Prayer for Peace in the Middle East
May Christ, the Prince of Peace, lead us onward in the work of peace in the power of the Spirit, for the flourishing of all creation.
During these past days, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA celebrated 75 years of common work, worship and witness under the theme of “Christ is Risen: A Transforming Witness from Generation to Generation.” While celebrating, the Council also recommitted to struggle for greater unity and stronger witness for justice. As we gathered, we were heartened by the news of diplomatic progress in Israel/Palestine but also were deeply aware of the immense pain and suffering of the last years.
Amid these global events, our gathered body reflected on the words from Psalm 145:4-5 (NRSVue):
One generation shall extol your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts. They will recount the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works I will meditate.
During our gathering, on October 14th, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem shared a statement: Statement on the Declarations on the End of the War in Gaza
As direct partners and siblings of these historic churches, we highlight and acknowledge this call to the world. The statement begins with a Psalm of trust in God,
“[The Almighty] makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:9-10)
The statement shifts from this recalling the work of God to expressing gratitude for the efforts that led to this progress. While hopeful, the statement remains clear that there is much work to do and that progress is tenuous. It continues,
“We hope and trust that this first stage of the ceasefire truly signals the end of the Gaza War, and that any further disagreements between the parties will be resolved through negotiation and mediation, applying the utmost restraint, rather than the resumption of hostilities. Indeed, our region as a whole has suffered long enough to contemplate otherwise. Now is clearly the time to embark upon the very long pathway of healing and reconciliation that is so profoundly needed between Palestinians and Israelis.”
Reflecting on both unity and witness, so too the statement brings a pastoral word and affirmation to churches and church institutions in Gaza, stating,
“We would also like to give a special word of encouragement to those living inside St. Porphyrios Orthodox Church and Holy Family Catholic Church, as well as those serving at Al-Ahli Anglican Hospital: Your perseverance in faith amidst the immeasurable hardships of the past two years has served as a shining example for us all.”
The statement concludes with gratitude as well as recognition of the hard work of restoration that remains.
“In this spirit, we join with our fellow Christians and others of goodwill around the world in giving thanks to the Almighty for leading us to this auspicious moment, even as we realize that the work of peacebuilding has only just begun. May God grant us all the grace to rededicate ourselves to this vital task, shepherding us toward that golden age of peace so long envisioned by the prophets and sages of old-and for which our Lord Jesus Christ himself gave up his own life, rising to new life beyond the grave.”
Please join the National Council of Churches, USA as we move forward in hope and commitment to walk with God’s love in this world.