Learn about, act and pray for Gaza and Israel
Learn more
United Nations News Centre on the Middle East
Middle East crisis from the BBC
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory provides weekly reports on the status of civilians.
Gaza: A Different Perspective by the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, pastor of the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem
Sabeel’s Reflection on Gaza 
Reflection on Gaza by the Right Rev’d Suheil S. Dawani, Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem, Diocese of Jerusalem, The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East
Act
Give to humanitarian relief through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Download the Christian Call for Holy Land Peace Campaign Organizing Packet from Churches for Middle East Peace. This packet is intended to help congregations or other groups organize to send a strong message to President-elect Obama that Israeli-Palestinian peace must be an immediate priority during his first year in office.
Pray
Eternal God,
In this Christmas season when your children cry "Peace! Peace!" but there is no peace, be with us and help us find hope in you. Be with the people of Gaza, of Israel, and the whole world reminding us that you are the giver of all life and what a precious gift it is. Be with the leaders of this World so that they may be awakened to the realities of suffering, and comfort those who sit in darkness that they may see your light.
Help us to use our hearts rather than our weapons, our compassion instead of our apathy and our love instead of our fear. We pray this and all things in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen
Terra Winston, M.Div. Joint Christian Committee-Sabra Palestinian Refugee Camp, Beirut Lebanon
God of the ages,
we watch the images,
we hear the words,
we see the articles,
and our hearts break,
our souls ache,
our words falter.
We yearn to respond,
to reach out to Israelis and Palestinians,
all our sisters and brothers.
Show us ways to show our care.
Guide leaders of nations and people
to break the cycles of violence;
to seek the ways of peace;
to do justice; and
to walk humbly with you.
We pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Presbyterian Peacemaking Program
O Prince of Peace, silence the thunder of howitzers and Kalashnikovs and the roar of F-16s and Katyushas that the screams of pain, the cries of mourners and the pleas for mercy and peace may be heard. In the midst of battle, prepare tables in green places where sworn enemies might break bread together and discover their oneness in You. Make us instruments of your healing and peace and lead us all along new paths of righteousness toward that time when You will reign in all fullness and glory and we will all dwell with You in justice, unity, and peace forever. This we ask in your blessed name, Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Rev. Robert D. Stoddard, Jr., Parish Associate, West Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, DE (Former Vice President for Development, Lebanese American University)
God of the ages,
touch the hearts and minds,
spirits and souls
of the leaders of Israel and of Hamas.
Teach them anew that
hope for a just peace
cannot come from violence.
Grant them the faith and courage
to do justice peacefully
and to pursue peace justly.
Inspire the leaders of the world
to act in ways that will support
such efforts.
We pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
This prayer is based on email exchanges between staff members of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
God of justice and God of love,
remind your children in Gaza, in Israel, and around the world
of the futility of violence.
Help all of us
recognize that taking an eye for an eye
leads not to peace but
only to deeper blindness for everyone.
Help all of us
find the courage
to break cycles of violence,
establish new ways of relating
and pursue a better future together.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
This prayer is based on email exchanges between staff members of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Eternal God, our only hope,
our help in times of trouble:
show nations and peoples
ways to work out differences
without resort to violence.
Do not let threats multiply
or power be used without compassion.
May your will overrule human willfulness,
so that people may agree and settle claims peacefully.
Hold back those who are impulsive,
lest desire for vengeance overwhelm our common welfare.
Bring peace to earth, through Jesus Christ,
the Prince of Peace and Savior of us all. Amen.
Book of Common Worship, p. 799, #861, adapted |
