Prayer Requests

[ JUNE 1, 2006 ]: Prayer request # 3

FOR MY TIME IN LEBANON -- as I struggle to find a job, to be a better disciple, and to define my purpose here - and remembering my uncertainty about whether my visa will allow me to stay, or if I will have enough to live on...

• ... may I stay open to the call of the Creator, and willing to follow that call where it leads me. That I may find meaningful work here, and humility to serve the poor and oppressed, trusting that my daily bread will be provided

FOR CIVILIANS & SOLDIERS IN IRAQ -- especially in light of the newly revealed massacre of 24 innocent Iraqis, in their houses, by U.S. Marines on a 'revenge' mission ...

• ... May God be with the grieving families, and all victims everywhere. May soldiers be guided by conscience, and sent to war no more.

FOR THOSE SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS -- in light of current boycott and divestment campaigns against Israeli products, at the request of Palestinian human rights organizations, who hope for pressure to improve the situation ...

• ... May they have wise discernment in choosing how they support justice, especially in Israel where there is fear, ignorance and sensitivity. May Canadians be moved to raise the stakes for Israel's oppression of Palestinians, but remember that Canada is not immune from such abuses

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

[ MAY 16, 2006 ]: Prayer request # 2

FOR THOSE PERSECUTED -- especially remembering the Palestinians, the Armenians, the Jews, the Indigenous, Africans, those who survived colonialism (and the millions who didn't)...

• ... God, grant them strength, courage and faith. Work through them to preserve their cultures, their memories, and their spirit. Work through us, God, to build your kingdom, here and now, where all have a place at the table and a life free from oppression
  

FOR THE PALESTINIAN CAMPS IN LEBANON -- including Bourj Al-Barajne, Ein Al-Helweh, Rashidiya, Al-Buss, Wavel, Mar Elias, Sabra and Shatila -- and all those living in them, especially my friends Kholoud, Ali, Hiba, Omar, Mahmoud and Susan; and for Olfat, who has been hurt by slander of religious authorities ...

• ... may they be supported in your Peace, Lord, and held in your light all the days of their lives. May they keep their vibrant spirit even in the difficult places, and be a light to others, especially the youth

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED TIRELESSLY FOR THE CHURCH'S MISSION OF JUSTICE & PEACE -- Especially on my heart is Mark Masters, 47, who recently died of a heart attack in India. He was my mission-brother's supervisor at General Board of Global Ministries (Methodist church, USA) and a life-mentor for him ...

• ... may God be with Mark's family and friends in this difficult time. May his life be a reminder of our calling to be agents of God's justice and love for all humanity. May all overseas workers be guided by compassion, respect and prayer for all peoples.

Amen

[ JUNE 1, 2006 ]: Prayer request # 1


• For my journey back to Lebanon, as I seek to follow my calling – that, God willing, I might find meaningful work, a means to live – to build lasting friendships there and to deepen connections with congregations back home


• For the stones that entomb us – God willing, may we find liberation from ill health, and be guided into just livelihoods, wholesome families, and right spirits within


• For Palestine/Israel – that extremism on all sides be vanquished by justice; that neither be cut off from the world’s care; that our governments reconsider whether abandoning the Palestinian people’s health and education needs is the path to peace and security; that Hamas moderate its rejection of Israel’s existence – God willing, may deep peace flourish


• For the peacemakers – in Lebanon, the World Student Christian Federation, the Middle East Council of Churches, the Ajeal Palestinian youth centre; in Israel, for B’tselem, Peace Now, and Rabbis for Human Rights; in Palestine, for the International Solidarity Movement, the World Council of Churches accompaniment program, and Sabeel Centre for Liberation Theology. For Christian Peacemaker Teams continuing witness in Iraq and Palestine/Israel


• For those dispossessed of their land and liberty, everywhere in the world – for Indigenous peoples in Canada and worldwide; for political prisoners, for those in U.S. global ‘shadow’ prisons, for those under humiliating occupations – God willing, may they find the wholeness and dignity taken from them


Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer