Prayer #3: A Prayer for Canada as War Rages in Gaza
By Byron Rempel-Burkholder, chairperson of Mennonite Church Canada Palestine-Israel Network, March 2024.
God of Justice, God of Peace: As a nation, we have been too slow, too silent, too uncaring in our response to the decades of occupation, siege, and war in the land we often call Holy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our official words proclaim opposition to land theft, settlement of stolen lands, and violation of human rights. Yet we have done little and said little when those injustices occur before our eyes.
Lord, have mercy.
uction, while stalling in our calls for a ceasefire and for robust adherence to international law.
Lord, have mercy.
Canada calls itself a steadfast friend and ally of powerful Israel, while giving only token support to Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, denied equality and justice.
Lord, have mercy.
God of grace and healing, you promise restoration for all who look to you for help. We give thanks for your Spirit, who turns our hearts from the ways of death to the ways of life.
Creator and sustainer of all people, defender of the weak and oppressed, move the hearts of our political leaders in Ottawa. May they be guided by moral principle rather than lust for power, driven by compassion rather than vengeance.
May they understand the deep roots of this conflict, and advocate for measures that heal the deep wounds of history.
Creator and lover of humanity, hear our prayer.
Grant our representatives the courage to be leaders in the pursuit of peace, rather than followers in the perpetuation of war.
May their hearts be broken by the plight of masses of innocent Palestinians who are displaced, deprived of food and medicine, and fearful of the future. May they be touched by the fear and pain among Israeli and Palestinian families whose loved ones have died, or who remain captive in Gaza and in Israeli prisons.
Creator and lover of humanity, hear our prayer.
Grant our leaders wisdom in the pursuit of long-term measures that will bring justice, dignity and equality for all people living in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel.
Whatever our political persuasion, whatever our ethnicity or religious identity, may we all be united in our pursuit of freedom, justice, and dignity for all who live on your beloved earth.
Creator and lover of humanity, hear our prayer.
Amen