By Dr. Deanna Thompson

At the end of the Ash Wednesday chapel service in February, Computer Science Professor Olaf Hall-Holt moved to the front of Boe Chapel with a sign that read, “Lament for the Children of Palestine and Israel.” Moved by the horrors of violence that occurred in Israel on October 7 and in Gaza in the months that have followed, Hall-Holt announced his invitation for others to join him in lamenting the suffering in Gaza and Israel.

Every day since then, Professor Hall-Holt has continued this practice, through Lent, through the Easter season, to the last day of chapel for the academic year. “I hoped to find others to join me for prayer and lament as a response to injustice,” Hall-Holt reflected.

I’ve appreciated it so much when others join me; where two or three are gathered… God is in our midst

Olaf Hall-Holt

While he originally led the prayer outside under the Memorial Chimes Tower, Hall-Holt eventually moved to Buntrock Commons where the prayer could be heard by more people. Over the months students, faculty, and staff have joined Halt-Holt in this time of lament. “I’ve appreciated it so much when others join me; where two or three are gathered… God is in our midst,” said Hall-Holt.

The prayer he and others have prayed each day has remained the same. Written by John Paarlberg, Regional Coordinator for Churches for Middle East Peace, it reminds pray-ers that God is a God of peace, and it laments the suffering and loss of life in Gaza, in Israel, and wherever violence harms the children of God:

O God of life and love and peace,

we witness the violence and injustice in your world

and our hearts ache.

Our hearts ache for the people of Israel—

for the victims of violent attacks by Hamas,

for those held hostage,

for those who live with fear and insecurity,

for families separated or bereaved.

O God of life and love and peace,

our hearts ache for the people of Gaza—

for the victims of the Israeli military assault,

for those grieving the death of children and loved ones,

for those being denied water, food, and medical care,

for those driven from their homes.

O God of life and love and peace, we pray—

that weapons of war be laid down,

that walls of separation be dismantled,

that prisoners be released,

that enmity and hatred give way to understanding,

that calls for revenge and violence will grow silent,

and that those in authority might find ways to work together for the good of all people.

O God, you have promised to speak peace to your people,

to those who turn to you in their hearts.

Kindle in our hearts a true love of peace.

Make us instruments of your peace

that barriers of fear, suspicion and hatred may crumble and fall,

and the people of the world be united in justice and peace. 

I believe God is powerful.  God hears laments, and weeps with us.

Olaf Hall-Holt

“While I may feel powerless,” Hall-Holt notes, “I believe God is powerful.  God hears laments, and weeps with us.” Even as the semester comes to a close, may our prayers for peace continue, and may we be made into instruments of peace for a warring world.