Bishop’s statement
Bishop Jill and I have been deeply moved and saddened beyond words by what we have all watched unfold in Israel and Palestine recently.
We therefore ask the Diocese of Blackburn to join us in prayer for peace in that place and an end to the violence which has led already to the loss of so many innocent lives.
Pray also to the God who calmed the storm to be at work in the hearts of those immediately involved in making decisions regarding what to do next, so that they might choose peace over perpetual bloodshed.
Finally, pray for God’s wisdom to be found in those who advise leaders across the Middle East and wider world as they consider how to respond.
+Philip Blackburn
A collect for peace
Almighty God,
from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:
kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace
and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth
that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward,
till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Prayers as a Diocese
We pray daily as a Diocese for Israel and Palestine and through ‘Blackburn Prayers’ and also the ‘Blackburn Daily prayers’, distributed daily on email. Sign up here.