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As women of the Gospel, the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids grieve with those who grieve and seek release of those held captive since the missile and humanitarian attacks began in Israel and Gaza October 7, 2023.

“hatred, already experienced for too long, will increase even more and the ensuing spiral of violence will create more distrust. Everything speaks of death,” wrote Bishops in the Holy Land in a letter requesting solidarity in prayers for peace.

On Tuesday, October 17, 2023 the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids will join the Church of the Holy Land and people throughout the world in a day of prayer and fasting for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East.

As a member congregation of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) which represents 300 orders of sisters in the United States, we stand in solidarity, responding that: we are compelled to work toward a world where reverence for all living beings finds expression in a life of nonviolence. We stand in solidarity with the victims of brutality and with faith leaders as we heed the Gospel call to follow Jesus’ way of nonviolence, reconciliation, and care for the most vulnerable across lines of division.

We take seriously our responsibility to protect the safety of all people throughout the world. We stand united with leaders of other faiths, intolerant of any form of hate or violence towards places of worship, and ready to witness to the transformation of consciousness necessary for sustainable peace.

We commit ourselves and the members of our religious communities to choose the peaceful path of Jesus and exercise all of our rights and duties as citizens to urge our leaders to act as responsible members of the world community. We join our prayer with religious people of all faiths who recognize that war is not the solution.

“Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake. War begets war, violence begets violence.” ~ Pope Francis, Angelus, September 1, 2013

 

A prayer resource you might consider for your personal prayer.

Prayer from World Relief

Lord, You said “Peace, be still,” and the storm was stilled.

We confess that at times, we feel overwhelmed by the storm. But today, we lift our eyes to you — the Maker of heaven and earth. And we ask for a miracle… let your peace fill Israel and Gaza.
We lift our prayer to you,
Lord, hear us.

God, let violence cease in the region. Let there be no more bloodshed. We know your heart breaks for those killed and those left behind — for the orphaned child, the injured elderly, those abducted and families desperate for safety. Lord, speak into this crisis.
We lift our prayer to you,
Lord, hear us.

We pray for those who have lost loved ones. Let your peace and love wash over them. Please protect and provide for those who have been abducted and bring them home safely. Let them be reunited with their loved ones — let them feel the comfort of their embrace.
We lift our prayer to you,
Lord, hear us.

God, we pray that you open doors that allow food, essentials and medical supplies to reach those in need. May first responders be able to rescue the injured, comfort the grieving and help rebuild many lives.
We lift our prayer to you,
Lord, hear us.

God, we pray for your peace and reconciliation to overcome conflict. We ask that you give wisdom and discernment to our global leaders and those in positions of power who have the ability to impact the course of this war. Help us to be bold advocates and agents of peace in our own communities.
We lift our prayer to you,
Lord, hear us.

We pray for people scattered around the globe whose friends and family members have been caught in the crisis. We know you are with them. Help us to express your love to those affected in our communities, churches and workplaces.
We lift our prayer to you,
Lord, hear us.

Lord, we raise Israel and Gaza to you, and pray for those suffering. We ask that you provide peace in this crisis, and protection and comfort for all those who have been impacted.
We lift our prayer to you,
Lord, hear us.
Amen.