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Israel began the “Iron Wall” operation on Jenin Refugee Camp. Already, dozens of Palestinians have been killed including children and women.  

God, we are shaken by the reports coming out of Jenin, a city which continues to experience violence. We do not know the extent of the suffering in Jenin, but we trust you know every name, every tear, and every plea. Deliver us from the many forms of oppression. Console us through liberation, heal us through justice, and humble the rulers of the world that are responsible for the continued suffering and dehumanization of lives.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

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In the West Bank, Israel has denied medical care and treatment to a 21 year old Palestinian detainee who is suffering from cancer and malnutrition. Currently, there are 10,400 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, not including those detained from Gaza during the last 15 months of war, and many have faced illness and malnutrition due to the neglect and torture by Israeli authorities.  

God who dwells among all the captives, we lift up our hearts for those who are suffering under oppression, especially the 21-year-old Palestinian detainee denied medical care. We pray for all imprisoned unjustly, those afflicted by illness, malnutrition, and neglect. You are the God who sees and sustains; we know your Spirit is at work even now, shaking the walls of prisons and calling forth justice in the face of cruelty. We pray with faith that liberation will come, that the oppressed will rise, and that freedom will reign. Until that day, embolden us to be co-workers in the struggle for justice. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

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Monday, January 20th is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States. Sabeel reaffirms its commitment to practicing solidarity across borders and to fight for the liberation of all. In the spirit of solidarity, Sabeel highlights the work of our partner Community Renewal Society in the United States who is hosting their 2025 Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Faith in Action Assembly. This event aims to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and renew a shared commitment to justice.  

Holy God, we lift up the legacy of your late servant Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and for those who have followed in his path of nonviolent resistance. We give thanks, especially for our black siblings who have stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their fight for justice and equality. In our gratitude, oh Lord, help us recommit ourselves to standing with the oppressed around the world. We lift up Rev. Dr. King’s words that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Guide us so that we can continue to move the arc toward your liberatory love. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

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Last week, Israeli forces in the West Bank bombed a home in Jenin refugee camp, killing over 6 Palestinians and wounding others including children.

God who walks alongside the oppressed, we ask for your presence in Jenin in the midst of despair and destruction. Bring comfort to the grieving, healing to the wounded, and strength to those who refuse to abandon hope. We cry out against the systems of violence, oppression and complicity that deepen the suffering of the vulnerable.  Grant us the courage to stand in solidarity with the people of Jenin and all who suffer under occupation. May we be agents of your peace, bearers of your light, and voices for truth in a world shrouded by injustice. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

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Israel and Hamas announced a ceasefire agreement, with phase 1 of a “partial ceasefire” to be implemented this week.

God who is Faithful and Just, we give thanks for your presence among the people of Gaza and people all over the world. We lift up news of this ceasefire, praying that it will be implemented and that the killing will stop. With this ceasefire, illuminate to the world that the fight for liberation is not over, not while the systemic dehumanization of our people continues. Holy Spirit, continue to open our hearts and minds and help us collectively resist extremism and settler-colonial occupation.  

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

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Armenians around the world are celebrating Christmas this week, coinciding with the time when many Christians are celebrating Epiphany.

Loving God, we pray for peace and justice in our world, that wars may cease and healing may come to those who suffer. Bless our brothers and sisters in the Armenian Church and all Christian communities. Unite us in faith and love, that we may be instruments of Your peace. May we work together to reflect Your kingdom of justice, mercy, and reconciliation.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

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For the last month, Jenin Refugee Camp in the West Bank has been under siege and assault by the Palestinian Authority who seek to weed out armed groups in coordination with Israel. Since the start of the assault on Jenin, innocent civilians have been killed by the PA, including 21-year old female journalist Shatha al-Sabbagh. Shatha was killed in the same refugee camp where journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was assassinated by the Israeli regime in 2022. 

Holy God, we grieve the violence and oppression that besieges our people. We lift before you in prayer for the family of Shatha al-Sabbagh. We lament that her death echoes the loss of Shireen Abu Akleh, another truth-teller taken from us too soon. May their sacrifice not be forgotten but illuminate new ways of solidarity and action across the world. Grant strength to those living amidst fear and destruction, and peace to the families who mourn. Heal the wounds of this broken community, and let your spirit of justice and compassion move through those with power to bring an end to this suffering. May Jenin and all of our lands know freedom, dignity, and peace in their land. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

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Across the West Bank, settlers continue to wreak havoc across towns. Last week alone, settlers committed several arson attacks across villages east of Hebron, a farm in Ramallah, and Palestinians’ tents and livestock east of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues to abduct Palestinians in the West Bank and kill and injure Palestinian civilians. Just last week, two children aged 8 and 10 were killed by the Israeli military in Tubas. 

Holy God, we cannot keep track of the deaths and lives lost due to the injustice and cruelty carried out in the West Bank. We grieve the havoc wrought by settlers and the suffering inflicted upon innocent lives. We lament the loss of children in Tubas and all in the Holy Land whose futures are stolen by oppression and tyranny. Amidst this violence, help us to see your life-giving presence in the West Bank and ignite in the world a resolve to denounce injustice and work for liberation. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

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Israel recently admitted, under international pressure, to detaining Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyyah, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, who was abducted by Israeli forces on December 27, 2024. Reports indicate he is being held and tortured at the notorious Sde Teiman camp. During his detention, Dr. Hussam’s mother passed away from a heart attack, as Israel continues to withhold updates on his condition. Palestinians have highlighted the targeting of healthcare workers by Israeli forces, including the imprisonment of Ahmed Muhanna, director of Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, who has been held for over a year. 

Dear God, we cry out to you for Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyyah and all who endure imprisonment, torture, and oppression. Comfort them in their trials, and bring justice to their situation. Lord, protect all healthcare workers who risk their lives to serve others and be present with the people of Gaza. Holy Spirit, guide us to keep our eyes and hearts open so that we may never be complacent in the face of oppression, but rather, be strengthened in our resolve to act against injustice. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

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Later this month, Sabeel’s friend and partner Save The ArQ will be on the East Coast of the United States on an advocacy tour to save the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem. Launched in May 2023, Save the ArQ is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem. The movement was initiated after the discovery of a controversial 98-year lease signed by the Armenian Patriarchate with a company named Xana Gardens without following the internal laws of the Church. Armenian community claims that this lease threatens the treasured and historic Armenian Quarter. 

Gracious God, we pray for the success of Save The ArQ’s advocacy tour in the United States as they work to protect the historic Armenian Quarter and the diversity of Jerusalem. Strengthen their voices as they proclaim justice and expose corruption. May their advocacy awaken hearts and stir leaders to act with righteousness. Let this work serve as a testimony to the power of truth and the steadfastness to protect what is holy and just. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer