October 24th 2024
Last week, Israel reported that it had killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar via a drone. Israel’s leaders have vowed to continue the war on Gaza with no end in sight. Jabalia and other areas in North Gaza have been subject to a mass extermination campaign, with thousands of civilians burned alive, starved out, and killed by snipers and drones.
As the genocide in Gaza continues, we cry out with the Psalmist, “we face death all day long; we are considered like sheep to be slaughtered” (44:22). It is hard to find you, Jesus, at this moment, amid immense suffering and death in Gaza. Yet, we know you are there, among those who are starving, buried, burned. God of justice, we ask for an end to all forms of oppression and the courage to stand with those suffering under it.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, an Israeli attack on Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital complex in Deir el-Balah resulted in flames engulfing a tent, sheltering many people. Four people died,including Shaban-Al-Dalou, a nineteen-year-old engineering student who was attached to an IV drip at the time, and his mother. Both were burned alive.Shaban’s father, uttered these final words to his son, “Forgive me my son, I Couldn’t save you:”
Jesus, your Mother Mary is sometimes called Our Lady of Sorrows, because she bore witness to your painful and tortuous death. Today we share in this heavy sorrow, as we grieve with Shaban’s family the horrific deaths at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Our words fail because there are no words that can do justice at this moment. Today, we echo the words of Lamentation, “[Our] eyes are worn out with tears” (2:11). Like Shaban’s father we say, “forgive us, for we have not yet been able to stop this genocide.”
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, the United Nations reported that Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are facing increasing attacks from Israeli settlers and more violence from the Israeli army as the crucial olive harvest season begins. The agency documented 32 settler attacks on Palestinians and their property related to the olive harvest since early October. Around 600 olive trees have been destroyed, vandalized, or stolen by settlers, the report noted. Additionally, the army has been using war-like tactics on Palestinian farmers. One of the most notable incidents occurred when Hanan Abd Rahman Abu Salameh, a 59-year-old woman, was killed by a soldier with 10 bullets while harvesting olives near Jenin.
Loving God, the whole of creation groans for justice and liberation. We know you care “even for the sparrows.” Yet, we continue to witness the destruction of olive trees and land, as well as the violent deaths of those caring for your creation. We ask that you would strengthen and protect Palestinian farmers and all those caring for the land of Palestine and that we would have the courage to join them in their sumud.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, the United States deployed the THAAD missile defense system and around 100 troops to Israel. Ironically, the increase in US troop presence comes at the same time that the Biden administration verbally threatened to withhold military aid to Israel. U.S. soldiers will be operating from Israeli military bases, deepening direct U.S. involvement in Israel’s war and possible participation in war crimes.
Merciful Creator, we come before you with heavy hearts, grieving the deepening conflict and the risk of further suffering for all peoples in this region. Lord, we lift up all people caught in the crossfire—those living under occupation, those fearing for their lives, and those struggling to find hope amidst violence. We ask that your spirit of peace dwell among us. Empower the voices calling for justice and peace to rise above the noise of war. Transform the hearts of soldiers, leaders, and all in power so that they may become instruments of peace rather than participants in harm. May your will, which is peace for all people, be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Reverend Sue Parfitt, a longtime friend of Sabeel, was one of the first women to be admitted into the priesthood 30 years ago. She has recently been told that her license will not be renewed because of her climate activism. Friends and supporters are spreading a petition to request that the Bishop of Bristol reinstate Rev. Sue’s permission to Officiate, renews the strong support she has previously given to Sue in her truth telling about the climate crisis over the years, and take a strong lead in demanding significant change in government policy and action on the climate crisis. Sabeel Jerusalem stand with her and ask that our community participate in signing the petition.
Loving and Just God, we lift before you our sister Reverend Sue Parfitt, who has faithfully served you for decades, proclaiming truth and justice. We give thanks for her courage, her calling, and her unwavering commitment to your creation through her activism. May her spirit remain steadfast, knowing that your justice prevails even when human institutions falter. Soften the hearts of those in leadership, including the Bishop of Bristol, that they may renew her license to serve as your faithful priest.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Sabeel hosted two delegations. They traveled across East Jerusalem and the West Bank, bearing witness to the stories of communities under duress on the ground. They will return back to their home countries this week with renewed commitment and advocacy.
Gracious God, we give thanks for the two delegations that Sabeel hosted. We are grateful for the stories they heard, the connections they made, and the courage they showed in being present with those living under occupation. As these delegates prepare to return to their communities, we pray for their safety and for the Holy Spirit to bless them in their important work back home. May the experiences they have witnessed take root deeply in their hearts. We pray for the communities they leave behind, that they may feel uplifted by the presence of those who stand in solidarity with them. Strengthen Sabeel in our ongoing mission to foster hope, healing, and justice.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayer for the countries of Canada and the United States of America.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer