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Climate march at COP28

12 December 2023, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Young people gather outside the plenary buildings at the United Nations climate summit COP28 on the conference's last scheduled day to push for an agreement on a complete fossil fuel phase-out to be part of the final text adopted.

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Intercessions

We are thankful for:

  • the ancient cultures and religions that have been sustained in this area for millennia
  • those who continue to pursue peace in the midst of ethnic strife and terrorism
  • the faithfulness of Muslims in expressing their faith and working with others
  • Christians who practice their faith even when they are a small, often discriminated minority.

We pray for:

  • women and others in these countries who are deprived of basic freedoms and human dignity
  • those who misuse or exploit religious identity for extremist political ends
  • the wise use of the benefits of oil and other natural resources for the sake of all
  • the emergence of stable democratic societies based on the rule of law, social justice, and respect for religious and other freedoms.

Prayers

Prayers before scripture reading
Make us wise in your law and enlighten our thoughts with your knowledge. Sanctify our souls with your truth, and grant us to be obedient to your words so we fulfil your commandments at every hour, O Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for ever.

O you, who enlighten the rational with the knowledge of your greatness, enlighten, O my Lord, my thoughts that I may meditate upon your holy and divine Scriptures at every hour, O Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for ever.

(From “Prayers of The Hallowing of Addai and Mari Disciplers of the East,” English translation M. J. Birni,  http://www.nestorian.org/nestorian_liturgy.html)

Bring us out of darkness into light
O my God,
bring us out of darkness into light.
Illumine our hearts with your wisdom.
Give us light to guide us to you.

O my God,
shine light into our hearts…
light into our ears,
light into our eyes,
light on our tongues,
light at our right hand,
light at our left hand,
light above us,
light beneath us,
light before us,
light behind us.

Shine light into our souls.
Flood us with light.
Lord, expand our hearts,
and prosper our work.

(A Prayer during the Mecca pilgrimage. In: Noticias del Arca, summer 2005)

Sufi Prayer for Peace
Send your peace, O Lord, which is perfect and everlasting,
that our souls may radiate peace.

Send your peace, O Lord,
that we may think, act, and speak harmoniously.

Send your peace, O Lord,
that we may be contented and thankful for your bountiful gifts.

Send your peace, O Lord,
that amidst our worldly strife we may enjoy your bliss.

Send your peace, O Lord,
that we may endure all, tolerate all in the thought of your grace and mercy.

Send your peace, O Lord,
that our lives may become a divine vision,
and in your light all darkness may vanish.

Send your peace, O Lord, our Father and Mother,
that we your children on earth may all unite in one family.

(from http://www.worldhealingprayers.com/6.html)