Over the recent weekend, Israeli settlers and forces raided the West Bank. Notably, the Nour Shams Refugee Camp bore the brunt of the assault, where water and electricity were cut along with extensive infrastructure damage. At least 19 Palestinian were killed, including minors. Additionally, in a separate incident in another area of the West Bank, an ambulance driver was killed while on route to evacuate Palestinians injured in attacks by Israeli settlers. This weekend marked one of the deadliest episodes in the West Bank in years.

● Holy God, give us sight to recognize the cause of violence in our land. We pray for all those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. Lord, only you know the full extent of suffering in Palestinian refugee camps. We plead that you intervene and stop the cycle of violence and hate which settler colonialism creates and restore your good creation through liberation.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

From April 25^th to May 5^th, Annie Sakkab’s short documentary “The Poem We Sang” will hold its world premiere at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. The film follows a Palestinian director as she ruminates on the generational trauma caused by the loss of a family home and forced migration, transforming lifelong regrets into a healing journey of creative catharsis, and bearing witness. “The Poem We Sang” will be eligible for the Award for Best Short Documentary, as well as the Audience Award.  

● God of life, we thank you for using creativity for healing and goodness. Remind us that all of us have different gifts and talents which reflect the image of God in us. We remember the words of the Apostle Peter, “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received” (1 Peter 4:10). Lord, let us serve one another by ending oppression and setting free those who live in tyranny. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

On the 22^nd of April, Jews around the world marked the beginning of Passover. Passover commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt as written in the book of Exodus. Passover is observed by avoiding leaven, and highlighted by the Seder meal which includes four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus.

● God of deliverance, we remember how the Hebrew midwives disobeyed Pharaoh and that you heard the cries of the enslaved (Exodus 2:23). Lord, remind us that no one can celebrate the essence of Passover if they are enslaving others and promoting supremacy. Lord, in these times of darkness give us the hope that we will one day, like Miriam on the other side of the Red Sea, sing songs of freedom. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

On the 24th of April, Sabeel will be holding its 4th preparatory webinar for the 2024 Sabeel Conference titled “Christophobia and the Persecution of Christians”. This webinar will discuss the persecution of Christians and how Christian Zionism exacerbates tensions for Palestinian Christians. The webinar will have expert speakers such as Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton, Rabbi Brant Rosen, and Rev. Dr. Paul McAllister. 

● Incarnated God, Sabeel as a part of the living prophetic tradition of Palestinian Christianity has been resisting Christian Zionism for decades. Lord, your name is invoked for supremacy and hatred, distorting your inclusive and just character. We, the living stones, suffer so deeply from our Christian Zionist siblings and urge them to repent. Let this webinar remind us that, “whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has brought on blindness” (1 John 2:11).    

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

On the 18^th of April, Professor Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian was arrested in her home in the Old City of Jerusalem, reportedly for incitement to terrorism, violence, and racism. During the arrest, the police also confiscated her mobile phone, computer, documents, and books by Mahmoud Darwish. This arrest was pushed forward by a campaign by students, right-wing activists, and politicians. However, Professor Shalhoub-Kevorkian was later released under the condition of being reinterrogated. 

● Divine creator, we are worried and angry following Professor Shalhoub-Kevorkian’s arrest, which violates the right of freedom of speech and academic freedom. We thank you for the brave Palestinian thinkers who challenge the structures of injustice through intellectual activism. Remind us, Lord, that we ought to love you with all our mind. We plead that you protect Professor Shalhoub-Kevorkian and vindicate her name from false accusations and slander.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer     

On the 19^th of April, Iranian air defense shot down drones over Isfahan, according to state media. This escalates regional tensions following Iran’s retaliatory strike on Israel after an attack against its diplomatic premises in Syria. Israel’s action came after the alleged US approval of a potential Israeli invasion in Rafah, in exchange for Israel’s agreement to avoid an all-out military assault on Iran. Gaza is still being bombed and the death toll is rising with every hour that passes.

● Prince of peace, although many of us are fearful of further regional escalations, may we not forget your precious children in Gaza who continue to suffer so terribly. Lord, how awful are empires which use Palestinian lives as pawns to maintain a violent status quo. We hold on to our faith that you are a just God, and we remember Isaiah’s words: “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless” (Isaiah 10:1-2).   

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Germany is facing charges at the top United Nations court for allegedly “facilitating the commission of genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza in coordination with its military and political ally, Israel. Nicaragua presented its case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the 8^th of April, demanding judges impose emergency measures to stop Germany from providing Israel with weapons and other assistance.

• Righteous God, we come before you are seeking justice. We know that righteousness and peace must be grounded in truth. Lord, we pray for all countries who are funding and supplying the Israeli military operation in Gaza to repent publicly, work for an immediate ceasefire, and give reparations to the victims of their crimes. Lord, remind us that all should be humble before God, even nations and empires. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer     

Last week, Layan Nasir, a member of the Anglican Church in Beirzeit, was arrested, along with several others, by Israeli forces in the early hours of the morning. Following Layan’s arrest, the Archbishop of Canterbury has called for her swift release. Nasir was previously arrested on the 7th of July 2021, during which Israeli forces stormed her home where she was handcuffed, blinded, and transported to Ofer military camp for interrogation. The Israeli military court has placed Layan under a 4-month administrative dentation which means she has not been charged with any crime and her detention can be renewed indefinitely.

• Heavenly Father, we are worried for your precious daughter Layan and all others arrested with her. We come to you in prayer because “The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people” (Psalm 69:33). Lord, protect Layan and all those in detention. Comfort their families with your presence. Lord, deliver our oppressors who imprison themselves with hatred. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

This week, Sabeel will host its yearly community Easter egg hunt in Beit Sahour, bringing together children from orphanages and the margins of society. Scheduled for mid-April to coincide with both Western and Eastern Easter celebrations, the event has a range of delightful activities for all participants.

• God of joy, we thank you for all children who teach us to delight in your creation and have joy despite our realities. Lord, we pray that the Sabeel Easter egg hunt will provide moments of laughter and happiness to these kids who have experienced so much sadness and pain. Lord, we remember your words, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mattthew 18:3).

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

In the beginning of April, a group of Israeli settlers accompanied by Israeli police officers entered the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem’s Old City, known as the Cows’ Garden, and began assaulting Armenians and vandalizing their property. This incident is part of a series of events where Israeli police and settler groups have assaulted Jerusalem’s Armenians. Armenian community members say losing the Cows’ Garden would pose an existential threat to their community and would irrevocably damage Jerusalem’s diverse character.

• God of inclusivity, the beauty of our people is akin to a colorful mosaic. The more supremacy and exclusivity reign in our land, the more our vibrant society is erased. Intervene and halt the bullying of Israeli police, settlers, and municipality who pose an existential threat to the Armenian community. Give joy and unwavering resolve to the Palestinian Armenians as they resist their own erasure.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer