19/03/2015- English

This week Israeli election results will be revealed and the winning Israeli party will begin forming a new government.  Lord, in the weeks ahead, during what will likely be a period of coalition building by the leader of the winning party, we pray for the future of both peoples in Israel and Palestine.  We pray that someday they will see peace and justice with human rights for all.  Lord in your mercy… Sixteen-year-old Hamza Abu Hashem of Beit Umar in the West Bank has been in prison for the last three months for throwing stones during a demonstration.  As the boy was arrested, Israeli forces ordered a dog from one of its units to attack him. God of mercy, we pray that Israeli forces will end such cruel practices that bring emotional trauma to Palestinian children.   Lord in your mercy…
 The first day of spring is this week, and so too is the celebration of Mother’s Day in Palestine.  God of grace, we pray for all the strong women in this land who are bravely raising their children with so much uncertainty and insecurity, always hoping for them and their futures.  Lord in your mercy… Lord, we ask for your generous blessing on our numerous events this week and give our thanks for our hardworking staff and volunteers during this busy time.  In Jerusalem, we will have our local book launch of The Bible and the Palestine Israel Conflict, as well as an egg hunting event for children, a community forum on Jerusalem with Rev. Naim Ateek, and a community “Contemporary Way of the Cross.”  In Nazareth, we ask for your blessing this week on a children’s group meeting on Easter and a youth meeting.  Lord in your mercy… We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.  Lord in your mercy… 
 
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