“I appeal for your prayers so that God may show the people of
Iraq his infinite mercy – comfort the mourners, bind their wounds and
heal the broken-hearted in those biblical lands that have been a cradle
of civilisation.”
Iraq his infinite mercy – comfort the mourners, bind their wounds and
heal the broken-hearted in those biblical lands that have been a cradle
of civilisation.”
The Right Rev Declan Lang – Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
In partnership with Aid to the Church in Need, Patriarch Louis Sako –
the leader of the largest Christian community in Iraq – called for a
Global Day of Prayer for Peace in Iraq on the Feast of the
Transfiguration. The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have
generously endorsed this initiative and urge all Catholics and
Christians to join together in prayer on 6 August 2014 and again over
the weekend of 9/10 August.
the leader of the largest Christian community in Iraq – called for a
Global Day of Prayer for Peace in Iraq on the Feast of the
Transfiguration. The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have
generously endorsed this initiative and urge all Catholics and
Christians to join together in prayer on 6 August 2014 and again over
the weekend of 9/10 August.
“We
appeal with sadness and pain to the conscience of all and all people of
good will and the United Nations and the European Union, to save these
innocent persons from death. We hope it is not too late!”
appeal with sadness and pain to the conscience of all and all people of
good will and the United Nations and the European Union, to save these
innocent persons from death. We hope it is not too late!”
It is so important for us to join in these days of prayer. Catholic and Protestant can both agree that when two or more are gathered in prayer, the Lord is there. The biggest weapon we have is prayer. Our God can conquer anything. Pray, pray,pray. This weekend has been dedicated to the praying for our Iraqi Christian family.
They are being tortured, raped, killed, and driven out of their homes. ISIS even beheads their children and puts their heads on display in a park in Mosul. CHILDREN This is reprehensible. Tens of thousands of Christians are stranded on top of a mountain. They face death by starvation at the top, or death by ISIS at the bottom. They have sought refuge with the Kurdish people. Except the Kurdish people need weapons and help from the international community.
MY PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
Help my family in Syria and Iraq. They are being persecuted because of Your name. Give them the strength that they need to stand strong against the evil forces. Provide them Your peace despite all of their trials.
Embolden the international community to come to their aid and to stand up to these atrocities. So many are remaining silent. Burden their hearts so that they will no longer stay quiet but will act with Your direction.
Please, deliver Your people. Your Word tells us that the world hated You, and will hate us also. Yet my heart still aches for my spiritual family. I am appalled at what they are suffering. And I feel helpless.
As Jehoshaphat lamented:
“We are powerless before this vast multitude that comes against us. We
are at a loss what to do, hence our eyes are turned toward you”
“We are powerless before this vast multitude that comes against us. We
are at a loss what to do, hence our eyes are turned toward you”
But You are not helpless or powerless. You are the Almighty. And nothing happens that You do not allow. As Your kingdom draws near, the persecution will increase. Give all of us the strength to endure til the end. Give us the courage to stand for You.
We are all one body with You as the head.
Amen
USING PSALMS FOR PRAYER
(If you are not the one being persecuted, use “Them/Their” instead of “me/my/I”)
Look toward me, and have pity on me,
for I am alone and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart,
and bring me out of my distress.
Put an end to my affliction and my suffering,
and take away all my sins.
Behold, my enemies are many,
and they hate me violently.
Preserve my life, and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge
in you.
(Psalm 25:16-20)
united in prayer