Prayer for Peace in Gaza, in the West Bank and in Israel
In the days of the prophet Habakkuk, God spoke of stones crying out against oppression and violence. Centuries later, as Jesus entered Jerusalem, he told the Pharisees that if his followers were silent, the very stones would shout aloud in witness to him. Today, as we listen to the cries of pain rising from the rubble of Gaza, we pray with the conviction that to praise Christ as King is also to pray and act for his peace and justice.
God of stones that shout, and of people too often silent,
We cry out in despair as violence and killings continue.
Lord, may there be a ceasefire that lasts.
As we cry out for justice, we commit to being people of peace.
God of stones that shout, and of people too often silent,
We cry out in horror at the images of emaciated children.
Lord, may aid reach all those who need it.
As we cry out for justice, we commit to being people of peace.
God of stones that shout, and of people too often silent,
We cry out for release of those held captive.
Lord, may all hostages and detainees be set free.
As we cry out for justice, we commit to being people of peace.
God of stones that shout, and of people too often silent,
We cry out in frustration as leaders posture and prevaricate.
Lord, may hearts soften and meaningful dialogue begin.
As we cry out for justice, we commit to being people of peace.
God of stones that shout, and of people too often silent,
We cry out in recognition of our complicity in violence and oppression.
Lord, in your Kingdom, no one would profit from war or occupation.
As we cry out for justice, we commit to being people of peace.
God of stones that shout, and of people too often silent,
We pray for all who are suffering and grieving today.
We pray for people in Gaza, in the West Bank, in Israel, and around the world.
We pray for those silenced, and those simply silent.
We pray for peace.
In a moment of quiet, we cry out for those people and situations on our hearts and minds, and bring you our hopes for change…
Hold silence.
If God’s people keep silent, the rubble will shout aloud.
As we cry out for justice, we commit to being people of peace.
May it be so. Amen
Being people of peace
21-28 September is the Week of Prayer for Peace in Palestine and Israel. As we join CTBI and WCC in crying out for justice, we are asking churches to:
1. Pray. Join us in prayer for Palestine, for Israel, and for all those impacted by war and oppression in the region. We are praying that ‘As we cry out for justice, we commit to being people of peace.‘ Find our full prayer for peace here and use it in worship this Sunday.
2. Join the Red Line and tell your MP that the military detention of children is a red line.
3. Fast for Gaza every Wednesday in solidarity with those denied food, water, and medical aid.
Read about URC, Baptist and Methodist calls for change in Gaza.