As of this morning 60 Palestinians were declared dead and over 2,300 were injured in a massacre along the fence in Gaza.

Moving the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was what Rachel Shabi called “a deliberate upturning of international conventions.” And timing it for this auspicious date was an intentional thumb on the scale that has zero chance of bringing the long-sought peace we claim to support.

Here are two prayers I am praying today.

Traditional

God of Hope, who brings light in the midst of darkness: Shine your
light in the hearts of your faithful, on these shores and overseas
and in every tradition; that we may see your spark in every
being and aspect of creation, knowing your light radiates within
everyone, and so tear down every fence or artifice which divides us
and blocks your great mercy. Amen.

Contemporary

God, I am so pissed at my neighbors right now.
The arrogance of these petty geopolitical actions of our
leaders and their supposedly faithful supporters is shameful.
I seriously can’t comprehend how I’m supposed to see
them as Christians or Jews. They certainly don’t act like it.
I don’t know what to do! I need your help!
The leaders of my church have spoken out, as have
so many others. Even the United Nations condemn the
violence as Palestinians still feel ignored by our inaction.
The whole world has spoken up, we’re pleading
with our governments to stop. But we feel helpless.

Dozens of your beautiful children are dead and thousands
were injured by gunshots ripping through their flesh and
tear gas choking their lungs, and your babies can’t breathe.
Conspire with us to awaken our hearts, lifting the veils
which blind and fences which divide, that we may see
your radiant love in all of our neighbors. And draw us out
of individual faith, that we may build the blessed community
with you and one another. Everywhere. Not just here. Amen.