The World Day of Prayer International Committee (WDPIC) urgently calls for an immediate ceasefire in Israel and Palestine, protection of civilians, and release of hostages. We also speak against the demand that 1.1 million people leave northern Gaza, when there is nowhere to go, and no access to humanitarian aid.
We are deeply shaken by the violence and bloodshed of the past week, whose victims are mainly civilians. Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law, and are an affront to basic human rights.
We mourn with all who have lost loved ones, and our hearts are with all who continue to be threatened by violence and hatred. We condemn the vicious attacks on civilians in Israel. We cry out against the taking of civilian hostages. We condemn the relentless and indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, and the blocking of food, water and humanitarian aid. We raise our voice against the use of collective
punishment against a civilian population.
The current escalation of violence is also horrifying. We hear statements filled with the language of hatred and vengeance. We also hear voices calling for peace and justice. We amplify the calls for an immediate cessation of violence, and despite the devastating realities, we still believe that another way is possible.
As a Christian women’s prayer movement, we join with our siblings of all faiths, especially Jews and Muslims. We caution against the use of gender-based violence, all too common in times of war. We call for the protection of all children, noting that half of the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza are under the age of 18.
We long for the dawn of a new day for the peoples of Israel and Palestine. We believe that God is always at work, and always moving us towards love, justice and peace. We pray with all of our siblings in Israel and Palestine for a just and lasting peace. We hope that our worldwide community, divided as it is, will
recognize that we are all connected, and that we must all take responsibility for the circumstances in the Holy Land. We must never give up on a commitment to peace, justice, and dignity for all the people living in the land.
On March 1, 2024 the worldwide ecumenical community of women who celebrate the annual World Day of Prayer will engage a worship service written by our sisters from WDP Palestine, under the theme “I Beg You… Bear With One Another in Love,” based on Ephesians 4:1-3. This program calls us to bear with each other in love during troubled times. As often happens in the World Day of Prayer, a theme and writer committee that is chosen years ahead of time becomes timely and profoundly challenging in the year that it is celebrated.
The World Day of Prayer is not just one day, and especially in this time of extreme violence, we call for prayer now, and in the days to come. Sitting with the discomfort of this moment is essential as we listen to the cries of the world and the call of God.
God of Peace and Justice,
We cry out to you with broken hearts and deep anguish for what is unfolding in
Israel and Palestine. It is difficult to find the words to express the weight of this
moment. We rest on your Spirit, who intercedes with sighs too deep for words. We
ask that you heal every wound, and you give us wisdom for how to stop this cycle
of violence. We pray especially for women and children, who are particularly
vulnerable in times of war. Move our world quickly towards peace and justice.
Amen
