Prayers and action for peace in the Holy Land

Pax Christi has asked us to share with you the following opportunities to respond in prayer and action to the current crisis in Gaza and Israel.

Prayers

Pax Christi - An Interfaith Prayer for Peace

O God, you are the source of life and peace.
Praised be your name forever.
We know it is you who turn our minds to thoughts of peace.
Hear our prayer in this time of crisis.
Your power changes hearts
Muslims, Christians and Jews remember, and profoundly affirm,
That they are followers of the one God,
Children of Abraham, brothers and sisters;
Enemies begin to speak to one another;
those who were estranged join hands in friendship;
nations seek the way of peace together.
Strengthen our resolve to give witness to these
truths by the way we live.

Give to us:
Understanding that puts an end to strife;
Mercy that quenches hatred, and
Forgiveness that overcomes vengeance.

Empower all people to live in your law of love

Amen.

Prayer from World Counciil of Churches

Spirit of the Living God, come afresh on your Holy Land.
Help your people to restore broken relationships.
Give them patience to break down barriers of suspicion and mistrust;
ability to discern personal prejudice and the courage to overcome fear.
Teach them to respect each other,s integrity and rights
so that your kingdom may be established on earth.
For Jesus, sake.

Web petition produced by AVAAZ

Petition to the UN Security Council, the European Union, the Arab League and the USA
states:

We urge you to act immediately to ensure a comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, to protect civilians on all sides, and to address the growing humanitarian crisis. Only through robust international action and oversight can the bloodshed be stopped, the Gaza crossings safely re-opened and real progress made toward a wider peace in 2009.

www.avaaz.org/en/gaza_time_for_peace/?cl=162583889&v=2609

Details of vigils/protests coordinated by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign can be found at: www.palestinecampaign.org

Pax Christi calls for readers in the UK to write to your MPs urging them to insist that Prime Minister Gordon Brown acts to ensure:

- An immediate end to Israel's military assault on Gaza
- An immediate end to the blockade and siege on Gaza
- An end to Israel's violations of international law
- An end to Israeli occupation

Pax Christi also calls for a boycott on Israeli goods