ACT PALESTINE FORUM
PRAYER VIGIL FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
24th of every month
Prayer Petitions for Assistance for Gaza and for Justice in Accordance with International Law
Friday, 24 April 2015
Our prayers this month focus on Gaza and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, the promotion and protection of human rights and the importance of non-violent means of pursuing justice in accordance with international law.
During the month between 24 April and 24 May 2015, the ACT Palestine Forum will continue to focus its awareness building and advocacy efforts on Gaza and on seeking justice in accordance with international law. We will continue to pray for Israelis and Palestinians and advocate for non-violent means of pursuing justice. We invite you to prepare and send prayer petitions for us to share on the APF website.
APF encourages its friends and partners to visit the APF website and APF Facebook page often to find and also contribute updates, photos, stories, advocacy ideas and special prayers.
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When hearts are discouraged and tired, where political prisoners are separated from their loved ones, when husbands and wives are not permitted to live together in Jerusalem because of unjust laws, when whole families despair because they have been forced out of their homes,
Grant that your love and life-sustaining power will flow, encouraging, energizing, freeing, uniting and protecting all your children who struggle to keep hope alive.
God of peace . . .
Where there is reliance on the force of arms to frighten, harm or subjugate a neighbor, where children cannot walk to school without the threat of being attacked along the way, where farmers cannot harvest their crops without being harassed,
Grant that your righteousness and life-affirming presence be proclaimed, challenging Israelis and Palestinians to follow a nonviolent path toward the end of the occupation, agitating for the protection of human rights, and comforting those whose lives have been afflicted by abuse and violence.
God of reconciliation . . .
Where relationships are broken, where people are isolated – from each other and also from goods and services that alleviate suffering – and where political processes meant to restore dignity produce cynicism and anger,
Grant that your mercy and life-restoring steadfastness may astound us, animating in us an eagerness to forgive and be forgiven. Empower individuals, communities, and nations to be generous and tenderhearted. Bless Palestinians and Israelis who dare to take risks for peace. Guide and refresh all those who accompany them.
Gracious and Merciful God …
Where conflict rages and families are forced to flee from their homes, where children and parents alike are traumatized by violence and destruction, where fear and uncertainty paralyze distribution of goods and make ‘normal’ life impossible,
Grant safe journeys to those who flee, that they might find shelter and welcoming faces. Strengthen the individuals and organizations working tirelessly to bring hope to our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Disturb the silence and complacency of the international community and grant wisdom to world leaders who seek peace.
O God, our Creator . . .
Where resources are scarce and unreliable, where communities struggle to accommodate refugees, where classrooms are crowded and hospital waiting rooms overflow,
Grant open hearts and cooperative spirits to those who welcome refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers. Equip governments and NGOs with sufficient resources to care for all of your children in need. Send your Holy Spirit among us to breathe peace and reconciliation.
O God of Compassion and Healing . . .
Where tents and caravans serve as ‘homes’, where sand stings the eyes of children whose trauma leaves them unable to concentrate in school, where parents struggle to provide for their children, where futures are uncertain,
Grant hope to all who are discouraged, reassurance to all who are distressed, rest to all who are weary, healing to all who are injured, and peace to all who mourn.
Amen.