Join us in prayer: World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel

This year's World Week for Peace in Palestine/Israel will take place from 18-25 September. Across the world, churches and individuals will join their hearts and voices in praying to God for a peace and just solution to the conflict in the Holy Land.

Will you join us? It's easy to be part of this week of prayer.

1. If you are a pastor or worship leader, you can incorporate the World Week for Peace liturgy into your Sunday worship;
or hold a special mid-week prayer for peace;
or borrow the pieces of the liturgy which may work for your particular context.

For example, consider using this Litany of Confession:

Confident in God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ, 

let us come before God in a spirit of confession. 

Silence for reflection

. 

O God our Creator, You created the heavens and the earth 

But humans act as if they own them. 

 You gave abundant water and food for all 

But humans hoard it for themselves. 

You breathed life into every human being 

but some deny the sanctity of human life. 

O God of mercy, 

Free humanity from our sinful ways. 

Where walls have been built up 

Teach us to build bridges of understanding. 

When hearts are hardened

 Open them to the sufferings of the neighbor. 

When we are oppressed 

Preserve our dignity and give us courage to resist. 

When we are the oppressor 

Change our hearts and reform our ways. 

Silence for reflection. 

Hear the Good News: God who is full of grace and mercy has forgiven us all our sins. Through the Son, Jesus Christ, we have been given new life and new hope. 

Thanks be to God, Christ has broken down the dividing wall. He is our peace. Amen.  

Find the full liturgy for download here: WWPPI LITURGY


2. Follow the ELCJHL Facebook page for daily prayers, photos, and updates.

3. Share prayers, poems, or stories from the Week for Peace liturgy on your own Facebook page or blog! For example, read this witness from the grandchildren of a Palestinian friend:

TESTIMONY 4: from Carlos and Isabella, 10 years old, Jerusalem 

Carlos:

 "If one day there is no wall, I would feel more than happy. I will call all my friends and tell them the wall is gone! If there is no wall, all the Palestinians can come to Jerusalem, and go to the airport, too. If there is no wall, we could run from one side to the other. The world will be for everyone."

Isabella: 

"If there was no wall, I would tell children around the world that the wall fell down. Friends who had not seen each other for years could now meet. I and all the children of Palestine will be very proud of all the people who made the wall fall down."

Will you join us in prayer? Is your church planning to participate in the World Week for Peace? Please comment or email me to let me know! carrie.smith@elca.org