My brothers and sisters in Christ,

On Trinity Sunday we gather in the churches of our Episcopal Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East deeply distressed and anxious as conflict rages around us.

Some of us are living under constant military attack; many of us are uncertain whether conflict will spread to the countries we live in.

And so we pray—for a de-escalation of violence and political rhetoric; for diplomatic solutions to
prevail; for humanitarian aid to reach those desperately in need; and for the peace and wellbeing of all people in the region.

We especially hold in our prayers Archbishop Hosam Naoum, the Diocese of Jerusalem, the Diocese of Iran, and all their clergy and people.
It is a frightening time, and a time when our faith in Jesus Christ must steady, strengthen, and direct us.

Holy God,
Almighty and loving,
Three persons yet one God
Inspire in the leaders of the world
A renewed vision for peaceful co-existence,
A restored hope in dialogue and reconciliation,
And a rekindled determination to act judiciously.
Lord have mercy.
Hold the Middle East in your eternal arms.
May its wars cease,
May humanitarian aid be received,
May peace and wellbeing appear.
Christ have mercy.
Strengthen Christians in the Middle East
To endure suffering with faith, hope and love,
To have grace to always bear witness to our Lord,
To always be a good neighbour to those in need.
Lord have mercy.
Heavenly Father we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, the Prince of Peace, and Lord of Lords who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.

Amen.