This week is the week of prayer for world peace, and arrives as situations in the Middle East, Ukraine and other parts of the world continue to be of real concern.

It's easy to feel helpless in the face of complex problems that are rooted in history and with no easy answers. But, we do know that as people who pray (along with reading the scriptures and seeking to live out the life of our risen Lord) we can have a powerful impact on so many difficult situations. Prayer not only changes us, but can give us a clarity and focus on the best ways of supporting peace and transformation in our troubled world.

The Iona Community have some resources for this week that you may find helpful - they are releasing one interfaith reflection video a day (a bit like an advent calendar). 

Click here to visit video resources for this week

For example, the prayer for Monday 16 October follows...

What of the Middle East?

What is unfolding in Israel and Gaza is heartbreaking, but is a product of troubles in this part of the world for centuries. We have gathered some information and resources below to help focus our prayers as we pray (as Christ did) for peace in this part of the world, including words from church leaders in Jerusalem, supported by our Archbishops. The Diocese of Wellington also has prayer resources and is encouraging us to Pray for Peace at midday. There is also an opportunity to give via Anglican Missions. 

From Jerusalem

(Above) a call for prayer and fasting from the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem. 

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, an ecumenical group of Christian leaders which includes the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Archbishop Hosam Naoum, have issued a statement calling for peace and justice amidst unfolding violence.

Their statement in full is produced below:

The Holy Land, a place sacred to countless millions around the world, is currently mired in violence and suffering due to the prolonged political conflict and the lamentable absence of justice and respect for human rights. We, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, have time and again appealed for the importance of respecting the historic and legal Status Quo of the holy shrines. In these trying times, we come together to raise our voices in unity, echoing the divine message of peace and love for all humanity.

As custodians of the Christian faith, deeply rooted in the Holy Land, we stand in solidarity with the people of this region, who are enduring the devastating consequences of continued strife. Our faith, which is founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ, compels us to advocate for the cessation of all violent and military activities that bring harm to both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.

We unequivocally condemn any acts that target civilians, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or faith. Such actions go against the fundamental principles of humanity and the teachings of Christ, who implored us to "love your neighbour as yourself" {Mark 12:31).

It is our fervent hope and prayer that all parties involved will heed this call for an immediate cessation of violence. We implore political leaders and authorities to engage in sincere dialogue, seeking lasting solutions that promote justice, peace, and reconciliation for the people of this land, who have endured the burdens of conflict for far too long.

In our capacity as spiritual leaders, we extend our hands to all those who suffer, and we pray that the Almighty may grant comfort to the afflicted, strength to the weary, and wisdom to those in positions of authority. We call upon the international community to redouble its efforts to mediate a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land, based on equal rights for all and on international legitimacy.

Let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul: "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33). In the spirit of this divine message, we implore all to work tirelessly towards an end to violence and the establishment of a just and lasting peace that will allow the Holy Land to be a beacon of hope, faith, and love for all.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all during these challenging times.

Finally, a clip from the BBC that gives some background to conflict in this area.