Congregations encouraged to pray for peace in Lebanon

Congregations across the Church of Scotland are encouraged to pray for peace in Lebanon as Israel intensifies its military invasion to target Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly, issued the call in light of the "terrible atrocities" faced by ordinary people caught up in the conflict.

The Church of Scotland has an official partnership with the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, (NESSL) which is providing safe accommodation, essential life sustaining assistance and psychological support to all those in need.

Congregants wishing to support the humanitarian work of NESSL should do so via their congregation, who may be able to boost the amount via gift aid.

A letter signed by Dr Paterson has been sent to congregations and presbyteries as the Israeli Defence Force announced that operation "Northern Arrows" is being conducted in villages close to the Israeli border with ground troops supported by the air force.

It has urged residents in more than 20 towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately for their own safety as being near Hezbollah members or equipment would put their lives at risk.

Najib Makati, Prime Minister of Lebanon, has said his country is facing "one of the most dangerous phases" in its history and around one million people have been displaced across Lebanon since Israeli air strikes began last month.

Rev Joseph Kassab, General Secretary of NESSL, said: "These are dark days and we are afraid that Lebanon will turn into a
second Gaza.

"The destruction is enormous and the needs are larger than the capacity of an already bankrupt government.

"God have mercy."

The Moderator has written a prayer for ministers and worship leaders to use in their intercessory prayers.

Almighty God, we bring our voices together to pray for peace, unsure of what to say or do.

We see conflict, war, bombings, people fleeing to find shelter.

As we witness an escalation in conflict, we pray for your peace,

A peace which offers justice for the oppressed and downtrodden, a real peace in which every individual may live free from the horrors currently being experienced.

Caring God, be with those suffering in Lebanon and across the Middle East.

Bring healing to those physically and emotionally wounded … and healing between individuals, groups and nations.

Comforting God, be with those who mourn the loss of loved ones and be with them in their grief and trauma, offering your grace and inner peace.

Loving God, you loved us so much you came into our world in Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

We have heard the Good News; enable us to share your love … for love will overcome.

Strengthen our resolve to love our neighbour, and work together for peace so that love might be shared, healing becomes a reality, and that we never lose hope.

In the Name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Amen.

Rev Rola Sleiman, minister at Tripoli Church in Lebanon, said the impact of Israel's invasion on ordinary people has been "a huge catastrophe".

She said 45 people, mainly women and children, were killed the other day when a building, housing mainly Lebanese and Palestinian refugees, in the town of Ain el-Dilb was hit by a missile.

Around 70 people were wounded and a group funeral will be held for the dead who are to be buried together in a mass grave.

Ms Sleiman said: "The situation in the south of Lebanon is catastrophic, huge damage has been caused and entire villages have been swept away.

"There was once 2,000 people living in Alma al Shaab but there are now only about 10 people left.

"The other day a pastor friend told me about a Christian family who stayed – a middle aged man, his wife and his elderly mother – because they are too poor to go to Beirut.

"They were advised to shelter in the local church and the man and his wife went there but the mother stayed at home.

"In the morning, a rocket hit the house and there is nothing left of it or the mother - not a drop of blood or a piece of clothing.

"She just disappeared and this sums up of the misery of what is happening – she was an old lady, why did a missile hit her house?"

Ms Sleiman revealed she was given an awful fright when a thermal balloon, packed with explosive and incendiary materials, exploded above her car when she was driving on a highway.

The car shook violently but fortunately, she and her passenger were not injured.

Ms Sleiman went on: "The situation here is really painful, the casualties are very high and every day there is a minimum of 100 causalities, 300-400 hundred people injured and hundreds of houses demolished to the ground.

"Lebanon is a small, poor country, the economy is already on the ground, and the hospitals are full of injured people and routine operations have stopped because there is no time for that.

"There are a lot of refugees and displaced people in Lebanon, every empty building is now packed, and universities and schools have been closed.

"We are praying for peace and standing steadfast.

"The support of sisters and brothers in Christ, although they are not in our country but feeling our pain and holding us in their hearts and prayers, is very thoughtful and meaningful for us."

Ms Sleiman recently visited Scotland with her nephew Jack and spent time in the Church offices in Edinburgh and with her church's partner congregation in Earlston in the Scottish Borders.