The word Israel appears approximately 2,400 to 2,500 times in the Bible, depending on the version and whether it is counted in the original Hebrew and Greek text or in translations.
I find it very difficult to pray by reciting the Psalms and in them the word Israel. At that time the people of Israel had the concept of being God’s chosen people and everything was singing the marvels of that people and asking for victory, development, triumph for them.
Today we are living circumstances in which this people attacks and destroys, kills people around them. Given that moreover it is a wealthy people, wherever there are Israelites, there is war.
How can one pray thus praising God for that people and its inhabitants?
Yes, we can ask God that his people change and become builders of peace.
I am praying with a series of psalms that replace those from centuries ago. Is it not time to replace the Psalms with songs and poems of today? There are many materials that can serve us to give thanks to God, praise him and intone prayers that say much and help in our dealings with God.
To pray with the Psalms today, you can transcend the geographic or historical context by mentally replacing “Israel” with your own community, your country or the universal Church, since the psalms reflect the human condition and our dependence on God.
Adapt your reading of the Psalms by applying these three perspectives:
In a spiritual and universal key. Recognize Israel as the historical “people of God.” When praying for them, pray that the message of peace and reconciliation reaches all humanity.
Personal approach. When the Psalm cites “Israel,” replace the term with your name or that of your family. For example: “He who guards [your name] will not slumber” (Psalm 121:4).
As intercession. Pray for peace, justice and comfort for all the inhabitants of the Holy Land, both Israelis and Palestinians, asking for the end of suffering.
Is there any particular situation or emotion (such as anguish, seeking direction or thanksgiving) that you are experiencing today so that we can seek together a Psalm that adapts to what you need? The Psalms belong to the rich heritage of faith and prayer of the Christian community.
But I prefer, while the Gaza conflict continues, to compose my prayer with hymns, songs, poems… to live PEACE.
GERARDO VILLAR