The Christian women of Palestine applied for and were chosen and accepted in 2017 to write for the 2024 service. They had wanted their voices to be heard as they wished for a peaceful solution to the tensions and difficulties of living in the West Bank and Gaza. As we watch with dismay the war and bloodshed happening in the Holy Land, we realise they need our prayers more than ever because, although they may be safe at this moment, they are very much suffering spiritually.
As we approach the season of Lent we pause and reflect on the meaning and life of Jesus. He was born in Bethlehem and was prophesied by Isaiah as bringing peace. His teaching brought hope and healing to many. Indeed, his words in his “Sermon on the Mount” say “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God”.
So do come along to Strattton on 1st March with Christians from around Cirencester and throughout the world and join together in prayer for the Holy Land and the many other countries currently experiencing war and violence. May we live out the words of St Paul chosen as the theme for this day of prayer:
“I beg you, bear with one another in love”