June 26^th marked the international day in support of victims of torture. Whilst Israel has consistently used torture against Palestinian prisoners and detainees for over 76 years, since the 7^th of October the use of torture has escalated and has become more public. Several Israeli soldiers and prison officers have posted dozens of photos and videos documenting their acts of torture on their personal social media.    

• God of the tortured, you know what it is like to be tortured and humiliated. We remember that you said that what has been done to the least of these has been done to you, and so every time Palestinians are tortured, you are tortured anew. Lord, teach us to be in solidarity with the oppressed. Have mercy on those who torture, for their sin is grave. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer        

From June 6th to 27th, the film “Where Olive Trees Weep” premiered, offering a poignant glimpse into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. The film delves into themes of loss, trauma, and the pursuit of justice. As part of the premiere, conversations were held with several Palestinians, including Omar Haramy, who discussed Palestinian Liberation Theology. 

• God of the broken, we know that you have been weeping with us for more than 76 years. Lord, assure us you hear all cries and see all tears. Lord, for those of us who are traumatised, heal us with your liberating spirit which causes us to pursue justice humbly and confidently.  

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer  

Recently, a new report by a UN independent Human rights body concluded that Israel and several Palestinian armed groups have both committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. This report based its investigation on the attack of the 7^th of October and the subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza from October 7^th to the 31^st of December 2023.  

• God of all nations, we are broken, enraged, tired, and fearful but we remember that all empires fall. Lord, as more and more reports detail the sin in our land, we remember that, “Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 17:5). Lord, remind us that your love lasts forever and redeems all things. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer     

For over 300 days, brave Palestinian truth tellers in Gaza have been a voice to the voiceless. These truth tellers come in the form of journalists and social media influencers who have been instrumental in documenting the suffering of Gaza and providing a platform for their cries. Many of these truth tellers have been killed and targeted. Israel continues barring foreign reporters from Gaza and the few that go in are escorted by the Israeli military.   

• God of light, help us understand that the position we take over the suffering in Gaza and the continuous war crimes committed by Israel is a stance about truth. As we honour and thank the truth tellers in Gaza, we remember the words of John the Apostle “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Lord, let us love Gaza through our actions.     

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer 

Last week, several theologians and faith leaders from across the world produced a letter titled “The Gaza Call: An Open Letter to Christian Leaders, Churches, and Theologians in the West”. This letter expresses grief about the Church’s silence considering the immense suffering documented in Gaza and urges Christian leaders, the Western Church, and theologians to take action.  

• Incarnated Christ, we thank you for all the brave prophetic voices internationally, and we remember that they are blessed because they hunger for righteousness. Lord, give us discernment to know when to shake the dust off our feet, and when to sow our seeds of revolutionary love. More importantly, as we struggle for goodness, grant us humility so that we do not fall into temptations of pride and self-righteousness.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer  

On the 26th of June, the 4^th annual conference organised by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) on Gender Justice from a National and Religious Perspective will be held. This conference is titled “Freedom and Reform” which aims to strengthen and diversify young women’s participation and amplify their voices in decision-making positions.

• God of inclusivity, reveal to us that all structures of oppression are intertwined. Lord, help us fight for the principles of justice by struggling against the patriarchy which promotes chauvinism and misogyny. We thank you for the annual conference of ELCJHL and ask you to bless all participants, speakers, and organisers. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer    

Last week, Hezbollah chief, Hassan Nasrallah, issued a warning to Israel, threatening an escalated war in case of a major Israeli offensive against Lebanon. Nasrallah’s remarks come amid soaring tensions at the Lebanon-Israel border after Israeli officials reiterated that the country is ready for an all-out war.

• Everlasting God, we know that regional escalation can be prevented with an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Lord, intervene and stop all plans of war. Help us be agents of justice, liberation and peace in the whole region of the Levant and beyond.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer  

Over the past few months, Sabeel has been active in a variety of initiatives despite facing extreme violence, suffering, and fear. These ongoing efforts include hosting preconference webinars, leading delegations across Palestine, holding traditional online Thursday services and Kumi meetings, participating in marches, conducting Women’s Bible Studies, and working on a health insurance program and school curriculums in the West Bank.

• Holy God, we thank you for the opportunities to work with and serve our people as we are suffering in these dark times. We are grateful for each staff member and volunteer at Sabeel who are faithful to the mission of Palestinian Liberation Theology. Help us to continue growing and serving the oppressed by proclaiming your love and glory. Grant us wisdom, O Lord.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

 Since the Israeli invasion of Rafah, access to food and aid in Gaza has been further restricted, compounding threats of starvation and malnourishment faced by an already weary population. Latest estimates state that 3,500 children are at risk of dying from malnourishment. Furthermore, the UN and other aid agencies say transfer of goods from the US built pier to Gazans remains suspended due to the Israeli military usage of that area in the hostage rescue that took place a few weeks ago.

• Good God, where are you amidst the man-made famine in Gaza? Do you see what is happening? Lord, “Have you eyes of flesh? Do you see as man sees?” (Job 10:4). Amidst our lament, we ask you to cast away the miserable comforters who increase the pain of the oppressed by offering words of false optimism. Help us with our faith, help us with our witness, help us see your face and participate in the work of your revolutionary love.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

In the last few months, the international community has been increasingly worried that the Palestinian Authority (PA) might collapse in a few months. Several factors, such as lack of funding, unpopularity amongst Palestinians, and half a million Palestinians unable to work in Israel since the 7th of October, contribute to this worry. Furthermore, the Israeli security cabinet met on June 17th to discuss increasing settlement expansion and imposing sanctions on the PA due to its activity at the United Nations and at both international courts in the Hague.

• Divine creator, we are living in difficult and uncertain times, with no clear vision of a better future. Many of us carry deep fear and anxiety. Lord, as the realities around us are collapsing, give us faith. Give us faith like the Psalmist that “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). Give us courage, O Lord, to face our realities and put our faith on you rather than our own understanding or on corrupt powers. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer