Blog
Pray for the Middle East
- by Tim Swan
- October 18, 2023
From Tim Swan
CEO – Anglican Aid
I’m sure that, like me, you’ve been appalled by the atrocities being committed in the Middle East and the war raining suffering upon both Israeli and Palestinian people.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the devastation at the Ahli Arab Hospital, run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Reports suggest that more than 300 people have been killed by the bombing. I urge you to pray for those who are injured and grieving and for peace to be established.
The Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid is not launching an appeal to help those affected in Israel and Gaza at this time. Due to the war, we have no means to reliably channel aid for distribution to those who most need it. We also believe that the media attention for this conflict will result in large donations to agencies who are better placed to respond to this emergency.
While The Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid does not currently have projects in Israel and Gaza, we do support work serving refugees and displaced people in the surrounding nations of Lebanon, Syria and Egypt, and are focusing our fundraising efforts on supporting these ministries.
In cases like this, money alone cannot solve the problem. So I urge you to join us in praying for people in the Middle East. Below is a prayer you might like to use with your church or small groups.
A prayer for the Middle East
God of the nations,
whose kingdom rules over all,
have mercy on our broken and divided world.
Bring peace in our time, O Lord.
In the land of our Saviour’s birth,
banish the spirit that makes for war.
Please give wisdom to those you have placed in authority.
Rescue the captives, shield those in danger, and bind up the broken hearted.
For those fighting for justice, may they be strengthened by your grace.
For those walking in darkness, may the light of your face shine upon them.
Above all, we pray that the peoples of Israel and the Middle East will find everlasting hope in you.
And in the land of your Son’s redeeming death and resurrection,
turn hearts to look to the Saviour and live.
Bring peace, Lord, while we wait for Christ’s coming and rule,
When all people will beat their swords into ploughshares,
When nation will not take up sword against nation,
And when every tear will be wiped away
by the Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords,
Amen.
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