11.11.2015
Pray for Peace in Jerusalem on Advent Sunday
The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East is inviting Christians around the world to pray for peace in Jerusalem and the Holy Land. They have produced and shared a Litany for Peace in the Holy Land and are urging churches and Christians everywhere to use it in their prayers on the first Sunday in Advent – 29 November 2015.
The Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough and the Diocese of Jerusalem are currently developing a link partnership. Archbishop Michael Jackson has encouraged all clergy and people in Dublin and Glendalough to use the Litany for Peace on Sunday November 29.
The website of the Diocese of Jerusalem (http://www.j-diocese.org) explains that the litany has evolved out of prayers said daily in the Cathedral Church of St George–the–Martyr in Jerusalem, as a result of the tensions, violence, paranoia and fear that has swept through Jerusalem since October this year; and which is continuing to affect the entire region.
Litany for Peace in the Holy Land
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, your Son, Jesus Christ; who dwelt among us full of grace and truth.
For your love and your goodness
We give you thanks, O God
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.
For your love and your goodness
We give you thanks, O God
We thank you for entrusting to us the ministry of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace–making for the healing of your creation.
For your love and your goodness
We give you thanks, O God
We pray for all victims of bloodshed, violence, and persecution. We especially pray for all in danger and those fleeing persecution in the Holy Land, and throughout the Middle East.
Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry unto you
We pray for all who grieve for those they have loved and lost as a result of violence, particularly those grieving in Palestine and Israel.
Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry unto you
We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide all leaders, especially on those who lead the peoples in the Land of the Holy One, the United Nations and upon all in authority, so Your people may seek ways of peace and justice.
Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry unto you
Heavenly Father, we praise and glorify you. You are our only refuge in a troubled world.
Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry unto you
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
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.
[Picture from the Anglican Communion News Service shows the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem with the Temple Mount’s Dome of the Rock.]