Muslim
Palestinians with millions of Muslim worshipers from around the world, are on
their way to Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj preparing
for Eid al- Adha, the most important holiday in the Muslim calendar which falls
on Monday the 11th of September this year.
·
Lord Jesus, with those who build bridges of interfaith
understanding, we pray for our Muslim brothers and sisters that they may
celebrate Eid al-Adha next week in peace. We also pray for the safety of those
who make this pilgrimage of prayer and devotion. Lord in your mercy...
The number of Palestinians being wounded by live fire from the
Israeli occupation forces is on the rise. Reporters and analysts are
questioning whether the Israeli army is conducting a kneecapping campaign which
cripples young Palestinians and strengthens Israel`s military grip on the West
Bank.
·
Lord, we pray for the safety of our people who have been demoted
into simple target stands. We also pray for courage among Israeli soldiers to
question commands. Empower us God to make the occupation crumble so that we may
all live in safety and peace. Lord in your mercy…
Pope Francis
has chosen non-violence as the only effective response to world crises in his
annual message for the World Day of Peace.
·
Lord you taught us to always respond to injustice and never abandon
the poor and the oppressed. We know Lord, as your followers, that we are called
to stand firm and face the powers without picking up the sword. Keep reminding
us lord, through your servants, by words and deeds to renounce violence and be
present on the frontlines defending the oppressed. Lord in your mercy…
Engineering
students, Jamal Al Miqaty and Khalid Al Bardawil at al-Azhar University in Gaza,
designed a solar-powered car. Mr. Bardawil said, “We decided to depend on the
power that God gave us, which is an alternative, renewable, and clean energy, so
we created a solar vehicle.”
·
Lord, your sun shines on your world inclusively and without any prejudice.
We give you thanks that your sky remains open sending rain and sunlight, unlike
the gates of Gaza which continue to be tightly controlled and often closed.
Lord in your mercy…
In an interview
with a TV channel, a prominent Palestinian official referred to Palestinian
Christians in a disrespectful way. The footage from the interview went viral on
social media with both Christians and Muslims expressing outrage. As one nation,
we are saddened by the remarks of the Palestinian official, yet we are
reassured by the beauty of the mosaic of our society.
Lord, we thank
you for our pluralistic society and all its members. We give thanks to the
thousands of our Muslim brothers and sisters, all Palestinian political
factions and the wide spectrum of Palestinian civil society who prophetically criticized
the racist remarks. Continue Lord to bless lord our people with tolerance and
love. Lord in your mercy…
We pray alongside the World Council of Churches
for the countries of Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia.
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