Prayer for the Middle East

The Church of Scotland is deeply concerned for all those affected by the unfolding situation in the Middle East.

Following the attacks by the USA and Israel on Iran, and Iran's response, which has brought destruction and anxiety to the wider region, we lament the onset of war in this precious part of the world and urgently pray for an immediate cessation of fighting.

The staff of the Church of Scotland who are based in Israel and Palestine remain safe at this time. We are in constant contact and are supporting them in every way we can.

We echo the calls from our church partners in the region, such as the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East and from the World Council of Churches and World Communion of Reformed Churches for peace, calm, and the unity of humanity. As Jesus commands, we should refuse to see our neighbours as our enemies.

As Bishop Dr Imad Haddad, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land says, we must "pray, and pray fervently", and match our prayers with courageous and concrete action, standing publicly with those who are afflicted.

The Most Reverend Dr Hosam Naoum, of the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, asks that we "offer each other the sanctuary of Christian love", and that we remain "bridge builders, keeping the doors of reconciliation open."

Peace can never come through violence. We urge world leaders to acknowledge the futility of war and bloodshed, and work for peace based on justice and the rule of law.

Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has written a prayer.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

Loving God

We come before you in sorrow

For once again we are a world affected by war

So many lives disrupted

So much destruction

So much needless loss

So much fear and uncertainty

So much grief and pain

Forgive our inability to live at peace

We pray for peace and unity

Not just the cessation of hostilities

And the laying down of the weapons of war

But the costly, just peace that transforms hearts, structures, and lives

We pray for those in power

For wisdom and courage for world leaders

A willingness to negotiate

For blessed are the peacemakers

We pray for one another

That we would be true to Christ

Who calls us to be peacemakers

Who calls us to pursue justice

Who calls us to love both neighbour and enemy

We pray for safety and security

For residents and visitors across the Middle East

For our church staff and students in the Holy Land

We pray for comfort and compassion

For all those who are grieving

For all those who are afraid

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

In Jesus' name we pray,

Amen.