Pray with Palestine, May 10, 2026

Lectionary Selection: John 14:15-21

Prayers for Palestine

O God of the Incarnation,
You who chose our land, Palestine,
to enter human history—
You who were born in our city, Bethlehem.
Today we lift before you our region,
this land many call the Middle East,
a land burdened by wars,
scarred by violence and fear.
In this hour of escalating conflict,
including the war on Iran,
we cry out for your peace—
the peace that grows from justice.
We pray for Palestine,
for a people who have endured
settler colonialism,
dispossession,
genocide,
and discrimination.
God of justice,
you hear the cry of the oppressed.
Break the chains of domination.
Restore dignity to a people who long to live in freedom.
We pray for Dar al-Kalima University,
a place where imagination resists despair,
where creativity becomes resistance,
and where knowledge becomes liberation.
Bless the young women and men
who study there—
Christians and Muslims together—
that they may rise to create a new future.
Strengthen the teachers
and those who serve in administration.
Grant them courage in dark days,
wisdom in difficult choices,
and endurance in this sacred work.
Two thousand years ago
hope was born in our city.
Make us instruments of this hope today. Amen.

Mission Moment from Palestine

To live and carry out ministry in Palestine today is to live within a landscape of confinement. Our cities and towns increasingly resemble isolated islands—like native reservations—surrounded by expanding Israeli colonies that seize our land, exploit our resources, and displace our people.

Beyond our borders, however, our story is often distorted. In much of the international media, our people are demonized, and our struggle for freedom and dignity is criminalized. At times, we feel abandoned, like orphans.

Yet our Christian faith reminds us that we are not alone. Christ comes to us also through the faithful partnership of the Disciples and the United Church of Christ. They pray for us, stand with us in solidarity, send delegations to witness the reality on the ground, and help share our true story—as a people, as Palestinian Christians, and as a living Christian ministry.

Dar al-Kalima University is the first and only university in Palestine dedicated to art, culture, and design. Here, young Palestinians are trained to become artists, musicians, designers, architects, actors, tour guides, and chefs—people who will shape culture and the future.

Although our small campus in Gaza was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in 2024, 46 staff members continue to reach more than 25,000 displaced children through art therapy, offering healing amid immense trauma.

Through our regional programs, we also train young leaders across the Middle East to strengthen civil society and become agents of social change. For the witness and support of the Disciples and the UCC, we give thanks to God.

Mission Partners in Palestine/Israel

More about Palestine

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