The loss of life in both Israel and Gaza has reached into the thousands, prompting believers globally to instinctively seek solace in prayer amidst this profound suffering and tragedy. However, grappling with the situation's intensely polarized and bitterly divisive nature raises the question of how to navigate prayer without taking sides. Can we pray prayers that resonate universally?

Amidst this complexity, the unwavering directive for Christians is to bear witness to the transformative gospel of peace that Christ advocates. The calling is clear – to fervently pray for peace that transcends surface tranquility and delves into the deep-seated systemic issues at the heart of the conflict. This prayer involves advocating for justice, equality, and hope for all, addressing the fundamental needs of Palestinians for self-determination and freedom, as well as acknowledging Israel's concerns for safety and security.

It's not just about praying for peace in a vague sense but for a profound, enduring, and just peace. The emphasis is on active engagement as peacemakers, rejecting violence, and striving for a resolution that goes to the roots of the conflict.

The president of the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land injects an eye-opening perspective into this discourse. He underscores that the protracted conflict over territory has missed the true essence. Instead of praying for one side to triumph, the focus should be on both sides turning to Christ. He emphasizes the transcendent value of Jesus over geographical victories, asserting that without Christ, even the vast expanse from the Mediterranean to the Pacific holds no actual significance. Essentially, the call is not for territorial victories but a spiritual awakening and transformation. After all, there are no winners in war.