ACT PALESTINE FORUM PRAYER VIGIL FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Prayer Petitions for Faith and Unity

Friday, 24 June 2016

Every day in the month ahead, we 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.

This month’s prayers were written by Uffe Gjerding from DanChurchAid. Included are two prayers that can be used interchangeably and a poem that can be used for discussion, reflection, or an addition to a service.

We hope that you will join us throughout the year in building awareness and calling for an end to decades of occupation. APF encourages its friends and partners to visit the APF website and APF Facebook page to find, and also contribute, updates, photos, stories, advocacy ideas, and special prayers. We will be uploading all resources to the APF website and including updates on the Facebook page for your convenience and participation.

INTRODUCTION TO THIS MONTH’S PRAYERS

John 17:21: “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also maybe in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

This Bible text is a central part of Christ’s message shortly before his crucifixion, where addressed to his Father in heaven, but equally to us in the Christian community until this day. He must have realized that without unity in the church, the ability of the church to fulfill its witness in the world – in mission and in service – would not be credible. Fortunately, the ecumenical movement has demonstrated over the past approximately 100 years, that in spite of all our differences and diversity, we can act and witness together to the world if we so desire. The World Council of Churches and ACT Alliance are a proof of this. We have made progress, but we still need to keep Christ’s words before us in our prayers as a constant challenge to us.

PRAYERS

In the name of the father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

God of life, who cares for all of creation, and calls us to justice and peace, may our security not come from arms, but from respect. May our force not be of violence, but of love. May our wealth not be in money, but in sharing. May our path not be of ambition, but of justice. May our victory not be from vengeance, but in forgiveness. May our unity not be in the quest for power, but in vulnerable witness to do your will. Open and confident, may we defend the dignity of all creation, sharing, today and forever, the bread of solidarity, justice and peace. This we ask in the name of Jesus, your holy Son, our brother, who, as a victim of our violence, even from the heights of the cross, gave forgiveness to us all. Amen.

(Alternatively)

Almighty God, breathe into us the wind of unity that recognizes our diversity,

                   Breathe into us tolerance that welcomes and makes us community,

Breathe into us fire that unites what is torn apart and heals what is ill,

                   Breathe into us grace that overcomes hatred and frees us from violence,

Breathe into us life that faces down and defeats death,

                   Blessed be the God of mercy, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and makes all things new. Amen.

Say No to Peace!