July 20, 2026
The region is living in fear of a resumption of regional war after US President Donald Trump declared 10 days ago that the peace deal with Iran is over. The U.S. has conducted consecutive raids on Iran, killing civilians, while Iran has targeted American military bases in surrounding countries in deadly strikes.
God of peace, we pray for all in the region, especially the children and the most vulnerable, who bear the devastating consequences of militarism and political ambition. Turn the hearts of leaders towards repentance for their sins and complicity in domination and violence. Help us to be active for justice, truth and reconciliation.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Masafer Yatta, a Palestinian community in the West Bank, continues to undergo serious and violent attacks by settlers. Most recently, Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of al Tuwani in Masafer Yatta, setting homes, vehicles and a mosque on fire. Israeli occupation forces provided protection for the settlers during the assault.
God who accompanies the marginalized, we remember the communities of Masafer Yatta, especially the people of al Tuwani, whose homes, places of worship, and livelihoods have been attacked. Stand beside those facing settler violence and forced displacement. Grant courage to those who remain steadfast on their land, and awaken the conscience of the world to confront the structural sins of settler colonialism and apartheid.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Israeli occupation authorities released 16 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip this week after months of detention. Their release comes as Israel continues to hold thousands of Palestinians in its prisons, including hundreds of detainees from Gaza.
God of liberation, we pray for the healing of those released as they return to their families. We continue to pray for all who remain behind bars, including Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and the thousands of Palestinians held without justice or due process. We pray that we may escalate our actions in solidarity with political prisoners.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
A report from Wall Street Journal reveals that Israel has allocated more than $700 million in 2026 to influence global opinion and counter its worsening image abroad. The campaign extends beyond traditional conservative media. A group called Show Faith by Works filed documents describing plans to target approximately four million megachurch members and Christian university students in the southwestern United States.
God of truth, in the face of injustice, empower communities of faith to bear truthful witness, resisting propaganda with integrity and solidarity. May the Church never become an instrument of empire, but a faithful witness to Christ, who stood with the oppressed and proclaimed good news to the poor.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Belgium’s federal government has approved a ban on importing goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, buying close to 30 percent of its exports and accounting for nearly a third of its total trade in goods, worth 43 billion euros ($49bn) last year. Several EU countries, including Spain, Italy and Germany, have also acted to restrict arms exports to Israel over the war in Gaza.
God of Justice, you hear the cries of the oppressed and call your people to walk in the way of righteousness. We give thanks for all people of conscience who urge their leaders to uphold international law, defend human rights, and end their complicity in illegal settlements and the machinery of war. Strengthen and encourage all who work for justice. Embolden us to continue laboring for accountability, respect for international law, and a just peace rooted in the dignity of every person.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the people and nations of Djibouti and Somalia.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
You can download WOP PDF here.