Wednesday, June 8, 2016

English 2/6/2016

The French government is hosting a peace summit in Paris on Friday, June 3 which will be attended by foreign ministers from numerous countries, including the U.S. and Russia.  This summit is in preparation for the international conference to be held later this summer in Paris, which will be an attempt to restart the Israel-Palestine peace talks.

God of peace, we live in hope.  So many times we have been disappointed by the prospect of peace talks that have failed to bring peace.  We know that throughout the world the Palestinian cause is being heard and that a solution is more earnestly being sought.  Give these leaders wisdom, courage and the political will to bring about a just peace.
Lord, in your mercy…

The Israeli government is moving again ever farther to the right with the recent appointments to the positions of Minister of “Defense” and Minister of  “Absorption,” bringing about warnings of a “black” time ahead for Israel.

Lord, we pray that your Holy Spirit will turn the hearts of those in power towards peace and not towards the implementation of  policies that will cause further suffering not just for Palestinians but for Israelis as well.   
Lord, in your mercy… 

Lord of all, we remember our Muslim brothers and sisters as they prepare to observe the holy month of Ramadan.  We pray that this time of fasting will draw them closer to you and to each other. 
Lord, in your mercy…

Lord Jesus, you wept at the death of your friend Lazarus.  Today we weep for the loss of two dear friends, Dr. Ken Bailey, a beloved New Testament scholar who helped us better understand your parables and teachings, and Suheil Bitar, husband of our dedicated  long-time staff member, Sawsan, and a faithful servant of the Catholic community in Jerusalem.   We thank you for their witness and service and pray that your presence and sustaining love will give comfort to family and friends. 
Lord, in your mercy…

We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of  Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Lord, in your mercy…

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