Prayer Vigil for Middle East Peace: CMEP Prayers

FOR CURRENT NEEDS

Gracious God, we pray for everyone in Israel and Palestine as they continue to struggle for peace in their land. In the midst of great tensions, conflict, deaths and turmoil, we ask that the spirit of your peace be upon all people in the region. Give them wisdom and understanding to realize the preciousness of human life and community. And strengthen them in their efforts and help them find ways to organize their educational, political, and economic systems in a way that will promote unity and stability.

IN A TIME OF DEEP PAIN FOR THE PEOPLE OF PALESTINE AND ISRAEL

Jerusalem, Jerusalem...How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing. (Matthew 23:37)

Blessed Jesus, lifting up the holy land for all humankind, breathe love into our prayers with a desire for nothing other than peace: peace in our hearts, peace for all creation, and especially peace in the land that is called holy.

God of hope, we lift up the city of Jerusalem, distracted and divided, yet still filled with promise as all the cities of the world. Jesus, ride again into our cities, temples, Upper Rooms and Gethsemanes, that we may be given sight to recognize you.

God of mercy, even as we long to understand that which is often beyond our comprehension, we lay before you the hearts, minds and bodies of all those suffering from conflict in Palestine and Israel. Shower upon all holy people of the Holy Land the spirit of justice and reconciliation.

God of the nations, be with the Palestinian people who watch from afar the suffering of their families and friends. Be with the Palestinian communities in the United States. Grant them comfort and hope in these stressful days.