Gracious God, we feel helpless in the face of war. As we witness the devastation in Israel and Palestine, we feel it here, too. Help us to accompany all who suffer, to be your healing balm in this wounded world.
Almighty God, only you bring healing. When we feel helpless, help us to feel your presence. When we feel despair, restore our confidence in you alone. Teach us again to turn weapons into tools for harvesting your abundance. Remind us that true healing comes only in the presence of your truth, your justice, and your peace.
Heal us, O Lord, so that we might be your healing presence now and always. Amen.
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
An Advent Cycle of Prayer for Churches in the Holy Land and the Middle East - 2023
The above photo depicts the painting "HOPE" by Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour.
The white building it portrays is the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem
.