“The Jewish people remain the living root of the Christian faith. We wish to signify this bond by praying for the members of the Jewish people every first Thursday of the month. We believe that this intention is a source of blessing on our journey toward unity among the churches.”
Reflection text
Rabbi Nachman de Breslov’s Prayer for peace
One of the founders of Hasidism, born in 1772 in what is now Ukraine, died in 1810
(Translation by Rabbi Deborah Silver. The quotations are: Leviticus 26:6, Amos 5:24 and Isaiah 11:9)
https://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/story/rabbi-nachmans-prayer-peace
May it be Your will,
Holy One, our God, our ancestors’ God,
that you erase war and bloodshed from the world
and in its place draw down
a great and glorious peace
so that nation shall not lift up sword against nation
neither shall they learn war any more.
Rather, may all the inhabitants of the earth
recognize and deeply know
this great truth:
that we have not come into this world
for strife and division
nor for hatred and rage,
nor provocation and bloodshed.
We have come here only
to encounter You,
eternally blessed One.
And so,
we ask your compassion upon us;
raise up, by us, what is written:
I shall place peace upon the earth
and you shall lie down safe and undisturbed
and I shall banish evil beasts from the earth
and the sword shall not pass through your land.
but let justice come in waves like water
and righteousness flow like a river,
for the earth shall be full
of the knowledge of the Holy One
as the waters cover the sea.
So may it be.
And we say: Amen.
Suggested reading
Shema Yisrael: Deut 6:4-9
The call of Abram: Gen 12,1- 4
I am the one who is: Ex 3,13-15
Blessing: Num 6,22- 27
Ancient Confession of Faith: Deut 26:5-9
The First Commandment: Mk 12:28-34
The Faith of Abraham: Heb 11:8- 12
The inheritance of the people of Israel: Rom 9:1-5
For instance: Numbers 6, 22-27 :
22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
24 “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
Intercessions
R. Amen, amen, blessed be the God of Israel!
1. Most loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, you wept for the violence between Cain and Abel;
we pray for peace in the Middle East,
we pray for all the peoples who inhabit this land where you have chosen to join us in our humanity.
2. Most loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
you made possible the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers,
for any contempt for your people Israel; forgive us.
(As a sign of penance, we remain in silence for a few moments.)
We pray to you, Father, to make fraternity grow between the Jewish people and the nations.
3. Most loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
you brought Israel out of Egypt and set them free;
give your joy to the Jewish people and keep them faithful to your Covenant..
4. Most loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
you united the twelve tribes of Israel around the Torah; give peace to the Jews who believe in Jesus.
5. Most loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
you sent your Son Jesus to save us;
make your blessing rest on Christians who are of Jewish origin.
6. Most loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
Father of Jesus Christ,
you gave your beloved Son so that all might be one; gather all the Christian Churches in unity.
7. Most loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
you promised the Jewish people the coming of the Messiah;
you who promised the Church the return of your son. We praise you and we say in the Holy Spirit: „Maranatha, come, Lord!”
Prayer
Eternal and almighty God,
listen to the prayer of your Church.
You who chose Abraham and his descendants
to make them the children of your promise,
Lead to the fullness of redemption
the first people of the Covenant.
Let the nations of the earth
be welcomed by grace into the family of Abraham,
and may all of creation joyfully enter into your reign of peace.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.