January 4th, 2018
Nine people have been killed in two attacks on Coptic Christians in Helwan district, south of Cairo, Egypt. The so-called Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the church attack.
· Lord, we cry out to you to strengthen the Church in Egypt as it continues to loose innocent lives by the demons of extremism. We remember the families of the victims and pray for the recovery of all the injured. May this evil attack bring the people of Egypt closer together to confront exclusivity with inclusivity. Lord in your mercy…
In 2017, 6500 Palestinians were arrested, of whom 1600 were minors and 170 women. 2100 of the Palestinians arrested are Jerusalemites.
· Lord, we pray for all the Palestinian prisoners, especially the children. May this year, be the year that all the captives are set free, and the unsustainable Israeli military occupation come to an end. Lord in your mercy…
Last Thursday, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the coast of Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip. The Israeli naval forces detained two fishermen, Sameh al-Quqa and Shawqi Bakr, and confiscated their boats.
· Lord, the Israeli occupation generates storms that deny our fishermen and their boats a safe journey back to shore. We pray for all the prophetic voices in the world to continue to speak truth to power and make the Israeli military siege come to an end. We pray for the release of the fisherman, the bread winners of their families, to be reunited with their loved ones. Lord in your mercy…
On Sunday, about 1,500 members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud ruling party voted unanimously to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. The non-binding resolution also called for the unlimited construction of settlements in the occupied West Bank.
· Lord, the extremists in Israel are determined to steal our Palestinian land and deprive us from what is rightfully ours. We pray for all the people of conscience in Israel to exert pressure on the Israeli politicians to abandon greed and colonialism and recognize international law. Lord in your mercy…
A new report, by the Israeli human rights organization, B’Tselem, revealed how Israel exploits the West Bank to treat waste – including hazardous waste – generated in Israel. In so doing, Israel abuses its power as an occupying power. It exposes the Palestinian residents – who are excluded from the decision-making process – to environmental and health hazards.
· Lord, we continue to be overwhelmed by the unjust and abusive actions of Israel. We ask for your spirit to give us the strength to continue the nonviolent resistance to bring the insanity of the Israeli occupation to an end. Lord in your mercy…
According to a new study carried out by Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem, the Israeli occupation of Palestine is the main factor behind the exodus of Palestinian Christians from the region.
· Blessed Redeemer, of all the earth, we pray for your Church in Palestine. Stand with your Church and protect it from all evil and disintegration. May the women, men and children who are your body in this land continue to shine forth with the light of your love, truth and grace. Lord in your mercy…
Last Thursday, sixty-three Israeli teenagers have published an open letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu, declaring their refusal to join the Israeli army due to their opposition to the occupation.
· Lord, we give thanks for all our friends in Israel who refuse to take part in the sin of the Israeli military occupation. We pray that the voices of these brave young Israeli teenagers are echoed among many others Israelis. May love triumph fear and justice prevail for all the people in our land. Lord in your mercy…
In a late night debate, lawmakers pass an updated bill that makes it harder to divide Jerusalem without Knesset approval. This latest Israeli law trumps president Trump’s declaration that Jerusalem boarders are negotiable.
· Lord, the powerful continue to abuse their power in order to deprive the occupied Palestinian people of their inalienable rights under international law. Loving God, only your power of love can sand in the way of the power of arrogance. Lord in your mercy
- We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and the Occupied State of Palestine. Lord in your mercy…