Prayer for the Middle East

We join in solidarity with the people of the Middle East through this poignant prayer for peace and justice, authored by the Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

Loving God

We come before you in sorrow

For once again we are a world affected by war

So many lives disrupted

So much destruction

So much needless loss

So much fear and uncertainty

So much grief and pain

Forgive our inability to live at peace

We pray for peace and unity

Not just the cessation of hostilities

And the laying down of the weapons of war

But the costly, just peace that transforms hearts, structures, and lives

We pray for those in power

For wisdom and courage for world leaders

A willingness to negotiate

For blessed are the peacemakers

We pray for one another

That we would be true to Christ

Who calls us to be peacemakers

Who calls us to pursue justice

Who calls us to love both neighbour and enemy

We pray for safety and security

For residents and visitors across the Middle East

For our church staff and students in the Holy Land

We pray for comfort and compassion

For all those who are grieving

For all those who are afraid

Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.

In Jesus' name we pray,

Amen.

This prayer was published by The Church of Scotland, written by Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.