WA Day of Prayer with the Holy Land

Following a Presbytery resolution in May 2024, the Social Justice Commission of the Uniting Church in WA invites congregations, schools and agencies to choose a day in November to pray with the people of the Holy Land including our Palestinian-Christian sisters and brothers.

In March 2024 the Uniting Church in Australia, Assembly Standing Committee, resolved to advocate for peace and justice in the Holy Land, supporting advocacy and peace work being conducted by the Middle Eastern Council of Churches, as well as calling out all ‘the acts of brutality and atrocities committed’. It also calls for congregations “to pray for and listen to those who are suffering”, and support those who are living in “grief and fear in their communities as a result of the current escalation in the conflict and acts of racial and religious hatred happening in Australia.”

In a letter from the Moderator Rev Dr Ian Tozer, in support of the resource, he says: “This worship resource is to educate and support your congregation in responding to the Assembly’s call. Please join us in praying that all who look towards Jerusalem, the city of peace, as a sacred city, may live in a just peace.”

Following a mandate of the Presbytery of WA and the Uniting Church Assembly, the Social Justice Commission has prepared these resources in collaboration with our neighbours, the Palestinian Christians in Australia (WA). It has been an honour to walk alongside them at this difficult time.

“Inspired by the mystery of God’s love for all, the mystery of God’s divine presence in the history of all peoples and, in a particular way, in the history of our country, we proclaim our word based on our Christian faith and our sense of Palestinian belonging – a word of faith, hope and love.”

World Council of Churches, Kairos Palestine Document 2009

These liturgical resources are based on the Revised Common Lectionary readings for 17 November, the 26th Sunday after Pentecost. The Sunday foreshadows Advent and comes immediately before the Reign of Christ Sunday. Since the resource was written, the war has spread and the context may change again by 17 November. We encourage you to adapt the resources as required by this changing context.

WA Day of Prayer with the Holy Land – Worship Resource

Click on the image below to download the resource: