Today, 17 October, marks a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Holy Land, after the brutal Israel-Hamas war erupted one week ago.
“Prayer is the meek and holy force to oppose the diabolical force of hatred, terrorism and war,” said Pope Francis after the Sunday Angelus, 15 October, sharing the invitation to prayer and fasting issued days earlier by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem.
This morning, Pope Francis again asked all believers to unite in “dedicating themselves today to prayer and fasting for peace, so that the hostages be freed, civilians not be made victims of the conflict, humanitarian law be respected, and innocent blood not be shed.”
The CNEWA family has joined in this day of prayer and fasting and invites all our donors, friends and people of good will to do the same.
In a message issued this week, Msgr. Peter I. Vaccari, CNEWA president, also urged people to pray, to learn about the conflict from trustworthy sources and to support the work of the church among those most in need in this crisis.
“CNEWA laments the loss of all innocent life, the displacement of all innocent peoples, Israelis and Palestinians,” he wrote. “We invoke the powerful intercession and protection of Our Lady, mother of us all. May all faiths find a home in Jerusalem.”
In the busyness of the day, stop for just a moment and offer this prayer for peace in the Holy Land.
Prayer for Peace in the Holy Land
Join people around the world in praying for peace in the Holy Land.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Lord, help us to be peacemakers in the Holy Land.
“Now the Lord of Peace Himself give you peace always by all means.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Lord, give the Holy Land peace by Your means.
“For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” (Ephesians 2:14)
Lord, be our peace and break down the walls of partition dividing the Holy Land.
“I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)
Lord, help us to be lights to the Holy Land.
“They will hammer their swords into ploughshares and the spears into sickles. Nation will not lift sword against nation, no longer will they learn how to make war.” (Isaiah 2:4)
Lord, fulfill this promise now in the Holy Land.
“But Esau ran to meet him (Jacob), took him in his arms, threw himself on his neck and wept as he kissed him.” (Genesis 33:4)
Lord, help the people of the Holy Land follow the example of Jacob and Esau and reconcile themselves to each other.
“Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Lord, let your Spirit enter into the hearts of those in the Holy Land and be a lamp unto their feet and a light to their path.
“Peace I leave you with, My Peace I give to you…” (John 14:27)
Lord, we thank you for your peace and we accept it in the Holy Land.
Amen