During the pope’s visit to the Middle East in May, an invitation was extended to representatives from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Druze communities to meet at the Vatican to participate in prayer for peace in the Middle East.  At the pope’s request, Israeli President Shimon Peres will meet for prayer in Rome on Sunday with the pope, Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas, and other invited leaders who choose to attend.

The prayer ceremony will be held in a neutral part of the Vatican, as not to violate religious laws, and the chief rabbi has given his blessing for President Peres to participate.  Each group will read from their holy books, and will share a religious text from another source of their choosing.

As we know from our study this week, the god of Islam is not the God of Christianity and Judaism.  I am reminded of Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings 18:20-46 when, after proclaiming, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him,” Elijah proceeded to challenge the Baal’s in a “fire from heaven” contest to prove the One True God.  Let’s pray that the God of the Bible will rain down the fire of truth from heaven, that these world leaders may come to know the One True God.

Peace in the Middle East will be accomplished only through the Prince of Peace.  We know Him personally, so let’s go before Him and ask for His peace!  Will you join me in prayer today?