Join in prayers for peace this weekend
Churches across Wales are being asked to pray for peace in the Israel and Gaza conflict this weekend.
The Bishops of the Church in Wales have issued prayers to be said in churches, especially on Sunday (November 5). They are also inviting people to take part in a day of prayer and fasting on Friday (November 3).
The prayers follow. You can also download them here.
Prayers for the conflict in Israel and Gaza
God our Father, we come before you with open hearts, confessing that we too have blamed and accused, siding with one side or the other, and losing sight of your love, compassion and mercy for all those who are suffering in Israel and Gaza. Help us, as your Church, to be bold enough to be those who call out atrocities wherever they occur. Help us, as your Church, to be bridge builders and peace initiators. Give us, as your Church, the love, courage, and steadfastness to speak truth to power and challenge hate and fear.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Suffering Servant, Saviour, and God, we thank you that in your earthly life you have shown us a different way to live, a way that meets hate with love, fear with hope, blame with confession and reconciliation. Raise up peace makers on all sides of this conflict. We pray for those organisations working for reconciliation: for Musalaha, Rabbis for Peace, Church Leaders of all denominations and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. We pray that they will raise the banner of hope and peace in the middle of a conflict where many would seek to condemn one side or the other, reminding us of the precious value of each individual made in the image of God.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Holy Spirit our Comforter, Healer, Advocate, and Restorer, draw close to those who have suffered and are suffering, and who see no future that is not hopelessness and suffering. Comfort all people in Israel and Gaza at this time in their loss and despair. Heal their wounds, and protect each one of them from the onslaught of bombardment, rockets, and bullets. We pray that you will lead each to see the suffering and pain of the other, and recognise in each other the image of God.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Glorious Trinity, radical community of love, justice, truth, and peace, pour out the abundance of your grace upon the Middle East, and on all nations and governments around the world. Stir in them all the fruits of your Spirit, that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control will increase like a mighty river washing away all evil and the scourge of war from our lives and from the world.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.