“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” -Matthew 5:9
The Holy Land, the place sanctified by the presence of prophets, poets, and priests, crying out for justice, urging on towards hope, and seeking after peace, has been, and continues to be a place sacred to millions of people around the world. We have watched with horror the appalling violence that has been unleashed over the last few days around this sacred place. We have seen families devastated, communities shattered, and countless lives lost.
We, as followers of Jesus are called at this time to pray. Pray for the end of hostilities, pray for the protection of the most vulnerable on both sides in Israel and Gaza, and pray for a recommitment to a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. We also pray that God might grant comfort to the afflicted, healing to the broken, strength to the weak, and courage to those in authority to lay down the instruments of violence and destruction and study war no more.
I call upon Episcopalians across the Diocese of Missouri to join me in praying for peace in the Holy Land and beyond:
Healer of the Nations, from the noise of war and the drumbeat of vengeance, give us undiminished determination to wage peace. Out of brokenness, violence, and destruction let us plant seeds of hope. Out of chaos, confusion, and hatred, build bridges of love. Out of distrust, disunity, and distance, walk together in harmony. Heal our divisions and make us whole; through Christ our Savior.
Amen.
The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri joins with people around the world in praying for peace:
A Prayer from the Archbishop of Jerusalem: Hosam Naoum
O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land.
Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths - Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land.
While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.