- God
of mercy, we have no words to express the confusion, the anger, and the
despair that we feel when we hear of such horrifying violence and
suffering. Please be with the families of those who were murdered, and
with the community that is now in deep mourning. Help them to find peace
and solace in your arms. Lord, in your mercy…
The Syrian cease-fire
timidly held last week, sparking hopes for the beginning of peace talks between
the warring sides. Syrians have come out on the streets to protest and
demonstrate for their rights, finally feeling safe enough to do so with the
bombs and airstrikes on hold. Though there is still much ground to cover before
a compromise between the two sides can be reached, the cease-fire is a very
positive first step forward.
- God
of justice, we rejoice with the Syrian public at the recent turn of events
there. Though we recognize that the cease-fire is fragile, we pray that it
will hold so that finally calm and stability might come to this place
whose people have lived in fear and persecution for so long. Lord, in your
mercy…
Tuesday of this week was
International Women’s Day, where we celebrate the accomplishments of women
everywhere, and also recognize the need to continue pushing for gender equality
worldwide. We remember specifically on this day the women of Palestine, who
often bear the brunt of the violence of the Israeli Occupation. It is the women
who must remain strong when their husbands and children are arrested, the women
who are often left to rebuild their houses after the military demolishes them,
and the women who struggle to hold the community together in the wake of
continued oppression.
- Lord
God, we thank you for women everywhere, and pray for their continued
perseverance and courage. Lay your hand upon them and guide them in their
constant struggle towards peace and justice, for themselves, their
families, and their countries. Lord, in your mercy…
The Bethlehem Bible
College is hosting its fourth Christ at the Checkpoint Conference in Bethlehem
this week, with hundreds of international and local participants. This
conference calls on Evangelical Christians to stand in solidarity with
Palestinian Christians, and to work together to bring an end to the occupation.
This year’s theme is The Gospel in the Face of Religious Extremism, and
speakers from all three main monotheistic faiths are presenting talks.
- God,
we lift this conference up to you, and ask that you send your Spirit to be
with each and every one of the participants gathered here. Grant them ears
to hear, and hearts that are willing to connect with their brothers and
sisters living here in Palestine. Lord, in your mercy…
·
We pray alongside the World Council
of Churches for the countries of Andorra, Austria, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San
Marino, and Switzerland.
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