Join us: A Practical Guide for Lament

Salaam from Nazareth,

We call out for peace!

With heavy hearts, we reach out to you as our beloved homeland endures the recent devastating Israel-Gaza war that has now extended beyond a month, bringing about unprecedented suffering and escalating violence, with the daily death toll on the rise.

We lament for the death of thousands of civilians, including many children and women. We lament for the injured, the kidnapped and the refugees.

In these darkest hours, would you join us in the practice of lament as a guide for our prayers and a call to action? Join us. One night this week, please use the guide below as a part of your meal prayer. May our collective cries for mercy ascend to the heavens. Thank you.

A GUIDE FOR LAMENT

We deeply mourn…

the immense suffering where lives are lost, and fear fills the air. Our hearts ache for the deaths of thousands of innocent lives, including many children, women, journalists, and aid workers. We lament for the wounded, the kidnapped, and the displaced.

We cry out…

for those whose homes have been destroyed and those who have been forced to flee, for families torn apart and fractured, and for those feeling forgotten, abandoned, and trapped in their own land, and the withholding of essential supplies from those already in hardship.

We implore…

the international community to work earnestly toward a ceasefire and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It is a time for collective action and a renewed commitment to peace, justice, and the well-being of all who call this troubled region home.

We pray…

for healing for all who are affected; may they find solace and peace in their distress, and may God’s loving presence provide them with the strength and resilience to overcome trauma. We also seek strength and wisdom for the dedicated peacebuilders who strive to build bridges amidst the chaos.

We lament…

the pain and loss we've endured, may we remember that it is precisely in these moments that the call for peace grows stronger. Our shared desire for peace unites us. Together, we refuse to let hatred and violence define us. Our collective strength and compassion will guide us towards a brighter future where Palestinians and Israelis live peacefully side by side.

Together, we can be instruments of peace in the hands of the Prince of Peace, working toward a more peaceful and just society. Your prayers, voice, and actions are crucial in these dark times, and we are grateful for your partnership in our mission.