Prayers for the Holy Land Compline | Tuesday, October 17
Beloveds,
We carry a heaviness, fear, and grief as we hear of the terror in Israel and Palestine. Each day brings more headlines with rising numbers of deaths and increasing violence. Along with other Christian leaders in the Holy Land, Archbishop Hosam E. Maoum of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem has invited churches around the world to observe a day of prayer on October 17. St. Columba's will respond to that call and create space for the many concerns we carry in our hearts related to war. We will host a compline service on Tuesday, October 17 at 7pm with time for prayer and reflection.
Whether you are able to join us in St. Aidan's Chapel or will pray from where you are, please take a moment for prayer sometime tomorrow. We pray for God's mercy, for peace, for an end to violence, for families facing the impacts of war, for those in danger of harm and in danger of inflicting harm upon another, and so much more.
Bishop Mariann Budde and Dean Randy Hollerith sent a letter last week responding to the violence in Israel and Palestine which includes faithful assurance, "As Christians, we hear the voice of Jesus, who came among us as the Prince of Peace. 'Blessed are the merciful,' he said, 'for they will receive mercy. … Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.' We stand with our brother Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, and we join in his fervent prayer that God will 'be present for all who suffer, for people of all faiths – Jews, Christian, and Muslim – and for all people of the land.'”
It is normal for people of faith to question God in moments like these. It is normal to feel sadness, grief, and horror all while praying with a fervent hope for peace. Please bring the fullness of what you are carrying as you join us in prayer.
Peace, Shalom, Salaam,
Adelyn and all of us at St. Columba's
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