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PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ Intercessions: 5 November 2023

"Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world.

He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of
life.’"

All around us we see the consequences of darkness, where the light
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doesn’t shine and so the focus of the intercessions for 5 November were
on the darkest places in our world.

Gracious and loving God: Hear our prayers for the places in this world
where beauty has turned to ugliness, food has been replaced by famine,
friendship has been forgotten and fear, hostility and hopelessness have
the upper hand.

We lay before You the hearts, minds and bodies of all those suffering
from violence, particularly those in the occupied Palestinian territory and
Israel for whom our hearts ache. Shower upon the people of this holy
land the spirit of justice and reconciliation.
Loving Jesus, Creator of this earth, You walked these lands with
compassion and grace. You died and rose from the dusty earth outside
Jerusalem. A world which had no guns, no bombs or borders, we pray
that You would walk there again.
You love these places and these people, speak Your words of peace
over them making Your presence known we pray; let Your light shine
upon them.
Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer

In you, Lord, all life is connected and all the earth and its land are to be
cherished, not controlled. Your gifts are for all. Yet as we see the violence
and hatred in the land we call Holy, we are reminded that all humanity is
connected, but no one is really free until all are free.

And so, we pray for those who live in fear of the other; for all who
consider violence to be the way forward. We pray for all who, by acting in
hate, dehumanise themselves.
Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer

Gracious God, We know your heart breaks for those killed and those left
behind — for the orphaned child, the injured elderly, those abducted and
for families desperate and seeking safety. We pray for those who have
lost loved ones. Let Your peace and love wash over them.

We ask that You protect and provide for those who are in captivity and
bring them home safely. Let them be reunited with their loved ones — let
them feel the comfort of their embrace. We pray that You will open doors
that allow food, essentials and medical supplies to reach those in need.

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