During Ramadan season, Israel is imposing extra restrictions to the al-Aqsa mosque compound. This includes restricting worshippers from the West Bank to men over 55 and women over 50, banning recently freed Palestinian hostages from entry, and increasing Israeli police presence with 3,000 armed personnel at checkpoints around the mosque.
God of all peoples, you call us to worship in spirit and in truth, yet walls and weapons stand between the faithful and their prayers. We lift up those denied entry and those who long to bow in devotion but are met with barricades. Strengthen their spirits, and let their faith be a force that no empire can silence. Divine Creator, help us work toward a Jerusalem of peace that welcomes all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer