A Prayer for the State of Israel

Greetings,

As I continue to process my experience of two intense weeks in the Holy Land, I am mindful that it isn't necessarily helpful to submit to name-calling or finger-pointing. Jesus calls us to put as much - if not more - energy into loving those who we call "enemy," as we do into loving those who we call friend. With this understanding then, I invite you to read and reflect upon the following prayer, which comes to us via the organization Rabbis for Human Rights. I believe it models Jesus' call and offers us a sliver of hope that the difficult work of peace-making is worth the energy.

Let us pray...

"Sovereign of the Universe, accept in loving-kindness and with favor our prayers for the State of Israel, her government and all who dwell within her boundaries and under her authority. On the 60th anniversary of her founding, reopen our eyes and our hearts to the wonder of Israel and strengthen our faith in Your power to work redemption in every human soul. Grant us also the fortitude to keep ever before us those ideals to which Israel dedicated herself in her Declaration of Independence, so that we may be true partners with the people of Israel in working toward her vision, which has not yet been completely fulfilled.

"Grant the courage, wisdom and strength to do Your Will to those entrusted with guiding Israel's destiny. Guide them in the paths of peace and give them the insight to recognize Your Image in every human being. Be with those whose shoulders Israel's safety depends and defend them from all harm. May they have the strength to protect their country and the spiritual fortitude never to abuse the power placed in their hands.

"Spread Your Blessings over the Land. May Justice and Human Rights abound for all her inhabitants. Guide them "To do Justice, love Mercy and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8), and to do Your Will so that "... Justice will well up like water, righteousness like a mighty stream" (Amos 5:24). Implant tolerance and mutual respect in every heart, and may all realize that, "We were not brought into this world for conflict and dissension, nor for hatred, jealousy, harassment or bloodshed. Rather, we were brought into this world in order to recognize You, may You be blessed forever" (R. Nahman or Bratzlav). Spread over Israel and all the world Your Shelter of Peace, and may the vision of Your prophet soon be fulfilled: "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:4).

"So may it be Your Will that, speedily and in our day, all inhabitants of the earth will say of the State of Israel, "It is very good" (Genesis 1:31); for she will have become a blessing to the entire world and a "Light unto the nations.""

Amen.

Blessings,
Rob.