Welcoming 2013 in a prayer for peace

The prayer began at 22.00 with songs animated by Benny and words of welcome from Father Piotr, responsible for the Jerusalem kehilla. Special readings had been chosen for the occasion. Rabbi Levi read the first reading, from the Book of Isaiah (43:1-12). His homily focused on the search for reconciliation and peace, calling on one and all to go forth from our places of comfort to seek out the scenes of conflict and there help to make peace. Father David read the passage from the Gospel of Saint Matthew (6:25-34). He focused on Jesus' command not to be anxious, explaining that we are called to be signs of faith in a world so needy of peace. The prayer included prolonged times of silence, song and personal intercession in many languages.

The evening ended with a simple reception and a toast to 2013. We continue to pray that God will bless the world in 2013 and give it peace.