Prayer for Palestine — Samar Hashweh, Jerusalem

God of resilience and love,
We come before you with hearts that ache for Palestine,
a land steeped in history and yet marked by enduring conflict.
We see the pain in the eyes of those who have lost their home,
their loved ones,
their sense of security.
The weight of the past is heavy.
The present is fraught with uncertainty.
Even in this challenging reality,
we believe that hope can take root and flourish.

We pray for the young people of Palestine
who carry the dreams of a future they have yet to fully experience.
Grant them solace and strength amidst the difficulties.
May opportunities for growth and peace become tangible realities in their lives.

We remember the families striving to maintain hope in the face of adversity,
their resilience a testament to the enduring human spirit.
May they be surrounded by support
and glimpse a brighter tomorrow.

We lift up the voices of those who tirelessly work for justice and reconciliation
often in the face of great obstacles.
Grant them wisdom, courage and unwavering determination
as they labour for a just and peaceful future.

We recognise that hope is not a passive waiting
but an active process of building, sowing and nurturing.
Empower us to be instruments of your hope in the making
through our prayers,
our advocacy,
and our solidarity with the people of Palestine.
May our collective efforts
contribute to a future where justice prevails,
where peace reigns,
and where the inherent dignity of all is upheld.
We trust in your promise of renewal
and your unwavering love
for all your creation.

Samar Hashweh works at the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem.

This resource, shared through Commitment for Life of the United Reformed Church in Great Britain, was originally made available through The Methodist Church.

Photo: ‘Famine’, Edward Delaney, Dublin, Ireland — taken by Ana Gobledale