Pray with Israel/Palestine on Sunday, October 22, 2017

Lectionary Selection: Matthew 22: (15-22)

Prayers for Israel/Palestine:

O God who, in Christ, walked the hills of Palestine and the streets of Jerusalem, accompany each of us as we seek to be faithful followers of your way. Through solid preparation and sound consideration, let us be guided in life and work by your example to desire what is beyond the superficial. Inspire us as we seek to deepen our faith; strengthen us physically and spiritually as we try to follow you; fill us with the inspiration of your Holy Spirit as we do justice and seek peace. Give us hearts of love to embrace Israeli and Palestinian and embolden us to speak words of truth as we seek freedom for all who are occupied by military force or destructive ideology. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Israel/Palestine:

The Diyar Consortium is a Lutheran based, ecumenical oriented institution serving the Palestinian community “from womb to tomb.” Their main emphasis is on children, youth, and the elderly through transforming, contextual, and holistic programs. Their initiatives are inspired in the Biblical message: “That they might have life and have it abundantly.” In a context of too much politics, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem (CCB), and Diyar Consortium believe in caring for the city and its citizens… In a context of exclusive forms of religion, ELCJHL, CCB, and Diyar believe in investing in ecumenism, inclusion, dialogue, respect… In a context of too much disempowering aid, ELCJHL, CCB, and Diyar believe in empowering the individual and the community, in the name of Jesus Christ… In a context of too much segregation, ELCJHL, CCB, and Diyar believe in building bridges and platforms for international, intercultural and interreligious encounters, dialogue, and mutual respect… In a context of despair, ELCJHL, CCB and Diyar believe in creating room for hope, forgiveness, reconciliation, justice, and peace.

Mission Partners in Israel/Palestine:

More information on Israel/Palestine: http://www.globalministries.org/israel_palestine