In recent weeks, several Palestinians in Gaza have died from starvation, most of them are kids and babies. Furthermore, humanitarian aid has been systemically denied entry into Gaza and aid convoys are coming under Israeli fire. On the 29^th of February, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians waiting for food aid southwest of Gaza City, which resulted in the killing of over 120 Palestinians and wounded over 760 people. This massacre is known as the “Flour Massacre.”

● Lord Christ, you tell us that you are the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35). We come before you shocked, disgusted, and lost. We plead that you provide the people of Gaza their daily bread while so many are starving. Lord, intervene and stop these atrocities which kill people even as they wait for aid. Provide aid to our oppressors who are sick spiritually, morally, and politically.  

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer 

In the last two weeks, a large police force descended on the home of Fakhri Abu Diab, one of the most prominent social activists and neighborhood leaders in Silwan. Masked officers forcibly moved Abu Diab, his wife and son, and several journalists away from the house. Shortly afterward, a municipal bulldozer demolished the house. These house demolitions are done to make room for a religious Zionist theme park in Silwan. 

Everlasting God, as we witness violence justified in your name, we remember the words of Amos, “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me” (Amos 5:21). Lord, we pray that justice may roll like a never-failing stream, restoring all demolished homes and holding all unjust agents accountable. Help us be better witnesses to the injustice taking place in Silwan.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer     

After four months of constant bombings, massacres, starvation, and numerous methods of collective punishment on 2.3 million people, Gaza is unrecognizable. The little aid that makes it into Gaza can barely meet the needs of the people. Children have died from starvation and dehydration, and many are sick due to the hellish conditions. Moreover, Israel has repeatedly opened fire at Gazans while they were trying to access aid. The death toll has reached 30,000 lives but is expected to rise with every minute that passes. 

 □ God of creation, we come before you lamenting like the Psalmist, “Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy” (Psalm 130:1-2). Hear our cries and deliver us from modern day pharaohs. We plead, O Lord, for an immediate ceasefire and deliverance from the yoke of oppression.

Lord in your mercy… hear our cry        

Last week, Benjamin Netanyahu accepted the recommendations of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to limit the entry of Palestinians into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the upcoming month of Ramadan. This decision was made contrary to the Shin Bet recommendation, as it would fuel the existing tensions and anger by Palestinians. 

Holy God, we recognize that this decision was not made for security reasons, but to increase the violence towards Palestinians. Illuminate the deceiving ways which our oppressors use to justify their violence towards us on the pretext of security. Help us stop the Judaization of our land and advocate that all have the right for the freedom of worship.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer    

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) held hearings from the 19th to the 26th of February in a case against Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories. The ICJ heard at least 50 countries and three international organisations on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories. This case is separate from the case by South Africa which charged Israel for committing the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip.   

Loving God, we know that whoever has eyes to see and ears to hear will recognize truth and deceit. We remember that you see and hear all good and bad deeds. For us Palestinians we endure the burden of surviving colonial violence and explaining it to those unaware. Lord, use the ICJ hearings not to determine what is true and false, but to further advance the struggle for justice. Help us to resist creatively in all spaces on the foundation of your divine love.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

Austin Seminary will be holding a lecture on March 2nd titled “God & Religion in the Midst of Fear and Violence: Palestinian & Jewish Perspectives and Theologies Towards Liberation”. This lecture will feature Kohenet Shoshana A. Brown, a Black Jewish liberation theologian, and Omar Haramy, the director of Sabeel. This will be held virtually via Zoom for online attendees. 

God of inclusivity, grant us a vision of our world as your love would have it. Give us the revelation of peace built on justice which is guided by love. Help all voices and movements which stand for truth to be one united stream which overcomes the barriers of oppression and lies. May the words of Shoshana and Omar bear witness to love and cultivate alliances. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer  

On the 19th of February, UN experts were appalled by reported human rights violations against Palestinian women and girls in Gaza. The experts also are particularly distressed by reports that Palestinian women and girls in detention have also been subjected to multiple forms of sexual assault, such as being stripped naked and searched by male Israeli army officers. Moreover, at least two female Palestinian detainees were reportedly raped, while others were reportedly threatened with rape and sexual violence.

God of humanity, we pray for all women, Palestinian women, and especially all mothers, grandmothers, women and girls in Gaza. Be with them, hear their cries, and heal their oppression with empowerment. How broken must our oppressors be? Help us understand the multilayered oppression Palestinians experience so that we can better struggle for liberation.    

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

Several Palestinians who were detained in Gaza have recently been released. Many of them testify that they were beaten, tortured and humiliated while held in detention by Israeli forces. Some Palestinians who were detained have sustained severe physical and mental injuries. Israeli soldiers are facing increasing accusations of gross mistreatment of prisoners in violation of international law.

• God of the captives, countless Palestinians have endured the suffering of Christ. You too were crucified and mocked by authorities and structures of power. Lord, provide healing through justice and liberation to all who are tortured and abused. Humble the arrogant who are foolish to think they can act cruelly with impunity. We remember that you are co-suffering with Palestinians who are tortured and humiliated. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

On February 5^th, Wadea’ E’layan, aged 14, was shot and killed by Israeli forces near the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim. According to Israeli sources, E’layan allegedly attempted to stab an Israeli soldier at the roundabout leading to Ma’ale Adumim when Israeli forces shot toward him. After falling from the first shots, an Israeli soldier shot at him again. Israeli forces later confiscated E’layan’s body. 

• God of justice, protect all the young people in our land as they face so much danger and uncertainty. Have mercy on the family of E’layan and comfort them as they mourn. We hold on to our faith that you do not abandon us in life or death. Lord, we ask you to intervene and stop the bloodshed which has been ongoing for over 75 years. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

Last week, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Ibrahimi Mosque were both stormed by Israeli settlers and Israeli forces. These actions mark a deliberate political act intended to “Judaize” Holy sites and promote Jewish supremacy. Since the 7^th of October, coverage on the abuse and restrictions Palestinians face in accessing Holy sites has been minimal, yet for the local communities, it is a daily reality. 

• Divine creator, the full extent of the suffering we are experiencing cannot be fully articulated and shown to the world. You alone see and hear all evil and good deeds. Protect us from all forms of supremacy and ensure that all Holy sites and rights of freedom of worship are respected. Lord, uproot the seeds of hate and replace it with seeds that will produce the fruit of love.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer