September 8th, 2016
Muslim Palestinians with millions of Muslim worshipers from around the world, are on their way to Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj preparing for Eid al-Adha, the most important holiday in the Muslim calendar which falls on Monday the 11th of September this year.
- Lord Jesus, with those who build bridges of interfaith understanding, we pray for our Muslim brothers and sisters that they may celebrate Eid al-Adha next week in peace. We also pray for the safety of those who make this pilgrimage of prayer and devotion. Lord in your mercy…
The number of Palestinians being wounded by live fire from the Israeli occupation forces is on the rise. Reporters and analysts are questioning whether the Israeli army is conducting a kneecapping campaign which cripples young Palestinians and strengthens Israel`s military grip on the West Bank.
- Lord, we pray for the safety of our people who have been demoted into simple target stands. We also pray for courage among Israeli soldiers to question commands. Empower us God to make the occupation crumble so that we may all live in safety and peace. Lord in your mercy…
Pope Francis has chosen non-violence as the only effective response to world crises in his annual message for the World Day of Peace.
- Lord you taught us to always respond to injustice and never abandon the poor and the oppressed. We know Lord, as your followers, that we are called to stand firm and face the powers without picking up the sword. Keep reminding us lord, through your servants, by words and deeds to renounce violence and be present on the frontlines defending the oppressed. Lord in your mercy…
Engineering students, Jamal Al Miqaty and Khalid Al Bardawil at al-Azhar University in Gaza, designed a solar-powered car. Mr. Bardawil said, “We decided to depend on the power that God gave us, which is an alternative, renewable, and clean energy, so we created a solar vehicle.”
- Lord, your sun shines on your world inclusively and without any prejudice.We give you thanks that your sky remains open sending rain and sunlight, unlike the gates of Gaza which continue to be tightly controlled and often closed. Lord in your mercy…
In an interview with a TV channel, a prominent Palestinian official referred to Palestinian Christians in a disrespectful way. The footage from the interview went viral on social media with both Christians and Muslims expressing outrage. As one nation, we are saddened by the remarks of the Palestinian official, yet we are reassured by the beauty of the mosaic of our society.
- Lord, we thank you for our pluralistic society and all its members. We give thanks to the thousands of our Muslim brothers and sisters, all Palestinian political factions and the wide spectrum of Palestinian civil society who prophetically criticized the racist remarks. Continue Lord to bless lord our people with tolerance and love. Lord in your mercy…
- We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia