Prayer Vigil for Gaza: 24 November 2014

Prayer Petitions for Gaza
Monday, 24 November 2014

On this day, we will pray again 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 are for healing, justice, and hope in Gaza.

During the month of November, the ACT Palestine Forum has focused its awareness building and advocacy efforts on Gaza. Our efforts and attention during the month of December will be directed towards Gaza and Jerusalem. We invite you to prepare and send prayer petitions, which will be shared during the APF prayer vigil for the 24th of December.

APF encourages its friends and partners to visit the APF website and APF Facebook page often to find — and also contribute — updates on Gaza and Jerusalem, as well as photos, stories, advocacy ideas and special prayers.

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Prayers contributed by The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer English-speaking Congregation, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land.


“Brand New Mourning”
by the Rev. Kwasi Kena

We never know what each day will bring.
We hope for joy and peace
Or at least the comfort of predictable routine.
We’ve never prepared
For the intrusion of evil
Acted out through
Harm and mayhem.
When death rips life from our grasp,
When horror blurs our sight,
Have mercy on us, Lord.
Hold our aching souls
Guide us through dizzying grief,
Listen to our wailing “Why?”
Be the Comfort we may not even know we need
As we live through this brand new mourning.

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Prayers of Intercession

In this time of conflict and violence, let us commit ourselves to prayer, and pray to God of all creation to bring peace to our city, peace to our world, and peace to our hearts. Brief silence.

Lord of the nations, we are confronted almost daily with the horrors of hatred, oppression, occupation, desperation, and violence. Fear, sorrow, and confusion try to claim us as their own. O God of Creation, who in the beginning brought order into chaos, light into darkness — you alone can help us. We, your people, cry to you!

Come to the aid of political and religious leaders who need your guidance. O Lord, hear our prayer.

Come to the aid of all our neighbors, who need your assuring and loving presence. O Lord, hear our prayer. 

Strengthen us in faith and calm our fears. O Lord, hear our prayer.

Forgive us  for our sins, both individual and communal, especially for our failings as peacemakers. Forgive us for the divisions among us. Renew our spirits and increase our resolve to pray and work for peace. O Lord, hear our prayer. 

Protect us from any evil that surrounds us. Lift the hearts of the sorrowful. Bring healing to the sick and the wounded. Comfort the dying and the bereaved with your love. O Lord,  hear our prayer.

God of love, fill our hearts and minds with the peace and love that only you can give, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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