Prayers for peace in Israel-Palestine

An Invitation to Prayer on the Resumption of War on Gaza, 18 March 2025

We write in the season of Lent as we seek to follow Jesus on his final journey to Jerusalem, and beyond the cross to resurrection.

Like all people of good will, we long for peace in Israel and Palestine, where all can live together, and families can flourish. We condemn the attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023, and their taking of hostages, almost 50 of whom remain in captivity. We condemn the brutal siege of Gaza by the Government of Israel, cutting off electricity and water, and the bombing which has led to so much destruction of infrastructure, homes, schools, and hospitals. We lament the many thousands dead and injured since October 2023, and those killed by the breaking of the ceasefire on 18 March, of which two-thirds were women and children.

We lament the failure of the world's democracies to resist effectively the excessive use of force over the past sixteen months, and we condemn those who have enabled it. We lament the weakness of the United Nations, unable to stop war crimes being committed and uphold international law.

We lament the involvement of our government in refusing to condemn Israel for its systematic destruction of living conditions in Gaza, and in supplying arms and support to Israel.

We cry out for a move away from reliance on failed military solutions, and a turn to co-existence.

We affirm that all people are made in the image of God and that therefore all human beings should be treated with respect and dignity. We pray for the release of all hostages, and the release of prisoners held without charge or trial.

We call on all to abide by the Geneva Convention and the United Nations Charter on Human Rights.

We pray for skilful negotiators motivated by compassion and justice for all, and not locked into destructive partisanship.

We pray for our leaders' courage and vision, and a commitment to peace with justice.

Our prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones or been wounded. We pray for all who are afraid and do not know what tomorrow will bring.

And we pray for ourselves. Help us to hold on to our humanity and the humanity of all. Help us to hold on to your promise that war and suffering will end and to hold on to your justice and righteousness, even when what we see and experience is far from that. Help us not to give up hope and to keep working for that day when ‘the earth shall be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.' Habakkuk 2:14

Help us also to see the small signs of hope that this day will come: the endurance of the life and witness of the churches in Gaza, the many people involved in humanitarian and medical care; and around the world, people educating themselves, people signing petitions, people protesting, people finding creative ways of non-violent resistance.

And all this we pray in the name of Jesus who walks the way of the cross, trusting that He walks with us all and holds those who fall. Amen.

Rev Dr Stewart Gillan and Rev Muriel Pearson, St Andrew's Jerusalem and Tiberias, March 21 2025

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

"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.

Read more about The Church of Scotland in Israel and Palestine