Prayers for Peace in Israel and the Middle East

October 13, 2023

O God,
we remember those who live in the Holy Land
now caught up in the disastrous evil of war.
We pray for our sisters and brothers both of Israel
and the Palestinian people who are suffering:
for those who have died victims of violence;
for those held captive and are feared lost to their families; for those grievously wounded by bullets and bombs;
for those who have lost hope in a peaceful life.
We have in our day, O Lord, no one else to turn to but you.
It is through your power that hatred is overcome by love, vengeance gives way to forgiveness,
and discord is changed to mutual respect.
For Christ alone whose blood was shed can cure the fever in our blood.
Do again for us what you have done in the past
so that through your merciful grace,
Your peace may put an end to conflict and division
in that far away land of Israel, in our neighborhoods, and in our own hearts.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. AMEN.