Editor: Shortly after the prayers were posted, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas broke down. In light of this, as duty editor, I have amended and re-posted our prayers.In the midst of chaos, I will be peace.
In the heart of anger, I will be love.
In the presence of despair, I will be hope.
~ Bp. Steven Charleston
God of peace, we breathed a deep sigh of relief at the news of an extended cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. With Israel resuming attacks and the continuing unwillingness of both Hamas and Israel to accept responsibility and acknowledge their crimes against international law and humanity, we cry to you O God, ‘How long?’ How can such inhumanity continue when the innocent and vulnerable are paying the cost in suffering, homelessness and death? Not just physical but mental and spiritual death and building up long term consequences for millions, here and where all wars – declared or undeclared – are being fought throughout the world. This is your world, God, your gift to us. We are ALL your children.
In the midst of chaos, I will be peace.
In the heart of anger, I will be love.
In the presence of despair, I will be hope.
We are thankful for the release of dozens of hostages from both sides during the truce, and for their physical safety. May every person who is returning home be reminded of your presence as they begin their healing journey.
God of love, we mourn with you as we continue to witness an increase in gender-based violence across the world. We find encouragement from Canada as they prosecuted the murder of Ashley Arzaga as a terrorist act, given the specific details about her murderer, Oguzhan Sert, and his connection to the incel group, also known as the “involuntary celibates.” May we continue to use our voices and advocate for the safety of all people who identify as women.
God of hope, we rejoice with the people of India at the evacuation of 41 workers trapped for 17 days inside a collapsed tunnel in the Himalayas. We give thanks for all the people who worked tirelessly to keep the workers alive, and those who came up with creative solutions to bring the men to safety. We celebrate your desire for us to “think outside of the box” as we lean into care for one another.
God of trust, we see your handiwork in the compassion displayed by the people of France. The French Navy helicoptercarrier, ‘Dixmude’, carrying health workers, 40 beds, and medical equipment, to include operating rooms, is now docked in Egypt, and is treating injured civilian patients from Gaza. May we heed the words of France’s defense minister, Sebastien Lecornu, “we are here to help civilians. It’s our humanitarian mission.”
God of water, wind, and mystery, we hold the people of Alaska, USA close as they reel from the deaths of four members of the Heller family whose home was directly hit by a landslide, born out of a region-wide storm with heavy rain and high winds. One of the Heller children is still missing along with a neighbor. We pray for comfort for all the lives that have been impacted by this tragedy.
In the darkness of the night may we all feel surrounded by your peace, your love, and your hope. Amen.
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