Prayer for Palestine and Israel

We pray...
for Palestine, for Israel, for all those caught up in this harrowing conflict.
for families of loved ones who have died or are being held captive.
for children and families who sleep in bomb shelters and safe rooms.
for the Gazans with nowhere to escape.
for those overseas desperate to reach loved ones.
for those without electricity, food, water and medical supplies.
for hospitals, hospital staff and locals assisting the injured.
for leaders whose decisions determine the lives and livelihoods of many.
for those who have witnessed or have been victims of incomprehensible violence.
for those joining military operations who only want to be with their families.
for the compassion and active response from leaders to the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
for Israelis, for Palestinians, for all present in the land.
for our Muslim sisters and brothers,
for our Jewish sisters and brothers
for our Christian sisters and brothers,
for creativity in seeking pathways to peace.
We pray because we have little else we can do.
We pray for peace that begins within each one of us.

"Pray not for Arab or Jew for Palestinians or Israeli
Pray rather for ourselves that we might not divide them in our prayers but keep them both together in our hearts"

Quoted text taken from a photo by Fr Ivica Gregurec inside St George'sCathedral, Jerusalem.
Linocut and first prayer by Sarah West.