SAT-7 joins global prayers for Holy Land peace
On Sunday (21 September), the International Day of Peace, SAT-7 is joining Christian organisations and churches across the world in prayer for the Holy Land, calling viewers and supporters to stand in solidarity with its suffering people.
SAT-7 International CEO Rita El-Mounayer said:
Our hearts are broken by the intense and ongoing suffering of the people in this conflict, and so we must join together, as followers of the Prince of Peace, to pray for it to end. We pray especially for the children who have become orphans, suffered injuries and deprivation, and left traumatised by violence. Please join us and many Christians worldwide in praying for peace and justice for all in the Holy Land.”
Starting on Sunday, and continuing throughout the following week, SAT-7 will share prayers for the Holy Land across its channels and social media platforms, encouraging viewers throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and supporters around the world to pray.
We will also intercede for the continuing wars in Sudan and Yemen where millions are suffering away from the attention of mainstream media headlines.
“INNOCENT PEOPLE PAYING THE PRICE”
Speaking on SAT-7 ARABIC programme You Are Not Alone on 12 September, Archbishop Atallah Hanna, head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, called for all religious leaders around the world “to demand that the war stop”. He continued: “When you do that, you are defending the presence of Christians in this region. Here Christianity was born and from here the disciples came.”
“There’s over two million people living in destitution because of destruction and hunger. It is very tragic here. We are calling out for this war to stop and this tragedy to cease because only civilians and innocent people are paying the price of this war.”
In a recent joint statement, the leaders of Gaza’s churches confirmed that they would not leave the territory despite intensifying violence, and would remain to help those in need.
The church does not abandon its children or anyone who seeks the church regardless of their religion,” Archbishop Hanna added. “The church is a place of love, sacrifice, protection, prayer, refuge in God, asking for His mercy and support especially in these difficult times.”
SAT-7 in the UK is also standing alongside the voices of organisations and church leaders who are encouraging congregations across the nation to hold a minute’s silence on Sunday 21 September. Joining the call, the General Secretary of Churches Together in England, Bishop Mike Royal, said: “There is a growing consensus amongst the churches and also Christian organisations engaged in the Middle East that it’s high time we act together as one.”
Responding to Bishop Mike’s statement, Martin Thomas, Senior Director for SAT-7 UK, said: “Being a multi-language Christian broadcaster with studios across the Middle East presents us with immense challenges, but also strategic opportunities: to broadcast messages of comfort and peace to millions across our satellite channels and digital media platforms, and to speak up and amplify the unique voice of the MENA Church around the world. Please join us to fast, pray and engage – not just this Sunday, but in the days and weeks to come.”
Could you share these prayer points in your church services and home groups? Click here to download prayer slides for use on a screen.
PLEASE PRAY:
- An immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to violence across the Holy Land, and a meaningful peace process resulting in justice for all.
- For safe access to humanitarian aid, the provision of shelter, and for the release of hostages and detainees.
- Children and families whose lives have been devastated by this conflict: children who have become orphans; parents who have lost children; those suffering with injuries, deprivation and the effects of trauma.
- All those who have lost their homes, become displaced, or had to leave their homeland because of war in different parts of the MENA region.
- For SAT-7 staff and partners in the region – for producers, presenters and guests – that they would know God’s peace and wisdom and “not grow weary of doing what is right” (Gal 6:9).