Praying & Giving thanks to

The American Friends of the Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ)

on December 9^th

Salaam and peace to you all,

Our dear friends & supporters, the AFEDJ, have been working hard to have their parishes, Rectors and Bishops in the United States pray for our diocese and gather an offering this Sunday, December 9^th.

In order to give thanks for the wonderful support and friendship of our AFEDJ, I am asking you to dedicate your prayers this Sunday to them.

May God continue to nurture our friendship and partnership as one family in Christ. For them and us are one in Christ, as  all the souls are one soul, and all the lights are one light.

Let us therefore join together in prayer, saying:

God of Unity and Grace,

United our resolve, united our hearts,
may our spirits be at one,
that we may long together dwell
in unity and concord.

Today we have gathered to

Give thanks to the AFEDJ.

We bring our minds together as one

as we give greetings and thanks

to each other as

brothers and sisters in Christ.

Tender God,

who lives in heaven and earth,

in human reason and passion,

you are the holy one in our midst.

Your justice is our peace;

your peace is our hope;

your presence, our delight!

Make our hands, your hands,

our hearts, your heart;

our lives, your life!

Give us this day and always

-       a bread of freedom to share,

-       a cup of hope to pour upon the earth.

And may all we do reflect your love for each of us.

Gracious Father,

your love knows no limits.

Fill our hearts with your compassion.

Open our eyes to your presence in the world.

Enlarge our minds to understand your will.

Take our hands and minister through them.

Speak through our words and

direct our path in ways of peace

that Christ may be revealed in us and

the world may believe.

Amen.

With warm appreciation and thanks,

+ The Rt. Rev’d Suheil Dawani

Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem