Sunday, January 14, 2024 marks 100 days in which there are still Israelis being held as hostages by Hamas. Our hearts go out to the families of the people who are being held captive and are going through daily (sometimes hourly) torture.
At dinner, my family discussed what would we pray for if one member of our family was held captive in this situation. I am not sure what I would do. When my child was very young I would say, “no matter what anyone says to you, know that I love you and I will always want you back.” In other words, do not believe anyone who would say that I would not want back a damaged child. It would never be true. I wanted him back. As this hostage situation extends for so long now, I imagine I would want my child back, and I would also be filled with concern for their well-being, dreading the idea that my child would be going through unimaginable pain. We continued discussing this matter, some members of my family saying that if they were held captive they would hang on to every bit of hope they had, and would hope that the family outside would be praying for them. Others said that they would not want to continue living. Others said they would find it impossible to heal from this ordeal. Finally my mother said: “I would pray for the return of my loved ones. After all, look at the people that survived the Holocaust and were able to lead productive and impactful lives.” We all agreed with her. The world would be worse if those who survived the Holocaust did not make the contributions they made.
What would you pray for? What do you wish for the hostages, and would that change if they were part of your family? I agree with my mother. I wish the hostages return to their loved ones as quickly as possible, and that we all pour our resources to help them heal from the emotional and physical torture they went through. Thinking about that I offer this prayer:
Eternal,
Healer of our broken hearts,
Mender of our bodies and our souls,
Return the hostages to their loved ones,
speedily, without more delays.
Soften the will of those who hold them captives,
Help them recognize the humanity of those they are torturing,
Allow them to see that the person held as a hostage is a human being, not a bargaining chip.
Envelop the hostages’ hearts with your power and strengthen their will to come back and live a productive life, to contribute to society, to feel the love of everyone who is praying for them.
As they come back, heal their hearts, bodies, and souls.
May they be able to receive help and strength from all of us that are here, praying for their return.
And bring healing to all who are hurt and hurting,
Amen.