Calling the Christian community in Australia to pray for peace in Gaza

A long lasting end to the hostilities in the Gaza Strip on the basis of an effective, permanent peace in all of Palestine and Israel is sought to end the injustice and effect peace in the region.

Churches can join in prayer for that peace. Two prayers written by Palestinian Christians are below and are commended for use by congregations and individuals.

When Jesus Christ began his ministry and, before his own townspeople, sought to set his priorities, he said, quoting Isaiah, and adding that he was to fulfil these words: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4: 18-19, NRSV).

Recognising that we are all called as Christ’s disciples to fulfil that same mission to the best of our abilities, we seek your prayers for an immediate end to the conflict and suffering in Gaza and for a genuine, lasting and just peace in Palestine and Israel that will end the occupation of the Palestinian territories and the blockade of the Gaza Strip. Only then can the people of Israel and the people of Palestine live in peace together

In the fellowship of Christ,
Rev Robert Bartholomaeus, Lutheran Church of Australia
Dr Kevin Bray, Churches of Christ
Rev Gregor Henderson, Uniting Church in Australia

Prayers from Palestine

We pray for peace in Gaza, for an end to the violence and bloodshed. We pray that those in authority in the government of Israel, in Hamas and in the international community will work together for peace and for an end to the blockade of Gaza. We pray to you, O God.

We pray that the Palestinian people, who suffer from injustice and the difficulty of everyday life, do not lose hope in your justice and mercy. We pray that they do not give in to despair

and continue to place their hope for a better future in the strength of your hope. We pray to you, O God.

We pray for all those who are in a state of sorrow and grief, that they may be released of their suffering and be granted the consolation of God. We pray to you, O God.

We pray that God will strengthen our commitment to the work of genuine peace in Palestine and Israel, built on justice and equality for all, so that future generations will live in happiness and tranquillity. We pray to you, O God.

(adapted from a prayer written by Palestinian Christians, September 2012)

Almighty God, heavenly Father, hear our prayers. Help us work together towards freedom, justice and peace. Fill our heart with love and compassion and help us achieve just peace without which no security can be guaranteed for anybody. Remind us that we are all created in your image, and that we can all triumph over every evil and live in your peace, and not only by human treaties and agreements. Amen.

 (National Coalition of Christian Organizations in Palestine, July 2014)