Prayers for peace in Israel-Palestine

Churches and Christian organisations are responding with prayers and statements to the violence in Israel and Gaza. These can help guide your own prayers.

Former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, wrote:

The Peace Garden at St Andrew’s Church in Jerusalem

"If you pray, pray from your guts, not your lips – offer a prayer that moves in you and through you – one that calls you to reach out to a fearful neighbour, to speak up for peace and calm and the unity of humanity.
"Pray for all those many people injured and those mourning the loss of loved ones and those living in abject fear who await news of family members missing.
"Wherever you are, check in on your Jewish neighbours, friends and colleagues.
"Wherever you are, check in on your neighbours, friends and colleagues who have family in Gaza.
"Wherever you are, be mindful of your words. Tarring with a broad brush adds more fuel to the fire, so be kind to one another wherever you find each other.
"The Zulu phrase, Ubuntu, is the theme for my year as Moderator and its challenging truth resonates powerfully today. ‘I am because you are.' We are one global family. When we look into the face of another human being, God looks out from the windows of their souls. Today, love God by loving each other."

Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland - A prayer for peace

‘In days to come … they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore.
God, it is said that you are the peace that passes all understanding. We sit now, staggered at how quickly the fragile half-peace we had pieced together has unravelled.
The lessons we have so desperately needed to learn have been laid aside as the instruments of war begin their horrible, haunting reprise. Call us back to our senses.
For the angry, abused and frightened among us, who strike out in a distorted quest for victory, help us find ways to convince that there is no victory to be found in violence.
Peace-making is a daunting path to tread, especially when fear follows so closely behind, so breathe your loving spirit into our hearts and help us walk your way.
We pray ceaselessly for our family in Israel and Palestine, for we are all family and when one part suffers, we are all depleted. Peace in pieces is a collective, shared shame.
God, you are the peace that passes all understanding, so help us understand how to find you.
Amen.

Christian Aid - Prayer for the Middle East

God, hear our prayers for peace in the Middle East.
May all people in the region be protected, safe from harm.
We pray that this crisis will end now, with no further loss of life.
God, may the injured and distressed know your healing presence.
May the powerful and the decision-makers follow the paths of justice, mercy and peace.
We pray for recognition of the dignity and value of every life.
May the clamour of violence cease,
Replaced by the beating of swords into ploughshares.
God, in your name,
Amen

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

O God of all
Of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, and Ishmael:
Our hearts are broken in pieces at the suffering and murder of your people.
Our voices cry for peace and for justice.

Comfort those who grieve,
Console and heal the injured,
Be close to those in fear,
Restrain with your mighty hand those who perpetrate violence.

Send us your wisdom in all that we say and do,
That our voice may always seek justice, peace and security for all.
Amen.

Israel and Palestine Prayer Vigil

On the 24^th of every month people all around the world gather to hold the people of Israel and Palestine in their prayers and to pray for peace.

Details can be found on the Christian Aid Scotland events page. Please do go ahead and arrange your own prayer vigil if you would like – there is a liturgy here that you can follow, and amend as you like.