In the light of the LORD

With news of a ceasefire, we share prayers of joy and hope that this tragic time will indeed come to an end and that a new era of healing and peace will begin. 

We pray for the safe return of the hostages, and for the healing of Israeli citizens, captives and soldiers who have endured so much loss and trauma on October 7th and beyond.  We pray for the return of Palestinians in Gaza to their homes and families, and for the rebuilding of homes, communities and basic infrastructure that have been devastated in the war. 

We join in the celebration of Israelis and Palestinians at this news, and express prayers of hope that this will indeed be an opening of new possibilities, in which all who live in the land can live in safety, freedom and dignity. 

As the prophet Isaiah says:

“And they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war any more.
O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk
In the light of the LORD.”  –Isaiah 2:4-5