Image: Albin Hillert of the world Council of Churches
A message from Bishop Rose.
My sisters and brothers I am sure that like me you are deeply shocked at the unfolding violence in the Holy Land with all the signs that the violence is going to escalate.
I am calling on us all to pray earnestly for these dark days that are unfolding. Pray too for the hostages and their families; pray for a cessation of the violence and for the international community to renew its commitment and all its efforts to work for peace and justice.
The Archbishop of Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum has offered us this prayer:-
O God of all justice and peace, we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land.
Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths – Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land.
While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples.
Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children – for to all of us, you are our heavenly father.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Our Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued the following statement condemning the violence:-
“We are grieved and deeply concerned at the violence in Israel and Gaza, and we unequivocally condemn the attacks by Hamas.
We pray for those who are mourning, those who are injured, and all those fearing for their safety. We pray for restraint on all sides, and renewed efforts towards a just peace for all.
The way forward must be for both sides to build confidence in a secure future through which Israel and its people can live in security within its internationally recognised borders
And Palestinians have their own state and live in their lands in security and with peace and justice.”
A Prayer for Peace in the Holy Land
Almighty God, hear the cry of our hearts,
as we hold before you the people of the Holy Land.
Be near those who have lost lives and loved ones,
and be a sure rock to those who are in terror this day.
We pray that, through your spirit of wisdom and mercy,
conflict may cease,
and that the leaders of the nations
may work together for peace and justice
between Israeli and Palestinian.
As you wept over Jerusalem,
so we ask that you hear the prayers of those
who weep this day for your Holy Land.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer by the Rev’d Dr Emma Pennington, Canon Missioner, Canterbury Cathedral