November 21, 2024

A recent UN report released this month found that 70% of those killed in the ongoing war in Gaza are women and children. Overall, 44% of the victims were children, with the biggest single category aged five to nine. In 88% of cases, five or more people were killed in the same attack, pointing to the Israeli use of indiscriminate carpet bombing. U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Turk called the “unprecedented killing” a “systematic violation of international humanitarian law.” 

God of Justice, we lift our voices in lament for the innocent lives lost in Gaza caught in the horrors of violence and genocide. You who wept for the suffering of the innocent, hold close the souls of the little ones, who should have been dancing in playgrounds, not counted among the dead. Protect the life of all the children in the region and bless the land with your intervention and safety. We pray that your peace will break through the chaos, for the end of violence, and for the preservation of life above all. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

Last week, Israel forces detained 12 Palestinians during overnight raids in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Prisoners Society reported that the raids targeted Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya and Salfit. Amidst mass detaining campaigns, settlers continued violent rampages. This included storming a local mosque in the Palestinian village of Marah al-Baqqar near Hebron and setting fires in the Palestinian village of Beit Furik outside Nablus. 

God of liberation, just as your Son turned over the tables in the temple in the face of desecration, so too we ask you to stand against all acts of aggression and protect the vulnerable. Let no evil deed go unnoticed by your divine justice but rather, let your light of justice extinguish the flames and shadows of destruction. Let the cries of all the captives, detained and displaced stir the hearts of the world, moving us to act with compassion, courage, and unwavering resolve. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

 Last week, United States President-elect Donald Trump identified his picks for several positions likely to shape his administration’s role regarding Palestine and Israel. One of the nominees, Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is expected to assume the position of U.S. ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch Christian Zionist and has cited the Bible on several occasions to argue that the occupied West Bank is part of Israeli territory, referring to the West Bank exclusively as “Judea and Samaria.” Other nominations, including Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Elise Stefanik as United Nations ambassador, are also known to have far-right pro-Israel stances. 

God of the Oppressed, we cry out against the theologies of empire and Christian Zionism that twist your word to justify oppression. Tear down the walls of all ideologies that seek to replace your kingdom of justice and peace with systems of radicalization and domination. We pray for repentance and guidance of those in power who weaponize your name to displace the vulnerable and harm the innocent. Awaken all hearts to your boundless love and to the truth that your promises are for all people. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

In honor of World Children’s Day on November 20th, Defense for Children International Palestine (DCIP) will be hosting a webinar at 7 PM Palestine time (12 PM ET) to hear directly from Palestinian children in Gaza. To attend and learn how you can take action, you can register with this link. 

On World Children’s Day, we remember all the children, especially those in Gaza. For the voices that will be heard in the webinar, we pray for their protection and that their testimonies will awaken the world to action. Bless the work of organizations like Defense for Children International Palestine, who amplify these voices and call for change. Let this be a day not only of remembrance but of resolve—a global commitment to ensure every child, regardless of birthplace, lives a life free of fear, occupation, and violence.  

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

Last week, the United Church of Canada issued a call to support the work and recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories occupied since 1967, and to uphold the work of the UN Secretary General, UNWRA and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The statement explicitly mentioned genocide and apartheid and urged the government of Canada to abide by international law and human rights. 

God of all nations, we give thanks for the boldness of the United Church of Canada in speaking truth to power. May their call for justice inspire governments around the world to act courageously and stand against systems of genocide and apartheid. Strengthen the UN Special Rapporteur, UNWRA, and all who tirelessly document and challenge the injustices in the Palestinian Territories. May the seeds they plant grow into a harvest of accountability and peace. Holy Spirit, let the call for justice echo until it transforms systems and hearts alike.  

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

Friday Nov 15^th, Rabbis for Human Rights and participants of Sabeel’s pre-pilgrimage tour attempted to go to Dir Jrir, east of Ramallah, to support Palestinian farmers in their olive harvest. Over 100 volunteers joined the day but were blocked by a large security team who claimed it was a “Closed Military Zone Order” for the fields they had planned to harvest in Dir Jrir.  Security vehicles and the military continued following and threatening the group of non-violent activists to leave. Just a few days before, a Rabbis for Human Rights activist group had been violently attacked by extremist settlers at the same site with the Israeli military turning a blind eye.  

God of Hope, we pray for the Palestinian farmers who work the earth under threat of violence. For those at Rabbis for Human Rights, friends of Sabeel, and all nonviolent activists, we give thanks for their courage to stand in solidarity, even in the face of military blockades and settler violence.  May the olive trees, symbols of peace and sumud, remind us of the deep roots of resilience in these communities and strengthen our resolve. Holy Spirit, give strength to the peacemakers and protect the vulnerable.  

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

 We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of East Timor (Timor Leste), Indonesia, and the Philippines.  

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

Nov 11-15 

Last week, amid U.S. presidential elections, Israel officially confirmed that Palestinians will not be allowed to return to homes in northern Gaza, an area that still has hundreds of thousands of civilians unable or unwilling to follow evacuation orders.  For over a month, the Israeli Occupation Forces -IOF has obstructed most humanitarian aid and medical assistance, allowing widespread famine and diseases to spread while it continues indiscriminate bombing campaigns.  

Loving God, we lack the words to fully describe the continued suffering of the people of Gaza, who like the Psalmist, face death all day long. (Psalm 44:22) Amid famine, disease, and genocide, we know you can hear the cries of your people under the rubble of homes, from hospitals struggling to care for the wounded and sick, and from families who know not where to turn for safety. We ask you to intervene for the people of Gaza and be their shield against these unimaginable acts of violence. Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with the depths of your justice and awaken the hearts of the international community that we may end the violence that has robbed people of their lives and dignity.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, the Palestinian Environment Quality Authority stated that the Israeli forces have dropped more than 85,000 tons of bombs on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, surpassing the amount dropped during World War II. The Authority added in a statement that “the ongoing Israeli shelling of the Gaza Strip has led to the destruction of vast areas of agricultural land and the contamination of soil with toxic chemicals that will hinder farming for decades.”  

Creator of the Earth, we grieve for the people of Gaza which have borne the weight of violence, and for the generations to come who may never know the land as it was. Lord, we lift up those who have cared for and loved this land for centuries, who are now left without the means to plant, to grow, or to reap. We pray for the families who relied on the soil for their sustenance, for the children who will be denied its harvest, and for all whose heritage and hopes are bound to this earth. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israel sentenced 70-year-old Sheikh Jamal Mustafa, an imam of a mosque in the al-Issawiya neighborhood of Jerusalem, to three years in prison for “incitement to terrorism.” Israeli authorities have also imprisoned two other imams in Jerusalem on similar charges. Unfortunately, the crackdown on religious figures in the region is nothing new. In August, the Israeli occupation banned Grand Mufti and preacher of the al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, from entering Al Aqsa for six months. Sheikh Sabri was arrested the same month after Israeli forces raided his home in the al-Sawana neighborhood of East Jerusalem. He was later released. 

God of Freedom, protect those who worship amid fear, and grant courage to those barred from sacred spaces. Soften the hearts of those in power, that they may choose mercy over oppression. Bring peace to every street and let justice flow through the land. May all worship in freedom and safety, and may peace and dignity be restored to all.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Qatar suspended its mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza until the parties “show their willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war and the ongoing suffering of civilians.” Over the last few months, there has been evidence indicating Netanyahu’s plans of thwarting any ceasefire agreement, and due to the impasse of talks, a top member of Israel’s negotiating team for the release of the hostages had already resigned.  

God of Peace, with no ceasefire in sight, we live in fear of this situation of instability and the spreading of violence across the region. In a world where belief in international law and human rights has been shattered, we ask you to bring light and healing to us. Lord, bring willingness and urgency to those in power to end the suffering of civilians and pursue a vision of human rights. Renew the spirit of all who seek accountability, and soften all hearts that peace may prevail and suffering may end.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, the Israeli Knesset on 6 November voted for a collective punishment law that allows authorities to deport family members of Palestinians who carry out armed operations against Israelis to the Gaza Strip and “other locations.” Parents, siblings, children, and spouses would be targeted by the law. They can also be deported on the basis of expressing “support or sympathy” for the act of “terrorism” committed or for publishing “praise, admiration, or encouragement.”  

God of Justice and Compassion, we cry out for those in the Holy Land facing unjust laws and relentless oppression. We grieve for families torn from their homes and exiled. We see mothers, fathers, children stripped of their rights, their dignity trampled, and we lament for a system that punishes them for who they are. Holy Spirit, awaken the world to the suffering of those crushed beneath the weight of occupation and unjust systems. May your light shine into the darkest halls of power, and may your love bring freedom to the oppressed and courage to the persecuted.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Starting this week, many are arriving at Sabeel Jerusalem for a pre-pilgrimage tour before the actual Solidarity Pilgrimage on November 16-21.  

God of all nations, we ask you to bless those who journey to Jerusalem in solidarity and support of those under oppression and occupation. Protect them and the communities they visit, who welcome them with open hearts amidst great hardship. May their pilgrimage to Sabeel bring understanding, empathy, and a deep commitment to peace and justice. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Nov 7th, 2024

Last week, Israel’s parliament voted to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). UNRWA has for decades provided important services for Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank including East Jerusalem in addition to neighbouring Arab Countries.. The ban is expected to severely restrict UNRWA from operating to serve Palestinian refugees.

God of Refuge, we know you are present with the displaced and see the suffering of all. We thus come before you in sorrow as we witness mounting challenges and hardships facing those who have lost both home and homeland. Hear the voices of the Palestinian refugees who yearn for stability, who desire safety, who long for a future free from fear. We ask you to intervene for the protection of all UNRWA workers and the people they serve. We pray for a softening of hearts among those in power who make decisions affecting countless lives, the end to occupation, and the respect of international law. Lord, transform structures of oppression, and dismantle barriers to justice.  

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week was filled with non-stop massacres and carpet bombing in North Gaza. In one strike in Beith Lahiya alone, at least 93 Palestinians were killed or missing and dozens wounded. Meanwhile, Israeli troops raided Kamal Adwan hospital and assaulted patients and medical staff after bombing cuts oxygen supplies to vulnerable children. The people of North Gaza have received little to no aid, medicine, food and fuel since the blockade on the north began at the beginning of October. 

God of Justice, in witnessing such death and violence on the innocent, we cry out with the Psalmist: “O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; and they say, ‘The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.’” (Psalm 94:3,6-7) Hear the cries of those in North Gaza, Lord, whose suffering is immense and whose pain goes unseen by many. Strengthen them in their despair and hold them close in their vulnerability. Let your justice shine forth so that no cry of the oppressed nor deed of the wrong doers goes unanswered. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israeli forces arrested at least 10 Palestinians on Tuesday during dawn and morning raids across various provinces, including Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Jerusalem. The arrests have been characterized by widespread raids and violent treatment of detainees, including severe beatings and threats against both the arrested individuals and their families, along with destruction of property. Since October 2023, the total number of Palestinians detained by Israel in the West Bank has surpassed 11,500 with thousands held with no charge or trial.  

Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We seek comfort in you as we pray for those kidnapped, detained, and abused. Holy Spirit, console the thousands of current detainees and console them and their families. Holy God, we ask you to break the bonds of violence and occupation and to let your love be known even in the depths of suffering. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, South Africa submitted over 700 pages documents of to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) offering “undeniable evidence” of acts of genocide committed in Gaza by the Israeli army and statements by authorities that carry genocidal intent. The evidence will show that undergirding Israel’s genocidal acts is the special intent to commit genocide, a failure by Israel to prevent incitement to genocide, to prevent genocide itself and its failure to punish those inciting and committing acts of genocide. 

God of Truth, we pray for wisdom and strength for those seeking justice on behalf of the suffering. Guide the hearts and minds of those in power, that they may see clearly and act with fairness and compassion. May the truth bring healing, accountability, and the seeds of peace. We pray for an end to acts of harm and for a world that values each life. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, a coalition of Black faith leaders from across the United States held a press conference to share firsthand accounts following their FOSNA/Sabeel delegation visit to Palestine. Drawing on their historical fight against Jim Crow and racialized oppression, they speak to the parallels between these struggles and the racialized discrimination against Palestinians in a system of Jewish supremacy. The video is available to watch using this link. 

God of Solidarity, we thank you for the voices that speak out against oppression and stand in unity with those who suffer. Bless these leaders and all who work to bridge divides with courage and empathy. May their witness inspire change and lead to a future where liberation belongs to all. Holy Spirit, we ask you to continue protecting the entire Sabeel community and to lead our hearts and minds so we can serve where we are most needed. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayer for the countries of Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

32 of October

Last week, the Israeli army published the names of six Al Jazeera journalists, claiming they were Hamas operatives. The six journalists accused by Israel are the only remaining journalists in North Gaza currently reporting on the ethnic cleansing campaign occurring in Jabalia. Since October 2023, at least 128 journalists have been killed by Israel in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. 

• God of the Suffering, in our despair, we recognize the words of the Psalmist, who cries out to you of the injustice done by the wrong doer: “They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear. They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, ‘Who will see it?'” (Psalm 64:3-5) In our distress, we know you will see all. Guard the truth-seekers and the innocent in Gaza as they endure these cruel schemes. Strengthen those who stand against injustice and shield them from harm. May their courage pierce through the darkness and may your light triumph over evil. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, hundreds of far-right Israeli settlers gathered at a conference near the border of the Gaza Strip to press for the rebuilding of Jewish settlements in Gaza. The two-day conference, organized by far-right settler group Nachala and held under the slogan “Gaza is Ours Forever,” was attended by several government ministers and Knesset members. Security Minister Itamar Ben-Givr, during a speech at the conference, called for the expulsion of Gaza’s Palestinian population to other countries. 

• Creator God, we cry out to you in anguish as voices of hatred and destruction rise once more. Lord, we name the injustice: those calling for the expulsion of Palestinians, the erasure of homes, and the pursuit of domination. Help us to embrace the truth that all your children are made in your image, worthy of life and dignity. We ask for the strength to never grow weary in the fight for justice until freedom and dignity belong to all. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israeli raids continued in the West Bank. One of these raids included the town of Halhul, north of Hebron, where soldiers used live ammunition and sound bombs on Palestinians in the town and injured a child. Soldiers also stormed the Old City of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, killing an 11-year-old Palestinian boy during their raid. Meanwhile, settlers continued their violence throughout the West Bank, including destroying electricity sources to the village of Yasuf, east of Salfit.  

• Compassionate God, we pray for the communities affected by the recent Israeli raids, particularly in Halhul and Nablus. We ask for your healing touch upon all those injured and for the families of those who have been killed because of this unimaginable violence. We beseech you to grant wisdom and courage to all those working for peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land. May the hearts of those perpetuating violence be softened and may the needs of those living under occupation and settler violence be met as they find strength in unity and resilience. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Father Gustavo Gutierrez passed away at age 96. A Peruvian Catholic priest known as the champion and father of Christian liberation theology, Father Gustavo deeply influenced church doctrine and practice in Latin America. His teachings and example also influenced movements throughout the world. When Gutierrez turned 90 in 2018, Pope Francis wrote him a letter thanking him for his contributions to “the Church and to humanity, through your theological service and your preferential love for the poor and the discarded of society”. 

• Merciful Creator, we thank you for the wisdom, courage, and unwavering love that Father Gustavo shared with the world. May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus give comfort to his family and loved ones. Holy Spirit, help us embody liberation theology in the way Father Gustavo did. Bless us with the humility and steadfastness to always walk alongside “the poor and the discarded of society” and to challenge the theology of empire wherever it takes root. We ask that you use each of our unique gifts and talents to carry forward Father Gustavo’s legacy. May we strive to fulfill your vision of a world where the dignity of all creation is honored. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Because of ongoing developments on the ground, Sabeel Jerusalem recently reconfigured the format of the previously announced conference and preconference tour in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, “Challenging Religious Extremism.” Sabeel Jerusalem is excited to re-announce the conference as “a Solidarity Pilgrimage”, to take place on November 16-21, 2024 (with Pre-Pilgrimage Tour on November 10-16). The Solidarity Pilgrimage will put the principles of Palestinian Liberation Theology into practice as we visit, accompany, and listen to Palestinian communities that are suffering ever-escalating injustices. Though these events are being reconfigured to be more action-oriented than conceptual, the conference’s original subject matter, the concern with religious extremism, will still be integrated into the program, including in debriefings and discussions from scholars and activists in the evenings. 

• As we embark on this Solidarity Pilgrimage next month, we thank you for the opportunity to walk alongside our brothers and sisters. May our hearts be open to listening, learning, and witnessing the struggles faced by those who suffer injustices. Holy Spirit, guide our steps as we put the principles of Palestinian Liberation Theology into action at and beyond the pilgrimage.  Protect all in the Sabeel community as they journey to and from the Holy Land. Merciful Creator, bring healing and liberation of all who are oppressed. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, over 2000 Palestinian Christians celebrated the Feast of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine, the main patroness of the Diocese of Jerusalem. His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the yearly celebrations with a Solemn Mass and procession at the Shrine of Our Lady in Deir Rafat. Among those celebrating in prayer were clergy, religious men and women, Seimnarists, Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulcher, the Knights of Malta, students from the Christian schools of Jerusalem, and faithful from various parishes of the diocese. 

• Loving God, we give gratitude for your protection over our brothers and sisters as they prayed during this sacred time. We pray alongside them as we ask the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts with courage, faith, and love. Holy Spirit, help us walk in the path of the Queen of Palestine as she did in the days of Nazareth. Like the Virgin Mary, teach us to listen attentively to your voice and be faithful servants of your will. In the face of adversity, we pray for the triumph of truth and justice in the Holy Land. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayer for the islands of Oceania: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (Maohi Nui), Kanaky, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

October 24^th 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

Sabeel Wave of Prayer
October 17th 2024

Last week, Israeli forces ordered the evacuation of patients from Kamal Adwan, Indonesian, and al-Awda hospitals in a renewed ground invasion into North Gaza. Patients, healthcare workers, and families taking shelter were forced to leave with nowhere to go, with many vulnerable patients and injured in the ICU who were unable to evacuate. In addition, thousands of people trapped in the Jabalia and Beit Lahia camps are suffering from a near-total shortage of food supplies due to a blockage by Israel and continuous bombings. Eyewitnesses able to escape to Gaza City report dead bodies lying on the street, hundreds under the rubble, and the blocking of ambulances and other methods of victim support. 

God of Mercy, the horrors in Gaza worsen each week. The scenes of death are beyond anything we can fathom, and we are overwhelmed with grief and despair. We ask you to protect the families of North Gaza as they endure unimaginable suffering. We ask for your provision in their time of need and for this violence to cease.  Strengthen us in our courage and in our numbers to escalate our voices for Gaza and all people suffering under oppression. Lord may your light shine amidst darkness.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israeli settlers launched attacks that targeted Palestinians, their property and a mosque in the West Bank. The assaults occurred in Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. These attacked injured at least 11 Palestinians, including a child. Since October 2023, incidents of settler violence–averaging 4 per day according to the United Nations–have resulted in the displacement of 28 Bedouin communities and the deaths of 19 Palestinians throughout the West Bank. 

Gracious God, we come before you in grief and anger over the continued violence inflicted upon Palestinians, Bedouins, and all marginalized communities in the West Bank. We pray for the injured and for all those traumatized by these brutal acts. We ask for justice to prevail, and for the hearts of those who perpetrate violence be transformed. We hold the displaced Bedouin communities, and the lives lost in our hearts, and we ask for your protection over them. May the Israeli military occupation come to an end and faith be restored in international law and human rights.  

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Israel conducted an airstrike on the Tulkarem Camp in the West Bank, which was the largest and deadliest air strike in the West Bank in over 20 years. At least 16 people were killed. Many fear that Israel’s tactics in Gaza are now being applied to the West Bank, Lebanon, and beyond. 

God of Compassion, we witness in horror as violence continues to spread across the region and beyond. We hold the people in Tulkarem Camp in our hearts, and we pray for their protection. May your healing presence be felt in their grief, and may they find strength in each other. We ask that the cycle of violence cease and that all who commit war crimes be held accountable for their evil deeds.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, a report by the Watson Institution for International and Public Affairs revealed that since 7th October 2023, the United States spent over $22.76 billion dollars in taxpayer money on military aid to Israel and related U.S. operations in the Middle East. This figure does not include commitments to future spending that were made this year. 

God of Life, in a world that invests in so much in violence, we look towards your example through your Son Jesus Christ, who taught us that to be faithful to you is to always honor the sanctity of life. Holy Spirit, remind us of Christ’s call to be peacemakers, to turn swords into plowshares, and to choose compassion over conflict. In a time where so much is spent on destruction, we pray that the hearts of leaders may be transformed, choosing to invest in life, in peace, and in justice. May we, as your people, be instruments of your peace, standing against the systems of violence and bearing witness to the life-giving power of love. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Many Friends of Sabeel networks have been planning events to mark one year since October 7th. Canadian Friends of Sabeel is holding a webinar on November 4th, 2024 titled: “One Year Later: Our Response to Genocide and Occupation in Palestine” featuring Palestinian theologian Daniel Bannoura and Palestinian peace activist Shadia Qubti. To register either in person or online, please visit the CFOS website. 

God of justice, we thank you for the work of our friends around the world, and we pray that they may continue to be guided and protected by the Holy Spirit as they lead with prophetic action and imagination. May this event and all the advocacy efforts by Friends of Sabeel networks continue to move the Church towards compassion, peace, and justice. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayer for the countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

10-20-2024

This week marks one year of unprecedented violence across the region, with the number of casualties reaching record highs. Human rights continue to be violated, international law is disregarded, and world leaders appear either incompetent or complicit. The Middle East seems to be heading toward a regional war, with no signs of hope. There is widespread bloodshed and violence, and little hope for a ceasefire. 

Gracious God, in a broken world tethering on the edge of despair and darkness, we find redemption in your holy name. Despite the destruction around us, we hold steadfast to the example of Christ the liberator, who stood un-moving at the face of empire. Instill in us that same spirit, so that our collective strength will rise above the forces of war and destruction. Liberate the hearts and minds of those captive to the violent theology of empire and bring them closer to your grace and goodness.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israel committed more massacres in Gaza. Among the massacres was the Al-Amal Centre for Orphans, which provided shelter to thousands of displaced people from various parts of Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip. Many children were killed. Gaza’s Government Media Office also revealed that 902 families have been wiped off the civil registry and that in 1,364 cases, only one family member survived. 

God of Mercy, after a year filled with endless massacres, our people continue to endure unimaginable pain. We are overwhelmed by the tragic revelation that over 902 families have been wiped from existence, while the world remains silent. Lord, we hold each and every family in our hearts, lifting them to you in prayer. May they find peace in your eternal embrace, and may their memories fuel the strength of the living to seek justice and healing. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, as part of their ongoing assault on Palestinian neighborhoods, Israeli forces stormed the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem and raided dozens of shops. The army was accompanied by inspectors from the Israeli-run Jerusalem Municipality’s departments of taxes who inspected the stores’ licenses and vandalized several of them. They also hung demolition notices on a number of facilities. 

Loving God, we pray for our brothers and sisters in East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank who are facing not only the destruction of their homes and livelihoods but also the constant threat to their very existence. In the face of this aggression, where families cannot even grieve for their loved ones lost in Gaza, we ask for your strength, comfort, and justice. Holy Spirit, tend to those who are suffering, those who are weary, and those whose hope feels lost. May your peace, which transcends all understanding, touch all hearts, including those of the oppressors.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israeli forces demolished a makeshift church built by the Qaisiya family on their land in the Al Makhrour area, which had been stolen by settlers weeks earlier. The family, with the support of Palestinian, Israeli and international peace activists, had constructed the wooden church as a symbol of resistance and faith, hosting prayers in solidarity with their ongoing struggle. Israeli forces also demolished other cottages in Al Makhrour. 

Heavenly Protector, we pray for the Qaisiya family and all those affected by the destruction in Al Makhrour. We pray they be filled with continued courage and resilience to prevail, knowing that your presence is with them even in the midst of overwhelming violence and occupation. May their faith be a beacon of hope, and may they be surrounded by the support of their community and the global Christian family. Lord, we ask for justice to prevail, for the land to be restored to its rightful owners, and for the settlers to turn from their path of harm.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

This month, Sabeel Jerusalem will welcome two delegations, one for black faith leaders and one on “harvesting hope.”  While here, the delegations will visit communities facing settler violence, house demolitions, political incarceration, and military occupation. In the past few months, these delegations have cultivated hope for many of our people in East Jerusalem and beyond. Despite the circumstances, Sabeel is committed to continuing our witness and advocacy.  

Holy God, we thank you for the chance to bear witness. In times of despair, we still see signs of your love everywhere. Holy Spirit, continue making Sabeel an instrument of your peace. Bless and protect the staff, members, and friends of Sabeel so that we may serve as examples for the world. Move our hearts, our minds, and our bodies, so that we may serve where we are most needed. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

To mark one year since October 7th, many Friends of Sabeel groups around the world attended or organized vigils, protests, and events. Friends of Sabeel North America and Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, for example, organized an event with Ilan Pappe on Christian Zionism and the Israel Lobby. Others on October 5th gathered in their cities to march and protest for justice. 

Divine One, in the midst of so much suffering, we hear the cries of justice echo in every part of the earth. We know your presence is everywhere, bringing light to those dwelling in darkness. Continue being with the protestors, activists, civil society organizations, and people of conscience as they work towards peace and justice.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

3-10-2024

Last week, Israel launched indiscriminate assaults on Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of at least 550 people and thousands more injured. Among the dead is Hezbollah’s Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. This escalation follows a year of rising tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border. So far, an estimated 1 million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes. In addition to air raids, Israel is deploying reserve brigades to the northern border, signaling a possible preparation for a ground invasion of Lebanon. 

Merciful and Loving God, we fear that a regional war is imminent, and that death and darkness will continue to spread. We bring our anxieties to you and ask for your intervention for the safety of our friends and families across Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Syria, and the whole region. Strengthen the will of those who desire peace, and rain down your justice to those who seek destruction.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, it was reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a plan that would lead to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian civilians from northern Gaza. The ethnic cleansing plan includes the forcible transfer of the civilian population in northern Gaza to the south of the Netzarim corridor and preventing of aid from northern Gaza until it is “cleansed” of the remaining Hamas fighters.  The remaining 300,000 Palestinian civilians in northern Gaza are likely to ignore any evacuation order as they have nowhere to go, and Israel has repeatedly bombed so-called “safe areas” throughout the war.  

Gracious God, we pray for the people of Gaza, who have suffered for over 11 months of this atrocious violence. Protect them, oh Lord, from the violence that encroaches on them. Bring them nourishment, healing, safety, and peace. May the hearts of the oppressors be transformed, and may all people see the sanctity of every life.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israel returned unidentified bodies of 88 Palestinians killed in its genocide in the Gaza Strip, which Gaza health ministry refused to bury until Israel discloses details about who they are and where it killed them. The bodies were brought into Gaza in a container loaded on a truck through an Israeli-controlled crossing. 

God of Humanity, we cannot imagine the despair and pain of the people of Gaza. Each day brings a war crime more horrific than the last while those aiding the oppressor stand by, blind and deaf to the suffering. Holy Spirit, be with the martyrs and their families. Grant them the dignity that they did not find on this earth. Help us to never be immune to this suffering but rather, fill us with the depths of your goodness so that we may be movers of your peace and justice.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israeli soldiers raided the Al Jazeera office in the middle of Ramallah (Area A) and ordered the bureau to shut down for 45 days. They used tear gas, violently seized camera equipment, and tore down large banners depicting Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist martyred by Israeli forces in May 2022. The raid comes just months after the Israeli government banned Al Jazeera from operating inside Israel due to their reporting of Gaza. 

Holy Spirit, we pray for all truth seekers and their families. We ask that their example will light a fire in our own hearts to seek hope, truth, and justice against all odds. Reign down your protection over the journalists of Al Jazeera and beyond, so they may continue bringing light where there is darkness. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, a group of Knesset members began touring schools in East Jerusalem under high security as part of a controversial plan to pressure Palestinian schools into adopting the Israeli curriculum, despite resistance from many within the Palestinian community. The move has been criticized as an attempt to undermine the Palestinian Authority’s educational system and impose Israeli narratives. Despite significant government funding and intimidation, only 2,000 out of 85,000 students have switched to the Israeli curriculum. 

Gracious and just God, be with the children, teachers, and families of East Jerusalem. We pray for protection over their schools and the freedom to preserve their history, culture, and truth. Strengthen the hearts of those resisting the imposition of narratives that seek to erase their identity. Let truth prevail over manipulation and let the light of justice shine over the education system, protecting it from undue pressure. We pray for peace, wisdom, and strength for all those standing firm in the face of adversity.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy launched an interactive map that shows the concrete measures and sanctions taken since October by states, parliaments, courts, businesses, civil society groups and organizations in response to the ongoing genocide and Nakba in Palestine. The map, which will be updated on a weekly basis, aims to be new resource for the movement, and they welcome edits and additions to the map by contacting info@thepipd.com. 

God of Justice, despite our despair, we know our prayers are not in vain. We thank you for the steady agents of your love around the world, who continue to work towards human dignity for all. Holy Spirit, continue to strengthen your flock so they may make true your vision of mercy and justice.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

26-9-2024

Last week, in two mass terrorizing attacks, over 4,000 people were injured and 20 people killed in Lebanon by hacking and exploding pagers and electronic devices manufactured by Motorola. While Israel claimed the killings were a targeted campaign to assassinate Hezbollah members, casualties included three children as young as 6 and many civilians.    

Caregiving God, no place feels safe as long as the oppressor acts with impunity. Holy Spirit, be with the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who are responding with bravery and conviction. Give them peace as they grieve the loss of many of their co-workers and console the injured. As we pray for the people of Lebanon, we ask you to bring peace, justice, accountability, and reconciliation to the world.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, it was revealed by both the head of UNWRA and the Israeli National Security Council that the Israeli government has stopped issuing visas to members of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This comes on top of an ongoing entry ban of international media to report freely from inside Gaza, funding cuts to UNWRA, and at a time when several senior UN officials are not given permission to visit Gaza and/or are prevented to travel to the West Bank including East Jerusalem. 

God of Compassion, we lift up the aid workers in Palestine who serve with courage and dedication. Strengthen them in their mission, guiding their hands and hearts as they bring healing, hope, and relief to those in need. Fill them with a steadfast commitment to peace, and inspire them to promote the dignity and flourishing of all people in the land.

We also ask that You be with the local civil society organizations and communities. Empower them to continue their vital work of care, advocacy, and support, even in the face of great challenges. Grant them resilience, wisdom, and the resources they need to sustain their efforts.

Lord, in Your mercy… hear our prayer.

Last week, aid groups reported that Israel is intentionally starving Palestinians in Gaza by blocking 83% of required food aid. As a result, Palestinians in Gaza on average eat 1 meal every 2 days. 

Greatest Provider, hear the cries of your starving children and provide them with your daily bread. Sustain them in their time of need and grant them strength and resilience in the face of forced hunger and despair. We ask for your intervention to move the hearts of those in power to act with compassion, to bring the delivery of essential aid, and to protect those working tirelessly to provide for the hungry. Fill Gaza and all of Palestine with your provision and peace, and may your grace bring dignity to the suffering and oppressed.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israeli settlers armed with weapons and IOF protection stormed an elementary school in Jericho, physically assaulting children and school staff. The ongoing Israeli invasion into the occupied West Bank has seen escalating settler violence with IOF backing while Israel continues daily raids in multiples cities. Another place of education, Dar-al-Kalima University near Bethlehem, was also attacked during Israel’s assault at the nearby Dheisheh refugee camp, disrupting the daily activities of students and staff. 

God of Justice, We grieve the violence against children and places of learning in Jericho and Bethlehem. Protect the innocent and strengthen those who stand for peace and justice. In the face of settler and military oppression, empower the Palestinian people to rise with courage and dignity. Transform hearts hardened by hatred, and bring an end to the occupation that causes such suffering. Let Your justice flow like a mighty stream, so that all may live in peace and freedom.

Lord, in Your mercy… hear our prayer.

Last week, local media disclosed that the Israeli government is attempting to recruit around 30,000 asylum seekers from African countries to the country by offering them permanent residency if they join the occupation state’s armed forces in their war in Gaza. Recruitment efforts of African refugees come at a time when the Israeli army is facing severe shortages of soldiers. As a result of the shortage, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled in June that ultra-Orthodox Jews, a population that has long been exempted from military service, are now subjected to the military draft. 

God of the Oppressed, we are outraged about the exploitation of vulnerable communities to further the purposes of war and violence. Protect asylum seekers, especially those in this region. May they find refuge, safety, and human dignity, rather than being coerced and used as pawns in the machinery of oppression, dehumanization, and genocide. Empower those who stand for peace and give courage to those resisting the forces of violence. Let your love transform hearts and bring healing to this world in dire need of your mercy and forgiveness. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, because of the student movement, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ended a joint American Israeli arms manufacturer partnership. MIT is the first American university to do so since October when student demonstrations started. 

Holy God, amidst worsening atrocities, steps towards a flourishing peace may seem small and insignificant. Yet, we give gratitude to the steady hand of justice and put trust in your timing, knowing that you are the merciful provider of all things. Grant us patience, resolve, and sumud to continue pursuing change, even when the road seems long and winding. Bless the courage of students and people of consciousness that they may rise up and be faithful agents of your will.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Peru.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

19-9-2024

Last week, in the early hours of dawn, Israel dropped at least 4 U.S. made 2000-lb bombs on 20 tents in Al-Mawasi Khan Younis, which was a “designated safe zone.” The sheer force of the bombs created 10-meter-deep craters and caused an entire camp of tents to disintegrate. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to dig through mounds of sand and rubble to locate any remaining signs of life buried under the crater. After almost a year of death and violence, eyewitnesses say this was one of the most horrific massacres since the genocide started.  

• God of the Oppressed, we come to You burdened and grieved by the evil and destruction. We lift the people of Al-Mawasi Khan Younis, whose suffering echoes the countless cries of the displaced, the oppressed, and the forgotten. In our grief, we can only think of the words of Amos 5:24: “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” We pray that the weight of injustice be lifted and that those orchestrating the destruction of a people be judged before You and the world.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, UNWRA reported that about 530,000 children in Gaza received polio vaccines. However, the UN was unable to confirm the 3rd phase of the polio vaccine campaign after Israeli forces held up the UN convoy at gunpoint.  

• Divine Protector, we hold in prayer the children of Gaza, their families, and all those working to bring healing of all forms in the midst of unimaginable violence. We give thanks for protection and health, and we ask your continued divine protection over them. Holy Spirit, continue to accompany the UN workers and all humanitarian teams who strive to be agents of your will. Open the eyes of leaders and decision-makers, so they may be moved towards cooperation, justice, and the preservation of life. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, the Tent of Nations had their long-awaited court hearing regarding the re-registration of their land. The Tent of Nations was hoping that the hearing would bring about a just outcome after a 33-year long legal battle to protect the farm from confiscation. Unfortunately, the land registration committee did not hold a substantive session and delayed the proceedings because of what it claimed was a technical mistake by the committee secretary. However, the committee decided to set up another close date for the next session and delaying the proceedings to 17th September 2024. 

• God of All Creation, we lift up the struggle of the Daoud family, who for over three decades have been peacefully resisting efforts to destroy and confiscate their land. Soften the hearts of those in power, so that justice and truth may prevail and the land may continue to serve as a place of reconciliation, community, and peace. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, in the third week of invasions into the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces killed at least five Palestinians.  Three people were killed in a drone attack on a vehicle in the city of Tulkarem while another was killed by an Israeli sniper in the Far’a refugee camp, near the city of Tubas. The killings took the overall death toll from Israel’s large-scale militarised operation, launched in the West Bank on August 28, to at least 50. The figure included several people who were killed in an air attack on Tubas. In Tulkarem, the IOF also abducted 5 PRCS paramedics. 

• God of Mercy, we come before you with heavy hearts, grieving the loss of life and the unrelenting violence that has engulfed the West Bank. We pray for the people of Tulkarem, Tubas, the Far’a refugee camp, and elsewhere in the West Bank who endure the constant threat of violence and death. Shield them, O Lord, from the devastation that surrounds them. In the face of military power and occupation, we ask for your divine intervention to break the cycles of violence. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, a leaked Israeli Foreign Ministry cable revealed that Israel was lobbying U.S. members of Congress to pressure South Africa to drop its genocide case against Israel at the UN’s top court. South Africa has until 28 October 2024 to present to the ICJ its reasons for continuing legal action against Israel over violations of the Genocide Convention.  

• God of Truth, we lift up this moment to You, where nations stand at a crossroads of accountability.  We pray for wisdom, courage, and protection for the leaders of South Africa as they seek justice through the International Court of Justice. May a world where international law and human dignity be upheld and your justice and love shines. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, British trade unions voted on a motion at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) conference to demand all arms trading with Israel be ended immediately, sending a clear message to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to stop British arms from supporting genocide. This vote is significant because the TUC conference, which represents 5.5 million workers and 48 unions, is an important voting base for the Labour Party. 

• Loving God, in the face of such injustice, we do not forget the reminders of your mercy and love. We lift up the people of conscience who are agents of your love through their actions and voices. As we ask the Holy Spirit to continue guiding them in courage and conviction, we pray that leaders around the world, especially Prime Minister Keir Starmer, may hear this call for peace. Open their hearts so that they may be moved by the cries of those affected by genocide and occupation, and may the strength of the 5.5 million workers in the UK be a force for the transformation of this world.
  Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

• We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer