Wednesday, March 18, 2015

12/03/2015- English

Last week the Palestinian Central Council called for the suspension of security coordination with Israel because of Israeli breaches of bilateral agreements, such as the withholding of millions of dollars in tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority (PA).  Lord, we pray that these actions that are driving the two sides even farther apart will not lead to an escalation in violence and a roadblock to any potential peace process in the near future.  Lord in your mercy…

Several Palestinians were recently injured by Israeli forces: a Palestinian teenager in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem who was beaten and arrested during clashes, and five teenagers in the al-Jalzone refugee camp near Ramallah who were hit by live fire.  Lord, we continue to pray that a permanent political solution will make its way to this wounded land, bringing with it peace, justice and reconciliation.  Lord in your mercy…

Fishermen in Gaza continue to be shot at by Israeli soldiers despite the August ceasefire agreement saying that Israel would increase the nautical miles allowed for fishing.  Recently, one fisherman was shot and killed.  God of mercy, we pray that the impoverished fishermen in Gaza can work for a living without the threat of Israel’s military might.  Lord in your mercy…

Elections in Israel take place next week.  Although significant change is not expected, we pray that fundamentalist ideologies and exclusive policies will be further challenged in the near future and replaced by a vision for real peace, with human rights no longer being denied to millions of Palestinians.  Lord in your mercy…

God of grace, we ask for your blessing on our youth event this Friday in Jerusalem and our joint book launch with Al-Liqa Center at Bethlehem University for the Arabic book on non-violent resistance in Islam and Christianity.  Lord in your mercy…

We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of Myanmar and Thailand.  Lord in your mercy…

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