October 9, 2025

Urgent call to prayer as peace nears in Gaza

Dear Beloved Members of God’s Family in the ELCIC,

Just two days ago, we wrote in commemoration of the second anniversary of the war between Israel and Hamas. Today, our hearts are filled with hope at the news that the beginnings of a peace deal have been reached. We implore you to pray with us now that this fragile window for peace will hold and become the foundation for a lasting, just peace for all Israelis and Palestinians.

Since Hamas’ mass killing and kidnapping of Israeli citizens on October 7, 2023, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed through imposed starvation and indiscriminate attacks, including on hospitals, schools, shelters and places of worship. Prior to the October 7 attack, decades of violence and oppression have shaped the lives of all Palestinians — who have been denied basic rights, including self-determination — and of all Israelis.

Our prayer today, as it has been for many years, is for all Palestinians and Israelis to experience the fulness of peace, safety and dignity that we believe God desires for them.

Please join us in prayer that peace would take effect immediately, with all captives released, and that humanitarian access would be immediate and unhindered so the mercy of Christ can reach all those in critical need.

Please pray with us:

God of peace,

We can barely comprehend the pain and sorrow experienced by so many in Israel and Palestine these last two years. We receive this news of potential peace with broken and hopeful hearts, and we turn to you, source of hope and comfort. Strengthen the resolve of world leaders to make peace and end violence. Comfort all who grieve and answer the prayers of those longing for the sound of bombs to stop. Make straight the way for life-saving aid and healing from trauma to reach all those whose lives have been shattered by this war. Bring compassion and understanding to all, and stir in hearts a commitment to lasting peace.

Amen.

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