|
Dear God, source of being and light of life, it is to you that we left our hearts here at the border of unspeakable suffering. Flowery words are not enough in this moment of anguish and measureless pain. Our comfort is knowing that all things are yours, and you love everything and everyone that you’ve made, that those who suffer are not alone, for you are nearest to the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit, crushed in soul, and crushed in body.
Lord, we remember the refugees today – from Aida in Bethlehem to Zarka in Jordan. From Balata in Nablus to Shuafat in Jerusalem. From Shatila in Lebanon to Yarmouk in Syria, and all across Gaza: Rafah, Jabalin, Khan Younis, Al Shati, Nuseirat, Bureij, Maghazi, and Deir al Balah. None of these are outside your vision, your heart, your compassion. These are not numbers to you. Every newborn infant, every little girl, every teenage boy, every hopeful, young mother, every tired father, every grandparent carrying the memories of home – its smells, its shapes, its plants, its sounds, its history. We remember those who have just been refugees in the past few months, whose homes have been demolished, who have been evicted, or unable to return and are internally displaced.
Those who bear the Nakba in their bones and cry a howling prayer, “How long oh Lord!?”
Jesus, you are also a refugee. We remember that your family rested in Gaza on the flight to Egypt. That in Gaza you also wept and giggled and took your first steps with death looming over your head. Lord, here at the Gaza border, we weep, we pray, we intercede for a just resolution for these refugees. We pray for your Holy Spirit, the spirit of wisdom and understanding to move through the halls of earthly power and decision-makers. Let justice, mercy, healing, and restoration be for all the people of this land, and may fruitfulness and security be a shared gift for all its inhabitants.
Gather all humanity – refugees from our place of origin – back to our true home in you, oh God.
| 
