Back to St George's Cathedral for a 10:30 am Bilingual Holy Eucharist service in Arabic and English. The mix of voices with familiar hymns and prayers was sweet comfort. The Cathedral was filled with local members and pilgrims, and coffee hour included Arabian coffee and sesame cakes.
We had the afternoon to explore on our own, and I headed into the Old City via the Jaffa Gate which leads to the Christian Quarter. Store owners are ready for pilgrims just walking like me. I heard passionate stories of how I could support a cause with only one purchase. I managed to listen a little and keep walking. I worked my way through the Jewish Quarter back to the Western Wall. Interestingly there were more women praying today than men. Tonight Dr. Mustard Abu Sway, professor and chair of the Philosophy Department at Jerusalem's Al-Quds University, gave a lecture on Abraham in the Muslim tradition. We then attended the evening prayers at Rasel Amoud Mosque. Today's day of prayer included the familiar and the not so familiar--many sights and sounds and customs and holy places that all gave glory to God. What continued blessings Jerusalem gives. The Abrahamic children were at work and in prayer all over the city.