Last week, Israel has moved forward with its plan to reserve administrative detention solely for non-Jewish prisoners. The new law will make it illegal for Israeli citizens who are not members of prescribed terrorist groups to be held under administrative detention, meaning that the controversial order will effectively only apply to Palestinians. This allows settlers and Jewish extremists, to avoid detention due to their Jewish nationality.

• God of justice, we remember the words of the Prophet Isaiah “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees” (Isaiah 10:1). Lord, as the system views us as sub-human, we ask you to remind us that our humanity cannot be taken away by the oppressor. Lord, give us wisdom to know how most effective we can be in struggling against our oppression, and deliver us from the temptation of overcoming evil with evil.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Last week, the Israeli army ordered a mass evacuation of approximately 250,000 Palestinians in Gaza, a sign that troops are likely to launch a new ground assault. At least 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced for several times. Israel continues its intense attacks all over Gaza, killing indiscriminately. Since the 7^th of October, the death toll in Gaza is at least 38,000, with thousands more injured and missing. No where is safe in Gaza.    

• Emmanuel, where are you? You seem absent to us. Can you not rescue and deliver the people of Gaza? We hold on to our faith that you are co-suffering with every person in Gaza and you are truly Emmanuel. Lord, as we lament to you, help us discern and hear your voice. Give us faith, O Lord.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Last week, Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) announced the passing of one of the members of their Board of Trustees – Nahida Halaby Gordon. Nahida was born in Jerusalem in 1939 and fled Palestine to the United States in 1948 due to the Nakba. Nahida served FOSNA in an exemplary manner, offering not only her insights and experience as a Palestinian American woman, but also her expertise in finance and management. Nahida will be sorely missed by the Sabeel community.  

• God of mercy, comfort Nahida’s family and friends as they mourn. We pray for your mercy to be shown to all those grieving. We thank you for working through Nahida’s life, a life committed to witnessing to your love, justice, peace, and liberation. Lord, help us honour Nahida’s memory by striving for excellence, kindness, and generosity that she exemplified in her life.  

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

In recent weeks, Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, revoked administration powers from the Palestinian Authority (PA) to Israel, over a large territory of the West Bank. This provides Israel control over construction, zoning, and planning for Palestinians in that area. The Israeli cabinet also adopted measures against Palestinian officials, saying that some might be expelled or have their movement restricted. Many Palestinians who live on these lands are now fearing imminent displacement.  

• God of Naboth, protect us from modern day Jezebels and Ahabs who plot, scheme, and murder to steal our lands. Lord, as we become more vulnerable to settler colonialism in the West Bank, where our lands, identity, and histories are erased, we remain faithful that you are just and see our suffering. Lord, we pray that our oppressors may repent like Ahab (1 Kings 21:29), turning away from supremacy and domination. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer      

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