A Prayer on Dec. 7, 2023

O Lord, two months ago we were in shock when we heard of what was happening in Israel.

We were sickened by the brutality, horrified at the violence, and dreading what would come next.

Over the last two months we have seen what came next.

O Lord, have mercy.

Have mercy on those who remain held as hostages.

Have mercy on those living in Gaza who seek to find places of safety.

Have mercy on the families, both Israeli and Palestinian, who mourn the death of loved ones and who sit by the beds of the injured.

Have mercy on children who have seen what no child should see, and who have experienced what no child should experience.

O Lord, have mercy.

O Lord, send the Holy Spirit to strengthen those who seek to get aid to the needy and those who care for the injured and the dying.

O Lord, end this war. Bring peace, in this season of Advent, we pray that your Son, Jesus, the ruler of all things, will come in power and might bringing peace, breaking the missile launchers, silencing the guns, and transforming the hearts of those who wage war.

O Lord, end this war.

Only when you intervene, only when the power and beauty of your kingdom is revealed, will all the children of Abraham be able to walk the streets of Jerusalem in peace. Reveal your glory and bring peace.

In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.