrikes,
which killed at least nine people on Sunday, the complete blockade of land,
air, and sea, and now a declared war under the name Operation Protective Edge.
We yearn for the day when trust, love, and justice win over hatred, fear, and
discrimination; let this day come quickly! Lord in your mercy…
Grant
Israel your peace, O Lord. Not a peace brought about by domination, oppression,
and occupation, or the implementation of discriminatory laws, or the
establishment of racial hierarchy—we desire a radical, all-encompassing peace
which recognizes the image of God in each individual and encourages justice to
be done. The events of the past week illuminated a deeply disturbing trend of
racism and incitement to violence in the Israeli public, fomented by the
right-wing government and acted upon by extremist Israelis, the Israeli police
force, and the military. Embolden those Israelis who speak against such
injustice and hatred, and let people of every nationality and ethnicity stand
together for the protection of the oppressed, freedom for the captives, and the
transformative power of peace with justice. Lord in your mercy…
Inspire
the people of the world, O Lord, to be peacemakers, in spite of the hatred,
vitriol, and violence around them. Let them stand for justice where injustice held
dominion, for hope where despair reigned, and for love where apathy keeps
people silent. Lord in your mercy…
Lord,
we pray alongsidethe World Council of Churches for the countries ofColombia,
Ecuador, and Venezuela. Lord in your mercy…
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