30 September 2024 

PUBLIC STATEMENT – A Call to Continuous Prayer for Peace in the Middle East

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." – 2 Thessalonians 3:16

The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) invites all Australians and Christians worldwide to unite in fervent prayer for peace, justice, and reconciliation in Lebanon, the Holy Land, and the broader Middle East.

We turn to God in prayer, asking that His peace be poured out upon the people of the region, where violence and instability have left so many suffering. We pray that leaders may embrace paths of de-escalation and dialogue, working towards justice and the restoration of hope for millions who long for an end to conflict.

Our hearts are especially heavy following the recent escalations of violence, which have heightened fear and deepened wounds.

As we reflect on the conclusion of the 2024 Week of Prayer for Peace in Palestine and Israel, we continue to lift our voices in prayer for the Middle East, pleading for God’s mercy and intervention.

We pray for the safety and protection of all civilians, for the innocent caught in the crossfire, and for those who have lost loved ones or have been displaced. We echo the call of Cardinal Bechara Rai, patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church, who has condemned the ongoing attacks and called for peace. His plea for calm and reconciliation resounds in our own prayers.

The NCCA joins the World Council of Churches (WCC) in condemning the tragic loss of civilian lives from recent airstrikes. Together, we reaffirm the urgency of seeking peace and justice for those who live in constant fear and danger.

As we come together in prayer, we trust in the Lord who "heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3). May God’s spirit of peace and reconciliation cover these troubled lands, bringing healing, safety, and renewed hope to all.

NCCA President Rev John Gilmore expresses deep concern that our communities not allow the escalating conflict to undermine social cohesion in Australia. “We must not let violence beget violence as it is the innocent who are suffering”, Rev Gilmore says.

“Together let us seek peace with justice. Let us continue to advocate for a permanent ceasefire, support humanitarian aid efforts, and, above all, trust in the transformative power of prayer. May God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard the hearts and minds of all those affected by the devastating conflict in the Middle East”, prays Rev Gilmore.

May peace prevail.

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Contact: NCCA Secretariat, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel. 02 9299 2215