Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: Strengthen and protect those affected by the Israel-Hamas war, and so mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
From our bishop:
“It is with heavy hearts that we watch the situation unfolding in Israel. The incursion of Hamas into Gaza, killing more than 1500 people and injuring many more, is a grievous and shocking event, provoking a declaration of war by Israel. I write to you today to encourage your continual prayer over the conflict, that the blood of Jesus would atone, heal, and bring peace to that region.”