Prayer Petitions: 24 October 2017
ACT PALESTINE FORUM
PRAYER VIGIL FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
24TH of every month
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.
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.
A special thanks to Christian Aid for contributing to this month’s prayers.
ACT Palestine Forum Prayers
24 October 2017
Prayer Focus: Palestine Independence Day
After decades of conflict, the lives of many people in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory are characterised by fear, oppression, and poverty.
Twenty-nine years ago, the Palestinian National Council proclaimed the Palestinian Declaration of Independence within the 1967 borders. The Declaration insisted on the settlement of international and regional disputes by peaceful means in accordance with the charters and resolutions of the United Nations.
In Resolution 43/177, the United Nations General Assembly acknowledged the proclamation of the state of Palestine by the Palestine Liberation Organisation. However, continued occupation, lack of a political process, protracted cycles of violence, and movement restrictions have all led to questioning the viability of a sovereign Palestinian State.
A solution to this conflict is vital not just for the security and well-being of Israelis and Palestinians alike, but also for stability in the Middle East and ultimately for relationships across the world.
Therefore, Christians, Muslims, Jews and people of all faiths are called to pray for an end to conflict, for healing and reconciliation, and for a just and lasting peace that brings safety, development, and prosperity to all Palestinians and Israelis.
Now is the time for people of all faiths to come together and pray for peace, justice, and security for all.
Prayers
Eternal God, Creator of the universe, there is no God but You.
Great and wonderful are Your works, wondrous are your ways.
Thank You for the many splendored variety of Your creation.
Thank You for the many ways we affirm Your presence and purpose,
and the freedom to do so.
Forgive our violation of Your creation.
Forgive our violence toward each other.
We stand in awe and gratitude for Your persistent love
for each and all of Your children:
Christian, Jew, Muslim,
as well as those with other faiths.
Grant to all and our leaders attributes of the strong;
mutual respect in words and deed,
restraint in the exercise of power, and
the will for peace with justice, for all.
Eternal God, Creator of the universe, there is no God but You.
God of mercy, even as we long to understand that which is often beyond our comprehension, we lay before you the hearts, minds and bodies of all those suffering from conflict in Palestine and Israel and from the ongoing occupation. Shower upon all the people of the Holy Land the spirit of justice and reconciliation.
God of the nations, give to all our people the blessings of well-being, freedom, and harmony, and, above all things, strengthen us to care for all those in need.
Amen.
A printable PDF version of the prayers can be found here: 24 October 2017 Prayer Vigil