The Jerusalem Prayer for Sunday, May 30, 2010

The Heads of Churches in Jerusalem invite churches around the world to pray

We believe that every human being is created in God’s image and likeness and that every one’s dignity is derived from the Almighty.  We believe that this dignity is one and the same in each and all of us.  This means for us, here and now, in this land in particular, that God created us not so that we might engage in strife and conflict but rather that we might come and know and love one another, and together build up the land in love and mutual respect.

In the absence of all hope, we cry out our cry of hope.  We believe in God, good and just.  We believe that God’s goodness will finally triumph over the evil of hate and of death that still persist in our land.  We will see here “a new land” and “a new human being”, capable of rising up in the spirit to love each one of his or her brothers and sisters.

Gracious God our Heavenly Father, Creator and sustainer of each human life,

we give you thanks and praise for your gift to us of your only Son, Jesus Christ — His birth in Bethlehem, His ministry throughout the Holy Land, His death on the Cross and His Resurrection and Ascension.  He came to redeem this land and the world.  He came as the Prince of Peace.

We give thanks to you for every church and parish around the world that is praying with us this day for peace.  Our Holy City and our land are much in need of peace.

In your immeasurable mystery and love for all, let the power of your Redemption and your Peace transcend all barriers of cultures and religions and fill the hearts of all who serve you here, of both peoples – Israeli and Palestinian – and of all religions.

In the land you made holy, free us all from the sin of indifference, contempt and violence which only brings hatred and killing.  Free the souls and hearts of Israelis and Palestinians.  Give liberation, freedom and dignity, to the people of Gaza who live under trials, threats and blockades.  Guide the leaders in this land, purify their minds and hearts, to become true servers of their peoples.  Speak your word of love for all to hear, guide us to justice in all lands, grant us power to proclaim your reign, bridge the gaps that divide and unsettle us and let your Kingdom come.

All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, barrier breaker and sharer of our humanity, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, who prays in and with us all.  Amen.