War-wearied God,
today we choose, by your mercy,
not to harden our hearts or look away
from the unfolding crisis
from the hell of war
in Israel and Gaza
In turning towards
we are torn apart
by the unbearable suffering
that human beings
can inflict on one another
in so many parts of the world
We pray for miraculous mercy
for this conflict to de-escalate
for humanitarian corridors to open
for hostages to be released
for bereavement to break
rather than perpetuate
cycles of revenge
And when despair for the world
threatens to overwhelm
remind us again of the stories
of reconciliation and restoration
of the possibility of peace on earth
Help us to be bearers of Your hope and healing
until your Kingdom comes in fullness. Amen.
