Interfaith Prayer with the Peoples of Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon

The following prayer was created in response to the call of the National Council of Churches and Church World Service for Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities here and in the Middle East to pray for peace at this time of great turmoil. This prayer presumes a gathering that includes representatives of all three religious faiths, and thus uses language of invocation that would be recognizable by each — "Father" for Christians (the name Jesus used for God); "Adonai Elohenu," the Hebrew name translated "Lord our God" and often used in the Hebrew Scriptures and current Jewish liturgy; and "Allah," the name Muslims use to address God.

If this prayer is being used in other settings, in gatherings of Christians only, or in gatherings that do not include all three groups, the invocation should be adapted accordingly.

Creator of all — Father, Adonai Elohenu, Allah:

The people whose faith and covenant with you began with Abraham offer our prayers for the people living in Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon today.

Hear us!

We pray for peace and for cease-fire as a first step toward peace.

Help us!

We pray that all our sisters and brothers may live in the way of peace, even while violence rips their lands and tempts them to act with violence in return.

Encourage us!

We pray that we may teach peace, not only with our lips, but in our lives, to those all around us.

Challenge us!

We pray that we may have the courage and compassion to walk with those who suffer violence, terror, and death, together with their families and communities.

Drive us!

We pray that we may find the generosity to act with goodwill even toward enemies, those who wish or do us harm, that the fullness of your compassion, mercy, and justice may shine in our lives and in the lives of our sisters and brothers around the world.

Strengthen us!

Around you we are one. Guide us all in the way of peace.

Unite us! Amen!