The headline today prompted my thought for a double hedge prayer (one for protection; another for containment).
“UN approved US plan authorizing an international stabilization force in Gaza” Notable in the news was the following: …“and envisions a possible future path to an independent Palestinian state.”
If ever there were a need for a double hedge prayer, this may be it: For protection of those in Gaza whose lives have been shattered and ruined by two years of Israeli bombing and war – for containment and direction for those same hard core war hawks in Netanyahu’s regime that have indicated that genocide is something they are more than willing to restart.
Lord God, we ask for a hedge of protection for those in Gaza and the West Bank who are struggling just to survive in the aftermath of two years of war and destruction. Keep them safe and lift them up as the UN guides and directs the effort to establish a lasting peace and a two-state solution to the aggravated violence that has been reigning there. And hedge in those violent evildoers who are so ready and willing to kill those who are different from them. Contain the violent urges from both Israeli and Hamas fighters who would rather see their world burn than share it with others. Keep them hedged in from causing any more evil and death in this war. Amen.