Prayer for Peace in Israel during Wartime

Rock and Redeemer of the People of Israel, Guardian of the Covenant —

bless and protect the State of Israel and all of her inhabitants.

Guard this good land established with liberty, justice, and peace

as conceived by the Prophets of Israel.[i]

Open the hearts and minds[ii]

of all the leaders of the nation, her sons and her daughters,

to guide them in the paths of peace and justice with true strength and wisdom.[iii]

Strengthen the hands of those who defend and protect our holy land,

and crown their efforts with success

that they might establish your reign of righteousness,

free from all oppression and fear.[iv]

May the work of their hands be established

and the words of Your prophets be fulfilled:

“And they shall beat their swords into plowshares,

and their spears into pruning hooks:

nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they learn war anymore.”[v]

Amen.

i “established with liberty, justice and peace as conceived by the Prophets of Israel”—from the Proclamation of Independence, Megillat Ha’atzma’ut.
ii  open up the hearts and minds—based on Deuteronomy 30:6
iii “Real strength is found in restraint and wisdom is gained from hearing one another’s truth.” Pirke Avot 4:1
iv based on Isaiah 54:14
v Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4:3