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
Wednesday, 24 June 2015
On this day and in the month ahead, we will continue to pray with and for our sisters and brothers in Palestine and Israel who have called for an ecumenical prayer vigil across the globe on the 24th of every month.
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 June and 24 July 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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Almighty God, our deliverer, defender of the injured and suffering; when the foundations of the earth are shaking, give strength to all your people to uphold justice and safeguard the rights and lives of the most vulnerable in society.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We pray not for Arab or Jew, nor for Palestinian or Israeli, but pray rather that we might not divide them in our prayers, but keep them together as one humanity in our hearts.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of Justice, bless our Christian, Muslim, and Jewish sisters and brothers who work for peace through justice. Strengthen our resolve to advocate for an end to the Occupation and to the hostilities between Israelis and Palestinians in the face of seemingly endless violence and tragedy.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Guide leaders, politicians and elected officials so that may they realize that the security and peace we all long for will not come through violence and the force of arms. Strengthen those who tirelessly seek truth and reconciliation and empower those who embrace non-violent means of pursuing justice in accordance with international law.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Merciful Father, we cry to you from the depths of our beings for all those wrongly imprisoned or held captive; for those trying to secure their release, that the ways of peace and diplomacy may prevail over acts of violence and aggression, that their captors may know a change of heart; through him who was sent to proclaim liberty for captives and to set free those who are oppressed,
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God, our refuge and strength, you have bound us together in a common life. In all our conflicts, help us to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, without calls for revenge, to listen for your voice amid competing claims, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect to end all violence, hate and bloodshed.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
O God of all, with wonderful diversity of languages and cultures you created all people in your image. Free us from prejudice, racism, and fear, that we may see your face in our neighbors of every land and race, and that we may strengthen our resolve to speak out when the human rights of our neighbors are crushed.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Holy One, you do not distance yourself from the pain of your people, but in Jesus you bear that pain with all who suffer at others’ hands. With your cleansing love bring healing and strength to the people of the Holy Land; and by your justice, lift them up, that in body, mind, and spirit, they may again rejoice.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Merciful God, your healing power is everywhere about us. Strengthen those who work among the sick and wounded; give them courage and confidence in all they do. Encourage them when their efforts seem futile or when death prevails. We rejoice that your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. And yet at this time we mourn with the families of those whom you have drawn into your eternal embrace.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of earth and air, water and fire, height and depth, we pray for those who work in danger, who rush in to bring hope and aid and comfort when others flee to safety, whose mission is to seek and save, serve and protect, and whose presence embodies the protection of the Good Shepherd. Give them caution and concern for one another so that in safety they may do what must be done, under your watchful eye. Support them in their courage and dedication that they may continue to save lives, ease pain, and mend the torn fabric of lives and social order.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, bless public servants, journalists, and human rights workers that they may do their jobs in a spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice. Help them use their vocations to bring an end to killing, oppression, and suffering, and to use their positions to promote tolerance and the common good.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Gracious God, in times of sorrow and depression, when hope itself seems lost, help us remember the transforming power of your steadfast love and to give thanks for that new life we cannot now imagine; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.