UN
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stated that what is ultimately driving the
ongoing wave of violent resistance and attacks is frustration and despair
caused by the prolonged, almost half a century long Israeli occupation. While
still denouncing violence and the loss of innocent lives, Ki-moon recognized
that oppressed people will resist their oppressors, and so to stop the violence
Israel must first stop oppressing and end the occupation.
·
Lord God, we renounce all forms
of violence, and mourn the loss of lives of individuals on both sides. Please
open the eyes of those in power so that they may see a way forward which leads
to an end of the occupation.
Lord,
in your mercy…
Movement
to and from Ramallah, the political and economic center of Palestine, was
severely restricted Sunday and Monday after a shooting attack that wounded
three IDF soldiers. Checkpoints were shut down, preventing tens of thousands of
Palestinians from entering or exiting the city. This is collective punishment
and yet another unnecessary disruption of civilian daily life.
·
God of justice, when people are
treated inhumanely - trapped in literal cages and surrounded by concrete walls,
it becomes tempting to resort to violence. Remind us that, no matter what
punishment we are subjected to, we are all still your children, created in your
image and likeness.
Lord,
in your mercy…
Mirna
Hana is an 11-year old Christian girl who became a refugee when her family had
to flee Iraq due to threats from ISIS. She recently gave an emotional
performance on hit TV show “The Voice Kids,” her beautiful singing and
heartfelt story quickly passing her onto the next round.
·
God of music and beauty, we lift
this young girl up to you, and rejoice that her tragic life story now has a
bright and happy future. Allow this story to give us hope to believe that at
the end of every dark tunnel shines a ray of light.
Lord,
in your mercy…
Sabeel
Nazareth is hosting a young adult Bible study this week on Luke 2:22-38, the
story of Mary taking Jesus to be presented in the temple.
·
God, we thank you for young
people who are hungry to learn more of you by reading and studying scripture.
Help their discussion to be fruitful, and be present with all of us as we
continue to grow in your word.
Lord,
in your mercy…
·
We pray alongside the World
Council of Churches for the countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and
Sweden.
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