Our Prayers for the War between Israel and Hamas
From Hell to Hell – Tadros Hanna
I’m sure if you are watching the 24-hour newscast you will be shocked, dismayed, and desperate for the children in Gaza and the ongoing war which seems to be without end between Israel and Hamas. I have just had a wonderful two weeks with my daughter and two granddaughter’s visiting from the UK. They are 15 months and 4 ½ years old. I look at them and marvel at the way God has created them. They are more than precious to me. I would give my life for them. In the same way, the Israeli children butchered and murdered by Hamas, and the literally now thousands of children killed in bombings by Israel (not to mention those who have been wounded and will carry the emotional scars for the rest of their lives), is unfathomable. They are as precious and made in the image of God as my granddaughters. I cannot imagine them going through what these children are going through. This calls for a dedicated time of prayer for peace. I am reminded that the Lord Jesus Christ is also called “the Prince of Peace” = “Lord of Peace, we pray that your Spirit will prevail over this desperate situation and move in the hearts of those in power to cease this war and bring about a solution to the hatred and destruction – In your name we pray”
I was interested in the comments from Amanda Dunn – Politics and Society Editor from “The Conversation” who has penned the following:
Politics these days is like everything else in our lives: fast. News breaks, a situation changes, political leaders are constantly asked for their “position” on all kinds of issues. But as Andy Marks observes, sometimes there are moments that resist the rapidity of modern political discourse, and one of those is the drastic flaring of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
“There is no doorstop interview, social media post or snappy campaign slogan that can convey the depth of suffering of Palestinians or Israelis,” Marks writes. “This deviation in political tempo exposes the shortcomings of fast politics, when careful, wider deliberation has historically proven more salient.”
As the conflict dramatically ignited, politicians rushed to take firm positions. But as it goes on and becomes more complicated, and the extent of suffering on both sides is there for all to see, the tone can shift. And in the meantime, a range of internal party positions becomes apparent.
“Only time, and the shifting tempo of politics, will determine the prescience (or otherwise) of political views on the tragic events occurring in Israel and Gaza,” Marks concludes. “Who is right and who is wrong is unlikely to matter to those affected.
Prayer is the most important action we can take at this time.
Baptists across Israel and the Palestinian Territories request fervent prayer for just peace.
Our global Baptist organisation, Baptist World Alliance, has shared with us a prayer guide for Israel and the Palestinian territories. You can download this from our website at buv.com.au/pray
Check the Baptist World Aid Australia website in the coming days for ways to help with the aid response.