The United Reformed Church, through its world justice programme Commitment for Life, is encouraging every member and congregation to pray for Gaza on 21 September, as part of the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel.
This initiative is supported by a wide range of denominations both in the UK and worldwide, and coincides with the UN International Day of Peace and the global call to prayer from the World Council of Churches (WCC).
Churches are invited to include a prayer in their services and may also consider holding a minute’s silence, using the prayer from The Most Revd Dr Hosam E. Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, or joining the #FastforGaza action.
Your prayers might focus on one or more of the issues below:
- An end to the genocide in Gaza starting with an immediate, permanent, and internationally monitored ceasefire.
- Unfettered access to humanitarian relief.
- The release of Israeli hostages and the thousands of Palestinians illegally detained.
- An immediate reversal of the illegal settlements and violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
- The guaranteed right of return for all Palestinians who have lost their homes and land.
The World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel is an annual WCC event held during the third week of September – This year from 20-26 September. The week encourages people of faith to pray for, and work towards, an end to Israeli oppression and allowing both Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace.
Learn more about the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel.
Learn more about #FastforGaza.
Image: Mohammed Ibrahim/Unsplash.