For over a decade, September 21 has been recognized by many as an international day of prayer for peace. Mennonites from around the world identify the Sunday closest to September 21 as Peace Sunday. This year the Peace and Justice Support Network of Mennonite Church USA has provided Peace Sunday worship resources for congregations to “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.” Check them out here, including this prayer:
Oh, God, we celebrate the vision of the Psalmist, who understood the wondrous beauty of your reign, in which all of your children dwell together in unity. We humbly and sadly acknowledge that the full beauty of your reign is not yet a reality. Especially in that most ancient and holy city that sits upon the mountains of Zion, Jerusalem. Come, be with us; speak to us in our worship, that we may recognize on this day the things that make for peace. Amen.
In addition to these worship ideas, consider hosting a film screening at your congregation for Peace Sunday. For example, check out The Stones Cry Out, a film that explores the Palestinian Christian experience of dispossession in 1948 and the destructive effects on the remaining Christian communities during the last 60 years of occupation.
Also, this year the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) of the World Council of Churches invites churches around the world to join together the week of September 21-27 for a week of advocacy and action in support of an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine and a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel. For prayer, education, and advocacy ideas for your congregation, learn more here.
Will you join congregations and individuals around the globe who share the hope of justice during this week, to take peaceful actions and pray for peace?
The Jerusalem Prayer for 2014*
For the World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel
21-27 September
Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. Hebrews 13:3
With these words we pray together for those who are in prison all over the world, those easily forgotten. We pray especially for the political prisoners of Palestine and Israel. We pray for the sick among them and those who cannot handle the hardship of a prison cell, for the children and women who are mistreated behind bars. We also remember those left behind, the families who are bereaved as their beloved ones are sent to prison. We pray for inner transformation for those who committed crimes, and in need of conversion. We pray for hearts and minds that are haunted by hatred and fear, that we will soon find peace and reconciliation in souls and in the societies.
This region aches with so much troubles of the body and soul, both presently and in history. In Palestine and Israel today many lack freedom and too many are behind bars. For too long injustice, violence and fear have shaped this region. We pray and ask for human treatment and justice for all, as we are all children of God.
At last we pray for a just peace settlement and reconciliation, a peace where there will be no more political prisoners behind bars and where harmony will prevail in the hearts of all the peoples of this region. We pray for God’s mercy, for freedom for those in shackles and for peace in our time.
As we observe this week with our brothers and sisters from churches all over the world we pray:
Do not hold against us the sins of past generations;
may your mercy come quickly to meet us,
for we are in desperate need.
Help us, God our Savior,
for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins
for your name’s sake.
Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Before our eyes, make known among the nations
that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants.
May the groans of the prisoners come before you;
with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die.
Psalm 79, 8-11
*Palestinian church leaders in Jerusalem share this prayer with their brothers and sisters for World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel 2014.
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