Peace in Jerusalem
Last week three of us visited a local synagogue with some flowers and a card to express our support for them on the second anniversary of the appalling events of 7 October 2023, and the more recent attack on a synagogue in Manchester. We hope to return soon to meet more of them. We were shocked and deeply saddened to discover that they have to employ security guards when they gather to worship.
I often pray for our sisters and brothers around the world who face persecution, who are not able to meet openly to worship – in my naivety not appreciating that there are people in this country who need to be protected when they gather to worship. Can you imagine how different it would feel on a Sunday morning if you had to walk past security guards and have your bags checked as we gather to worship?
Psalm 122 is one of the psalms written for ancient Jewish pilgrims to sing and say as they travelled to Jerusalem for a festival. It says this:
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
Psalm 122.6-7 (NIV)
‘May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.’
As some of those taken hostage by Hamas are released today, and with the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, I echo that prayer for peace and security for those in Jerusalem and those who love it. May the current deal stick, and may it be the start of lasting peace and security for all who live in the Holy Land.
But last week’s brief visit to a synagogue helped me begin to see the wider view of that psalm – so this morning I am praying not only for peace in a faraway country, but that the same peace and security we pray for there would be made real here as well, particularly for those who live and gather in fear.
Please join me in that double prayer for peace and security – in the Holy Land and in our own neighbourhoods.
Revd Ben Green – Vicar