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Eye on the World: Middle East peace talks
The relationship between Israel and Palestine has been up and down the past few days: first, the Israeli government angered Palestinians by announcing more than 1,000 new settlement homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. But then, it announced that 26 Palestinian prisoners would be released on Tuesday, just a day before peace talks resume as part of a US-backed deal. The prisoners’ release is highly unpopular with Israelis, because most of those who will be freed were convicted of violence against or murder of Israelis. But Israel’s Supreme Court isn’t expected to stop the release, and both countries are scheduled to sit down at the table on Wednesday for peace talks.
How can we pray to support peace? “Middle East unity: beyond sect or nationality” offers a place to start. On a trip to Israel and the West Bank, the author began praying to know that even in an atmosphere of mistrust, the Christ — God’s message to humanity — speaks clearly to everyone, communicating ideas that instill peace and quell misunderstanding.
“An ‘Abigail approach’ for Israel and Palestine” takes this concept further, reminding us that spiritual humility can and does break stalemates, reveals previously unseen solutions, and removes fears that one party might take advantage of another. As we let go of preconceived ideas about how the situation ought to be resolved, we open ourselves up to perceive divine Love’s perfect solution.
Finally, you’ll enjoy “Peace in the Middle East: what your prayers can do,” which is a reminder that God’s plan for humanity is powerful and untainted by political motives or competing ambitions. A deep, genuine understanding of this prayer means that a solution can surely emerge that makes it possible for all people to dwell together happily.
If we find ourselves feeling discouraged in our prayers for Israel and Palestine, these ideas can remind us to lift up our thinking to the recognition that there’s no element of separation, violence, or unrest in God’s creation — His ideas are made to live in harmony with one another!