This week maybe we should hold our breath a little. Or better yet, pray.The heads of state of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Jordan and the United States are meeting in Washington DC, the first serious peace talks in decades.
Whatever your politics, I hope we can join together in praying that these leaders will find common ground and begin to build a lasting peace. Many forces are arrayed against their success.
But we can bring our prayers.
Each day the Anglican Cathedral in Jerusalem, and its bishop, The Right Rev. Suheil S. Dawani, are praying this Litany for Peace. Let's join them:
The Cathedral of St. George the Martyr, Jerusalem
O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
Grant us your peace.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the birth in Bethlehem of the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son; who dwelt among us full of grace and truth.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We thank you for his life; his death here in Jerusalem as he carried our sins and suffering, and for his glorious Resurrection in which he gave us new life with him.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We thank you for entrusting to us the ministry of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making for the healing of your creation.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all victims of bloodshed, violence and persecution and those who are in danger here in this Land -- in Gaza, Israel, Palestine and throughout the world.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who grieve for loved ones who have died in the desperation of violent actions this past week.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who promote violence, that their hearts may be turned to the way of peace.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for children and young people that you may fill them with hope for the future.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the guidance of your Holy Spirit upon us; upon all the leaders of the Land of the Holy One; upon President Obama and President Abbas, Prime Minister Netanyahu; upon all those in leadership positions among those who bear arms; upon all the leaders of the United Nations and upon all those in authority in the nations of the world to seek peace and pursue it.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, we praise and glorify you. You are our only refuge in a troubled world.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray. (in unison)
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to us and the people of all the nations a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that all of your people may use their liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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