Almighty God, the father of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we acknowledge your work throughout history. As the Jews celebrate Yom Kippur, this most solemn of celebrations, may the forty days of repentance be real and genuine. May you reveal yourself afresh to them during this time of Atonement. May this time of prayer and fasting be marked by forgiveness and reconciliation.

O Lord, we remember the slavery experience of the Jews in Egypt and the Holocaust in Germany and pray that there will be no bitterness, hatred or anger in recalling those events. May it inspire Jews never to condone enslavement or oppression. May they treasure their freedom and use it to inspire them to join liberation movements.

Lord, we pray for the nation Israel, that their neighbours will respect their right to exist and that Israel will return occupied lands to the Palestinians.

Thank you, Lord, that in Jamaica there is religious tolerance.

Hasten the day, Lord, when there will be peace in the Middle East based on respect for all.

Amen.