PRAYER VIGIL FOR PEACE

PRAYER VIGIL FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

There is only one side in this conflict: that of peace”

–Pope Francis

All parishioners are invited to attend a Prayer Service for Peace in Israel and Gaza, sponsored by the Locke Street Churches.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

7:00 p.m.

First Unitarian Church of Hamilton

170 Dundurn Street South

The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.

PRAYER FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,

God of mercy and compassion,

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

God of grace and reconciliation,

pour your power upon all your children in Israel and Palestine:

Jews, Muslims and Christians, Palestinians and Israelis.

Make the violence cease.

Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to hope,

oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation.

May the peoples of the Holy Lands beat their swords into ploughshares,

and their spears into pruning hooks,

so that nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

neither shall they learn war any more.

May violent encounters be replaced by loving embraces,

and peace and justice be experienced by all.

We pray for all those who have died in this senseless war,

and for those who mourn their loss.

We pray for all those held hostage and for their families.

Guide the nations in their pursuit of justice and the common good.

Direct us to walk in the shadow of Jesus:

the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Amen.

– Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB, October 7, 2023.

ASH WEDNESDAY