Church of England congregations are invited to pray together for peace in the Middle East
[Church of England] Church of England congregations are being invited to join together with other churches to pray for the people of Gaza, Israel and the wider Middle East next month.
A group of Christian charities and aid agencies, working with church leaders, is organizing a day of prayer for peace in the Middle East on Sunday, Sept.21. It is timed to coincide with the United Nation’s International Day of Peace.
Prayer material and other information will be made available on special pages on the websites of the ecumenical groups Churches Together in England and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
Further events and opportunities for church engagement are planned for the coming months.
Jerusalem Archbishop Hosam Naoum also has written a prayer, available for use in churches. The text of that prayer follows.
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: In your mercy, provide for all those in Gaza and beyond who suffer from hunger and starvation, that they may be given both physical bread to nourish their bodies and heavenly bread to sustain their souls. By the power of your Spirit, bring a speedy end to this cruel war, the release of all captives, care for the sick and wounded, comfort for those who have lost loved ones, and the opening of a pathway for a just and lasting peace here in the very homeland where your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ministered during his earthly life; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
