Praying for Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands

What a way to tour the world! The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle takes us to these three countries, which for their size, have had strong parts to play in modern history. We join the rest of the planet in prayerful thanksgiving for some legacies and intercession for some challenges surrounding the good folk of these nations.

At the Prayer Cycle’s invitation, I repost the coming week’s prayers here. More general background on Luxembourg is found here.

Give thanks for:

• The Protestant Church in the Netherlands. May it continue to serve as a witness towards the visible unity of the church.
• Christians who make a strong witness for justice and peace in our world.
• Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Brueghel, Vermeer and all those who, with their art, have given us new eyes to see.

Pray for:

• Tolerance and mutual respect between the Flemings and Walloons in Belgium.
• Drug users and those who sell drugs, that they find comfort and strength in God instead of substance abuse.
• The church’s vitality to attract once again those who have lost interest in the faith.
• The hundreds of asylum seekers at the borders, who are turned back to where they came from without exception, and who are deported without any hope of a better future.
• A healthy and open discussion between those who believe and those who don’t, between those born in these countries and those who came later, so that people don’t let themselves be tempted to develop racial prejudices.
• People to respect each other’s identity.
• Neighbours to live in peace with one another instead of treating each other with indifference and suspicion.
• Young people who cannot find a job after finishing their education.

Prayer