Prayers

Israel-Palestine

Please click on this link to go the Methodist Church website where you will be signposted to various information as well as resources for prayers and reflections.

A Statement from the President and Vice-President on the situation in Gaza

We are deeply disappointed that the headlines today are about a parliamentary process and not the horrors of what is happening in Gaza. Such a vote should be above party politics and we urge the UK government to denounce actions that epitomise a collective punishment of the population of Gaza.

The scale of the destruction and tragic loss of life in so short a space of time is incomparable to any other conflict in recent times. We grieve for all lives lost on 7 October and in the subsequent fighting. There is no justification for such widespread killing of tens of thousands of innocent people and we are gravely concerned for the entire population of the Gaza Strip.

One and a half million people currently shelter in crowded conditions with little food and water in the city of Rafah. The horrific strikes on southern Gaza have killed many in recent days and those injured are unable to get treatment because of Israel's attacks on hospitals.

We were alarmed to hear reports that the Nasser Hospital in Gaza has been shelled, killing patients, staff and others sheltering there. The protection of hospitals during a war is a basic and inescapable requirement in international law.

The International Court of Justice has called on Israel to ensure that its forces do not commit any of the acts covered by the Genocide Convention. Yet attacks on Gaza have continued with inadequate regard to the protection of civilians. For those crowded into Rafah there is nowhere left to go. It is disturbing to hear that some in the Israeli government are discussing the possibility of creating settlements across the Gaza Strip. Time will tell whether what we witness in Gaza today is an ethnic cleansing of the present population.

Meanwhile, for those sheltering without food and water the situation is critical. To meet the basic human needs of such a large population there is no alternative to an immediate ceasefire. We urge our Government to demand an immediate halt to the shelling for the preservation of innocent life and require that Israel abide by the provisional ruling of the International Court of Justice.

We call on Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages and urge all governments to work with Israeli and Palestinian parties to achieve an agreement that ensures protection, support and a viable future for innocent victims of this conflict and security for all in the region.

In prayer we stand alongside all those in the region whose heart breaks with ours as we witness the unfathomable suffering. With the psalmist we pray:
You are my help and my deliverer;
you are my God, do not delay. (Psalm 40:17)

The Methodist Church in Britain has launched an appeal to support partners of the Methodist Liaison Office who are working in Gaza. Find out more and donate here.
Sourced from the Methodist Church Website 22 February 2024

Ukraine

Update February 2024

Second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Saturday, 24 February, is the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Prayer
To mark this, the below prayer has been written by a Ukrainian family who are being hosted by the Black Country Methodist Circuit.

Lord God of power,
You alone work miracles, so be kind to all and hear us.
Help us God, our Saviour, and deliver the people of Ukraine from persecution.
Come to our aid and destroy the intentions and unrighteous boldness of those who go to war against our people.
Calm those who oppose your commandments.
Grant us all peace, salvation and joy in our hearts.
For you are protection and salvation for those who trust in you.
We give you glory, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.

Amen

Appeal

Since the conflict in Ukraine began, All We Can and the Methodist Church in Britain have supported communities impacted by the conflict through a joint appeal. Read stories from the appeal's humanitarian partners here.
(Above information sourced from the Methodist Church Website 23/02/2024)

PAKISTAN

All We Can and the Methodist Church in Britain have launched an urgent appeal to support communities impacted by the devastating flooding in Pakistan.

More than 1300 people have died since the monsoon season began in June, and it is reported that a third of the country is now underwater. Flood waters have not only devastated critical infrastructure, but also destroyed crops and livelihoods for countless people.

Pakistan is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis – already, more than one million homes have been destroyed or damaged, and 33 million people have been affected by the flooding.

Through Methodist Church in Britain and All We Can's joint appeal, urgent support will reach those most impacted by the flooding. By working with trusted church and humanitarian partners, donations will make a critical difference.

The Revd Graham Thompson, President of the Methodist Conference, said: "We invite – even urge – all those who have warm and comfortable homes to give to this appeal. We have so much and our neighbours in Pakistan have so little; let us give as much as we can and do so as both an offering and a prayer for the people of Pakistan."

A prayer for Pakistan:
Holy God, we pray for all whose families, homes and livelihoods have been devastated by floods. We especially pray for the people of Pakistan as the nation is overwhelmed. We give thanks for all that is being done to bring aid and relief and ask that you work in the hearts of your people to quickly provide more and more until hope is restored for all. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Sourced from the Methodist Website on 6th September 2022.
https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/news/latest-news/all-news/joint-appeal-with-all-we-can-launched-for-pakistan/