|
An Interfaith Prayer for Peace in the Middle
East
Dear God, we pray for all those who are involved
in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We pray especially for the
leaders of these nations, and for the diplomats and negotiators.
Lord, give them the wisdom to know that fairness is the only path
toward a just and lasting peace. Help them to set aside fear, national
interest, and personal ambition, and to stand for truth and a just
solution for all people. Turn them away from violence, and toward
peace. Amen.
We ask your grace on all the people who are
suffering in the Middle East. We pray especially for the poor, for
the wounded, for the widows and orphans, and all those who have
lost loved ones. We pray for the refugees, for prisoners, for the
oppressed, for the soldiers, for those who have lost hope, for those
whose frustration and anger leads them toward acts of violence.
We pray for all who are afraid, especially the elderly, and the
parents of young children. Comfort, relieve and protect them. And
we pray for all those who have died in the course of this conflict.
Amen.
We pray also today for all places in the world
where peace is tenuous or shattered, where people live in fear,
where the basic necessities of life are threatened, where grief
and frustration lead to despair. Let us remember that this reality
occurs in own community as well. Help us to put ourselves in solidarity
with suffering wherever it exists. As we observe and feel it, help
us not become hardened by despair or hatred, but to grow in compassion
and willingness to help.
And finally, God, please bless each of us in
our own struggles. Teach us to seek out diversity, rather than taking
refuge in the comfort of the familiar. Open our hearts that have
been wounded by prejudice, stereotypes, and injustice.
May peace begin in each of our hearts, and through
faith may we come to better know and love one another, and be strengthened
to carry that love out into our community and the world. Amen.
|
|
