As we approach the anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023, we remember a day of heartbreaking grief for the people of Israel and Palestine, devastated by Hamas attacks on civilians and by the bombardment of Gaza. Mindful that the people of the Holy Land are still living in anguish and in war one year later, congregations may consider incorporating prayers and laments in worship on Sunday, October 6 or at other times near the anniversary, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings.

ELCA Worship Resource: Crisis in the Holy Land (as PDF).
Also available as a Word Document.
This resource created at the onset of the war includes several prayers and suggested hymns and songs. A model for a Prayer of Lament adapted from All Creation Sings is included that may be especially helpful this week.

Selected Prayers from ELCA Worship Resources

Additional options are included in the above worship resource.

Time of War
Eternal God, whose steadfast love never ends, we ask that you look upon the nations now engaged in war and hasten the day of peace. Look in mercy on those exposed to peril, conflict, sickness, and death; and show compassion to the dying. In your good providence, remove all causes and occasions of war. Incline the hearts of all people to follow the path to peace and concord, that war may cease and the day of reconciliation may come quickly, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer Book for the Armed Services, p. 71)

For Peace
You calm and quiet us, eternal God, as a mother holds her children close; all people have refuge in the shadow of your wings. Spread over us the shelter of your peace. Hold before us the wisdom of your cross, where we are drawn to you not by might or power, but by your boundless love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (All Creation Sings, pg. 48)

O God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single peace. Let the design of your great love shine on the waste of our wraths and sorrows, and give peace to your church, peace among nations, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 76)

Petition for the Prayers of Intercession
O God, as war in the Holy Land rages, we pray:
For all trapped by blockades…
For all living in fear of attack…
For all in need of basic necessities and their safe transport…
For those who are hospitalized and all who provide care…
For all who search for safety elsewhere and are separated from loved ones…
For children surrounded by confusion and chaos…
For those consumed by the lure of terrorism and control, that they are filled with compassion for all people…
For the difficult work of diplomats, world leaders, and international organizations in this prolonged conflict …
For the longing of people of different faiths to live together peaceably…
For all grieving those who have died…
Other intercessions related to the crisis in the Holy Land may be added.
In your mercy, receive our prayer.

Prayers from The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

Prayer for Peace
God of peace, we pray for an end to violence in our world. We bring to you our hope that human rights, justice, and your love will triumph, and that power, destruction, and death will not have the last word. On the one-year mark of the war in Gaza, we pray for an end to massacres and destruction. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, bring your healing spirit upon your children of Palestine and Israel, that all who live in your Holy Land might know true justice and the peace that passes all understanding. We ask this in your holy name and find hope in the resurrection always. Amen.

Prayer for Justice
God of justice, we pray for safety for those living in times of war. As the church we are your hands and feet in this world. Bring to our hearts and minds the courage to speak out against injustice. Give us the strength to break down the walls that divide us and help us build tables long enough for all. We pray for world leaders, that hearts may be changed, and international law and human rights may be upheld. In Palestine and Israel, we pray that justice may be reached, so all throughout the region can live in peace. Amen.

Prayer for ELCJHL Congregations
God of comfort and strength, we pray for the faithful Palestinian Christians of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. We ask that you give them “sumud,” steadfastness, in this time of incredible sorrow in their communities. Bless the pastors who are shepherding congregations in this unimaginable situation. Bring your comforting spirit to all, that they may continue to worship, minister, and above all remain steadfast in your Holy Land. Amen.

Prayer for Education
God our protector, we pray for the teachers, students, and staff of the educational ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Bring safety and security to those who seek learning. Protect students who must cross checkpoints to reach their schools and bring your spirit of peace to those who cannot access schools at all. We pray for an end to the violent targeting of educational institutions, and we lift up our hopes for a world where all children can learn and grow in safety. Amen.

Worship Resources from Partners

Churches for Middle East Peace resources for a “Solidarity Sunday”
On Sunday, October 6th Churches for Middle East Peace and its 35 member denominations and communions call upon congregations in the U.S. and worldwide to pray for peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East as part of Solidarity Sunday. Resources to shape Sunday include prayers, worship, liturgy, and other aspects of Solidarity Sunday services, including videos from Palestinian Christian voices in the region and are varied, allowing each community to shape their Solidarity Sunday around their own traditions and commitments. This day of prayerful solidarity and calls for justice comes just as we prepare to mark the one-year anniversary of the horrific October 7th attacks and subsequent bombardment of Gaza.

Churches for Middle East Peace Ecumenical Online Prayer Service on October 7
Join Churches for Middle East Peace at 2:00 PM EST on October 7th, for a communal space of worship, lament, and prayer.

The Southeastern Iowa Synod Sumud working group and Pastor Peter Pettit have developed worship resources for use on Sunday, October 6. They are available on the synod worship page.

Global Sunday of Mutual Flourishing
A call for all Christian ministers to join in centering Mutual Flourishing this October 6.

Additional Information