Israel and Palestine: Prayers for peace
Sometimes it is difficult to know how to pray in times of crisis, so we have put together a prayer to help guide your intercessions. Please join us in praying for a full ceasefire and for a just peace to prevail.
Scroll down for more resources that might help you in your prayers, along with further prayers from ourselves and our partners. Please add you own prayers too - you can do so using the comments section. You can find the latest news from Gaza here.
A PRAYER IN RESPONSE TO THE FIGHTING IN RAFAH
The IDF offensive on Rafah has begun and the Israeli military has been ordering civilians to relocate. The fighting risks being the deadliest of the conflict yet. We call out to the Lord our God in response to the unfolding situation, which is directly affecting our partners and putting the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians at immediate risk:
Loving God, as we see the continuing devastation in Gaza, we look to you.
We commit Embrace’s partners to you. Give them boldness, strength and courage as they continue to serve. We ask that you protect them as they give sacrificially to others.
We pray for protection for those still in Rafah and those who are fleeing, particularly the children, the sick and the elderly.
Please be close to those who are grieving, fearful and in danger.
We pray for an immediate ceasefire.
We pray for a release of all those who are still held hostage.
We pray for a safe and swift delivery of aid to those who are desperate for it.
Please give the world’s leaders the courage and imagination to work unceasingly for justice and peace.
We ask all this in the name of the Prince of Peace, your Son and our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
6 MONTHS OF THE WAR IN GAZA: A PRAYER OF LAMENT
God of peace and compassion,
Our hearts break as we acknowledge 6 months of the war in Gaza. We mourn for all of those who have lost their lives. We cry out to you for those who have lost homes and loved ones, and for the hostages still living in fear.
How long, O Lord? We continue to plead with you for an end to the violence and for this war to cease. Be near to all of those who are suffering. May they know your protection and your ever-present help.
We pray for the civilians of Gaza, the vast majority of whom have been displaced and many who are facing starvation. In this hour of trouble, may you open the way for full and immediate humanitarian aid – food, water and medicine – to reach all in need.
We pray for our partners, who continue to faithfully serve and help those in need. May you surround them with your lovingkindness and help them to draw strength for each day from you.
We pray too for the protection of all being held hostage by Hamas and for their safe return home.
And we pray for those in positions of power, influence and leadership; may you guide them in the paths of peace.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
PRAY WITH US
God of justice and compassion,
We cry out to you for the people of Gaza, particularly for the children. We pray for an unequivocal ceasefire and the resumption of aid and food deliveries.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas. We pray that those released may find healing and the restoration of hope in the months ahead.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We continue to pray for a safe and prosperous tomorrow for Palestinians and Israelis, a future of equal rights for all and an end to the occupation.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift Embrace’s partners and their staff before you. We ask that they remain safe and know your peace and protection.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for ourselves, that we may resist hatred, stand for justice, and open ourselves to be channels of your peace.
We ask all of this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
RESOURCES
This 10-minute video (below) can be used in a time of prayer. It includes quotes from our partners, Bible verses, music and pictures, along with 5 minutes of time for personal prayer.