February 8th, 2018
Last Wednesday, the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a report identifying 206 companies from around the world, that are doing business linked to Israeli settlements that are built in the occupied West Bank in violation of international law.
- Lord, we give thanks for all the righteous around the world who expose the greedy who benefit from the suffering of Palestinians. May the companies who profit from Palestinian stolen resources repent and make their ways ethical. Lord in your mercy…Hear our prayers
Last week, Israeli forces shot and killed a 16 year old Palestinian during protests in the district of Ramallah. Layth Abu Naim, from the al-Mughayyer village, was shot in the head with live ammunition during clashes that erupted in the village.
- Lord, we remember the mother of Layth as she weeps for her child. We pray for an end to the occupation that continues to deprive our youth of life and safety. Lord in your mercy…
Last Wednesday, Israeli settlers uprooted dozens of olive trees on Palestinian lands in the northern occupied West Bank district of Nablus.
- Lord, we remember the Palestinian farmers who continue to lose their source of income as a result of settler hatred and extremism. We pray for the theology of love to overcome hatred and extremism. We continue to ask for your spirit to give us strength to replant trees of hope, regardless of the violence of our neighbors. Lord in your mercy…
On Sunday, Israeli forces demolished two classrooms in a Palestinian school near Jerusalem. With a helicopter flying overhead, the Israeli forces brought down the two classrooms inside the school in the Abu al-Nawwar Bedouin community, which is surrounded on all sides by illegal Israeli settlements.
- Lord, we pray that our children will be granted the needed education to support their steadfastness and resilience in their besieged village. We pray that the students, equipped with education, will get the chance to pursue the dreams they have. May the actions of the Israeli forces awaken their conscience to the unjustifiable injustice they continue to inflict against our Palestinian communities. Lord in your mercy…
On Friday, Sabeel held a one day retreat for the Nablus, Rafidia and Jericho Bible study groups. The 40 young people visited the Jordan River, the Mount of Temptations and the home of Zacchaeus in Jericho.
- Lord, we give thanks for the young people who continue to gather around your word and learn your teachings of inclusivity, justice and nonviolence. We continue to pray for all our Bible study groups and the facilitators who lead them. Lord in your mercy…
The Israeli government plans to deport more than 34,000 African refugees to Rwanda. In response, activists in Israel are promising to hide Africans threatened with expulsion in their homes. The activists have named their campaign to provide shelter the : “Anne Frank Home Sanctuary”, after the Dutch-Jewish girl who was sheltered with her family from the Nazis in Amsterdam.
- Lord, we pray for all people who need help and safety. We give thanks for all the righteous in Israel who challenge their government’s decision and who seek your will and observe your commandments of love. We also pray for the 5 million Palestinians living in refugee camps who were made refugees by the Zionist militias and the State of Israel. Lord in your mercy…
Palestinians continue to react to Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital with street protests, but one refugee couple in the Gaza Strip has come up with an idea of their own, by naming their triplets: Quds, ‘Asima, Falasteen (Jerusalem, Capital and Palestine).
- Lord, we give thanks for the safe delivery of the triplets and their mother. We remember the hope and joy in the birth of Emmanuel – God is with us –who brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the humble and meek. Lord in your mercy…
- We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Andorra, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, Spain and Vatican City. Lord in your mercy…