PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND GAZA

(Adapted from a prayer by Lynn Green, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain)

Lord God,

It is with shock and horror we witness the devastating violence and loss of life in Israel and Gaza over recent days.

We come to you as the source of all comfort, asking that you send your Spirit to surround and uphold

             all those who are grieving,

            all those who are suffering,

            all those in fear,

            and all those in captivity.

May the arms of comfort and compassion, overwhelm the arms of war.

We come to you as the source of all peace, asking that you send your Spirit to

             strengthen and uphold those pursuing an end to violence,

              embolden those with a heart for truth and justice, and

              amplify the voices of wisdom and restraint.

May the light of peace and reconciliation, overwhelm the darkness of destruction.

We come to you as the source of all hope, asking that you send your Spirit to bring about a future, where neighbours embrace despite their differences,

               where love conquers hate,

               humility surpasses pride,

               and where forgiveness is treasured as a fundamental strength.

May the hope of a day when weapons of conflict will be transformed into tools of reconciliation be realized soon, so there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away. Amen