24th of every month
Saturday, 24 October, 2015
Every day in the month ahead, we continue to pray with and for our sisters and brothers in Palestine and Israel who have called for an ecumenical prayer vigil across the globe on the 24th of every month.
The forum condemns such violence as “the killing of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians, use of excessive force by Israeli police and army against protesters, extra judicial killings, collective punishment in the form of severe restrictions of movement, closure of Palestinian neighborhoods and punitive home demolitions in East Jerusalem.”
This month, we lift up prayers for our sisters and brothers in Israel and Palestine who live under the threat of violence and humiliation. We focus on the immense human suffering caused by the current political situation and the importance of using non-violent means to bring justice and peace to the Holy Land.
During the month between 24 October and 24 November 2015, the ACT Palestine Forum will focus its awareness building and advocacy efforts on seeking justice in accordance with international law in relation to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, house demolitions, severe movement restrictions and other human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories. We will continue to pray for Palestinians and Israelis, and advocate for non-violent means of pursuing justice. We invite you to prepare and send prayer petitions for us to share on the APF website.
APF encourages its friends and partners to visit the APF website and APF Facebook page often to find, and also contribute, updates, photos, stories, advocacy ideas, and special prayers.
God of new life, hear our prayer
God of compassion, we acknowledge how easy it is to be unaware of the suffering of others, especially when such hardships are not immediately in front of us. Rouse us from our complacency, O Lord, and help us to realize our connectedness as human beings. Our neighbor’s well-being is our well-being. Stir up the spirit of justice within us, that we might affect change even if we are at a distance.
God of new life, hear our prayer.
Source of calm and peace, we cry out to you in prayer for those who are beaten down by the daily challenges of living under occupation; for all who live under the threat of violence and humiliation; for those whose freedom of movement is restricted by checkpoints and walls; for those who mourn for their dead and imprisoned loved ones. May your transforming Spirit bring them comfort and give them hope.
God of new life, hear our prayer.
Merciful God, we pray for those whose lives are affected by the current escalation of violence in Palestine and Israel. For those whose loved ones are victims of the daily violence; for all who are afraid to leave their homes and open their businesses; for those who are sealed into their neighborhoods by road closures and checkpoints.
God of new life, hear our prayer.
God of justice, we pray for those driven by fear, hatred, and vengeance; for those who impede the progress of peace and those who perpetuate violence. May they realize that the security and peace we all long for will not come through the force of arms. Strengthen and empower those who tirelessly seek reconciliation through non-violent means. Give them the faith and courage to go where your hand leads them.
God of new life, hear our prayer.
God of all goodness, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. Your will is that peace should shine on all people everywhere. Even in our moments of greatest desperation, we know You are with us. With your Spirit, guide the efforts of humankind to bring peace and justice to the nations of the earth.
God of new life, hear our prayer.
We ask all these things, O God of peace, trusting in your unfailing mercy. Amen
Source: The Lutheran World Federation
