Last week, the World Food Programme (WFP) had to pause their operations in the Gaza Strip  after one of its vehicles was hit by gunfire just metres from an Israeli-controlled checkpoint. The agency said it was the first time in the 10-month-long war that one of its vehicles has been directly shot at near a checkpoint. 

Prince of Peace, we are saddened and outraged to see international law so carelessly discarded and the silence of the powerful when double standards occur. We ask you to shine Your light on the people of Gaza and those who care for them, including aid workers, hospital workers, and other civil servants. Guide churches, leaders, and institutions around the world to seek truth and call out these injustices.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said that Israel’s attacks on healthcare infrastructure and water supplies, as well as the ongoing obstruction of aid, are contributing to a “potentially catastrophic polio outbreak” in the Gaza Strip, after a 10-month-old baby was paralysed by the type 2 poliovirus in the first confirmed case of polio in 25 years. While the Israeli army cooperated in the UN delivery of 25,000 vaccine vials, its commanders have refused to pause the bombing to ensure safe and effective immunization efforts and since August, the army has issued 16 evacuation orders, forcing 12% of Gaza’s population to move within a few days. To make matters worse, safe spaces in Gaza are becoming smaller and smaller as Israel expands its attacks in Gaza. 

God of the innocent, it is unconscionable that the world has let these atrocities continue for over 10 months. We know that any temporary ceasefire will not console the people of Gaza nor save them. As they suffer from illness on top of war and violence, we pray for Your intervention. We pray for an end to war and accountability for those who have allowed this madness to reign.  

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, the Israeli military launched its largest-scale military invasion of the West Bank since the Second Intifada in 2002, targeting the Palestinian towns of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nablus. Israeli media reports that this assault will involve thousands of soldiers, air strikes, and missiles for an indefinite amount of time. At least 21 Palestinians have already been killed in Israeli military operations since the announcement. At least 646 Palestinians, including 148 children, have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the occupied West Bank since the beginning of this year.

Divine Creator, we come to you afraid and broken. As the war and violence continue to spreads to the West Bank and the entire region, we pray for your protection. We ask you to protect our families, friends, and the most vulnerable among us. Bring comfort and intervention especially to those in the refugee camps, who are suffering the most from the bombings, airstrikes, and violence. We bring our deep fears and anxiety to You, and we ask the Spirit to fill us with resolute faith and steadfastness so that we may be seekers of goodness, justice, and liberation at all times.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Sabeel joins the World Council of Churches in calling for the release of Laya Nasir, a member of the Anglican Church, who has been under administrative detention since April 2024 without legal charges or due process. We also join the WCC in calling for the protection of Jerusalem as a place where freedom of worship is respected.

Merciful and Just God, we lift our voices in prayer, joining with the World Council of Churches as we call for the release of Laya Nasir, one of many members of our community who are being unjustly held in administrative detention without charges or due process. Lord, we ask that justice may prevail and that she may be reunited with her loved ones in freedom and peace. We also pray for the protection of Jerusalem, the holy city, that it may remain a place where the freedom of worship is upheld and respected for all. May Your peace and justice reign in this sacred land.

Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.

Last week, the country of Colombia banned coal exports to Israel in an effort “to pressure the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the conflict in Gaza.” The Colombian president said that Israel uses Colombian coal to make bombs to kill Palestinian children. Colombia is Israel’s largest coal supplier. In May, Colombia suspended diplomatic relations with Israel. Other countries, like Scotland, have also suspended meetings with the Israeli government until significant “progress” is made in negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

God of Justice and Peace, we come before You with heavy hearts, seeking Your guidance and wisdom in these troubled times. We pray for justice, for the end of violence, and for the protection of innocent lives. We pray for an end to the suffering of all specially children and all who are caught in the crossfire. Let Your justice roll down like waters and Your righteousness like a mighty stream, bringing peace where there has been pain and hope where there has been despair.

Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.

Last week, hundreds of activists gathered in Chicago outside the Democratic National Convention to protest the Democratic administration’s involvement in and support of the genocide in Gaza. Police in riot gear were posted outside the building and violently arrested protesters, including journalists.

Gracious and Loving God, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the courage and dedication of all those who stand up for justice, peace, and the end to violence. We especially lift up the hundreds of activists who gathered in Chicago, risking their safety to speak truth to power and bring attention to the suffering in Gaza. We thank You for their unwavering commitment to justice, even in the face of adversity, and for their willingness to be a voice for the voiceless. We pray for their protection, for their strength, and for their continued resolve to work for a world where peace and justice reign.

Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.

Last week, Defence for Children International Palestine released a report detailing Israel’s widespread policy of “detaining and torturing” Palestinian children in Gaza. The report, which says some children have been used as human shields, cites children who say they have been subjected to systemic torture and abuse.

O Merciful and Just Creator, we come before You with heavy hearts, grieving for the innocent lives caught in the chains of oppression. We despair and hold righteous anger at a world that has accepted the abuse of our children. We lift up the children of Gaza, whose voices cry out from the depths of suffering, asking for Your divine intervention. Holy Spirit, be with them in their moments of despair and heal their wounds. Guide us to seek accountability for the oppressors and uphold the dignity of all life.

Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.

Last week, Israel committed new massacres in Gaza, including at the Mustafa Hafez school, that killed dozens of Palestinians, the majority of whom were children. The Israeli army also issued evacuation orders in the central Gazan city of Deir al-Balah, once again leaving families with nowhere to go as Israel expands its war.

God of peace, comfort the families of those killed and grant peace to the injured. Protect the families as they continue seeking shelter and necessities. Grant the oppressed justice and liberation. Lord, empower our institutions and leaders to do justice. In our despair, we echo the Psalmist’s confidence in Psalm 72:12: “For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.”

Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.

On August 15, 2024, Israeli settlers began constructing an illegal outpost on a section of the Tent of Nations farm, which is owned by the Nassar family. Almost daily, Israeli military forces, security personnel, or settlers attempt to prevent the Nassar family from working on their farm and have damaged the farm’s fences. The Tent of Nations urges its supporters to contact their elected officials and governments to pressure the Israeli military authorities to ensure the Nassar family has free access to their farm.

O Lord, giver of life and source of freedom, you have called us to be stewards of Your abundance, not to conquer or destroy. We thank you for the witness of the Nassar family, who have embodied what it means to be generous, faithful caretakers of the gifts you have entrusted to us. As they seek justice and truth, we ask that you continue to protect them. Oh, Holy Spirit, continue to fill them with Sumud to continue to stand as strong as the olive trees.

Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.

Sabeel Jerusalem hosted a delegation of Christians 4 Ceasefire. The delegation visited communities around Palestine and Israel, with hopes of returning to their homes with renewed commitment and advocacy. 

Beloved Creator, we are grateful for the opportunity to bring our brothers and sisters to this land called holy, even in these challenging times. We thank you for your protective hand over this delegation and ask that you grant them the courage and wisdom to turn their witness into powerful advocacy when they return home. Lord, make us instruments of your love, bearing witness to Christ the liberator. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer.