Cleveland Public Square
12 Noon ~ January 12, 2009
Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker
O God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – through whom you have revealed that you are God of us all, through whom you commanded, “Hear O Israel, the Lord Your God is One” – thank you for your love for the earth and for all your creatures upon it.
Almighty Creator, just and merciful in all generations, look with tenderness on this gathering of a portion of your people this day. In a time when, once again, too much of the world seeks to express its condemnation of Israel’s self-defense and raise naïve sympathy for Israel’s extremist attackers, we are gathered here to raise our voices to you as Israel’s friends; as her brothers and sisters in solidarity with her amidst terrible suffering.
Grant us the strength to share the miracle of Israel; a country and people that would share the milk and honey of a free society with all – most especially with Palestinian and Arab neighbors and friends. But, O loving Creator, the miracle of Israel is so often under the cowardly attack of the random terror of religious extremism; extremism that is tearing our whole world apart in a horrific misuse of your holy name.
Be with us in this rally. Amplify all that you find just and honorable in our words. Help us all to know more fully each day the sacred truth of your revelation; the revelation that in spirit we are all citizens of a Spiritual Israel that knows – above all else – that you are holy, that you are one, and that we are all the children of your creation. Amen.
