God of peace;

In the risen presence of Christ Jesus, you meet people and all creation in every circumstance of pain and fear, thanksgiving and joy.  Many in this world continue to su er under the weight of the pandemic in sickness, grief, and sorrow.  And its disproportionate impact on those already struggling in poverty, and from oppression and violence, is exposed.  We pray for the people of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, and especially those whose suffering is compounded by the pandemic.  Bring compassion and relief to their lives, and justice and peace to their lands.

God of mercy, hear our prayer.

God of peace;

In the midst of continuing political and social conflict, in fear and uncertainty, we thank you for faithful leaders in the Holy Land, especially Bishop Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and Archbishop Hosam Naoum of The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.  Give them strength in speaking out against injustices which eliminate the security and freedom of people.  Give us that same courage to open our eyes to what is needed to protect and support those who are most vulnerable.

God of mercy, hear our prayer.

God of peace;

You are a God of peace, and yet we are not always people of peace.  Inspire the peoples of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, inspire us all in this world, in the abundant compassion and mercy of your Spirit, to see all others as beloved siblings, and share your love and hope together, that your peace rain upon us for the healing and wellbeing of all and all creation.

God of mercy, hear our prayer.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land Bishop Sani-Ibrahim Azar recently shared the following update on the increased violence in East Jerusalem.