Tuesday
marked World Water Day as recognized by the United Nations. This day emphasized
the importance water has in our lives and jobs, and advocated about
water-related issues. This coincides with the World Council of Churches Lenten
focus on water in the Middle East, specifically in Palestine. Over the last 7
weeks churches all over the world have read devotions and prayed for peace,
justice, and access to water for the people in Palestine.
·
Creator God, please be with these organizations
as they spread the word about water inequality and injustice all over the
world. Allow them to share these truths with those who would otherwise never
learn about them, and help us all to work together to bring equal water access
to all. Lord, in your mercy…
Holy Week
in Palestine is the most important time in the Christian calendar, filled with
services, processions, and special traditions recognizing Christ’s journey in
this land. Though many Palestinian Christians will not be able to participate
in these things, because they have been denied permits to enter Jerusalem.
Therefore they will have to celebrate the holiest days in the life of the
Church, separated from the rest of the body of Christ.
·
Lord, we rejoice in the approaching end of the
Lenten season and the soon coming of Easter. But it is hard to feel the full
joy of Christ’s resurrection when we are separated from friends and family who
live on the other side of the wall. We ask that, just as you broke the bonds of
death and brought Christ to life again, you will also break the bonds of the
Israeli Occupation, and bring peace to this land. Lord, in your mercy…
Hiba
Sharafa, a Palestinian woman living in Gaza, had a simple
dream: to become a school teacher. This dream was made more complex, however,
by the fact that she was born with Down syndrome. However, after many years and
much hard work, Hiba has become the first individual with Down syndrome to work
as a teacher in Gaza, working specifically with children who have intellectual
and developmental disabilities.
·
God of grace, we thank you for Hiba’s
commitment to teaching and for her perseverance to do so, regardless of the
obstacles in her way. We ask that her example serve as a role model to others
who are differently-abled, to inspire them to accomplish their dreams as well.
Lord, in your mercy…
U.S. Vice
President Joe Biden called on Israel Sunday, yet again, to keep their
commitment to a two-state solution. He stated that settlement expansion and
land-grabbing are quickly eroding the hope of a Palestinian state, and are
signs that Israel is not serious about wanting to establish peace. Biden said
he sees things moving more and more in the direction of a one-state solution,
which he said would be a dangerous outcome.
·
God of justice, we are thankful that the world
is recognizing the damage illegal settlements have caused in this region and to
the Palestinian people. Yet we are still waiting for some sign that hope in a
two-state solution is not futile. Despair often overwhelms us, and the peace
process remains stagnant. We ask that you send your presence and your light
into this conflict, and help us to find the hope we need to carry on. Lord, in
your mercy…
·
We pray alongside the World Council of Churches
for the countries of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
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