A recent statement has been formulated by several Christians from the Holy Land and other parts of the world such as Rev. Dr. Naim Ateek, Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, Patriarch Emeritus Michel Sabbah, Rev. Robert O. Smith, Bishop Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, and Rev. Prof. Dr. Chris Ferguson. This statement is titled “Statement on Plans to Sacrifice a Red Heifer” which condemns the plans of the Temple Institute which is aided by Christian Zionists to build the Third Temple within the Haram al-Sharif compound. 

● God of inclusivity, Jerusalem is known to be a Holy city but sadly it has become a city of hatred and supremacy. We the living stones are appalled from the exclusive attempts to promote Jewish supremacy which is supported by Christian Zionists, and are determined to resist it. We give thanks to the Palestinian Church which has a living prophetic tradition of theology and leadership. Help us, Lord “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you’” (Psalm 122:6).

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer     

A couple of weeks ago, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has declared 800 hectares (1,977 acres) in the West Bank as state land, in a move that will facilitate the use of the ground for settlement building. Furthermore, Smotrich used biblical references to justify this decision. The land intended for settlements is the Jordan Valley.

● God of power, we identify with the story of Naboth’s vineyard. As our land is slowly being stolen which is the source of our identity, culture, and livelihood we cry out to you to intervene. Lord, be with the communities in the West Bank who are oppressed from the illegal settlements. Help us steward your good creation by resisting the expansion of the illegal settlements which corrupts your creation. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer  

Sabeel is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Guy Fabreguettes, a Sabeel friend, and the treasurer of Friends of Sabeel France. Sabeel sends our condolences to Guy’s family and all his loved ones and join with Friends of Sabeel France in their mourning. Guy passed away on the 1^st of April on Easter Monday.   

● God of mercy, we lift up Guy and all those mourning his lost. You are a good and loving father whose mercies are new every morning. Help, Guy’s family as they in grief his passing from this world and pray that the Holy Spirit comforts them. We remember the promise of resurrection on Easter Monday where one day death shall be no more, and love’s victory will be everlasting.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

On the 1st of April, Israeli military killed seven people in a World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid convoy in Gaza. Despite coordination between WCK and the Israeli military, markings on the vehicles that had the WCK logo, and travelling in a “deconflicted zone”, the convoy was hit. In the aftermath of the attack, hundreds of tons of life saving aid intended to reach Gaza is returning to Cyprus. Since the 7th of October, nearly 200 aid workers have died in Gaza, most of them are Palestinians.

● God of life, help us understand that the killings of the WCK workers and the hundreds of Palestinian aid workers, is an attack on those trying to help dire situations around the world. We pray for the souls of the numerous Good Samaritans in our land, whether they be internationals or Palestinians who have been martyred. May we remember that “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty” (Proverbs: 11:24).  

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Last week, Israeli lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved a law that gives senior ministers the power to temporarily shut foreign news networks that they deem a security risk. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would ‘act immediately’ in accordance with the law to stop Al-Jazeera’s activities.

● God of truth, we are worried about the recent Israeli law as it restricts free press and freedom of speech. We know that those who commit evil want to do so in the dark and those who illuminate their deeds are a thorn in their sides. Lord, help us in the struggle against political disinformation and censorship. We thank you for the brave journalists in Gaza who sacrifice themselves to give voice to the voiceless and reveal truth amidst immense deceit and confusion.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer 

Last week, The Israeli military withdrew from the Gaza Strip’s largest hospital after a two-week raid, leaving behind scenes of devastation. Local sources who have witnessed atrocities for more than 180 days remark that the scenes at Al-Shifa Hospital are “indescribable”. Indeed, photos, videos, eyewitness stories reveal torture, killings and destruction that cannot be imagined. It is unclear what is the death toll since bodies are unidentifiable, however, Gaza’s civil defense agency claim at least 300 Palestinians were killed in and around the hospital. Al-Shifa is completely out of service.     

● God of healing (shifa), how much more death, destruction, and torture can our people take? How many Palestinian lives need to be killed for the world to respond? Why do you not stop this O Lord? Man of sorrows, help us be witnesses to your love and the suffering of the oppressed even though it is hard to see if you are with us “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

● The God who was, and is, and is to come, we the living stones the descendants of the Early Church, and the Saints are few in number in our land. Lord, the fate of your flock in Gaza is uncertain, yet they remain steadfast. Help us understand that the mission is the same, irrespective of our numbers and capabilities. Lord, let us not lean on our own understanding, but have faith that produces good fruit. Help us in these days struggle for our existence in our native land and purge any corruption in our churches, theologies, and institutions.    

El-Messiah Qam… Haqan Qam

● God of new creation, after you rose from the dead you were identified as a gardener. Help us steward your creation, uprooting the evil weeds and roots of oppression and planting trees and plants of love and justice. As we face dark days let us have active patience since, “if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently” (Romans 8:25). We hold on to our faith that the day will come when, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). 

El-Messiah Qam… Haqan Qam

● God of resurrection, although we are in despair and feel as though we are forever in Holy Saturday, the tomb is empty. We proclaim your victory over death, by continuing to resist against all odds and remembering your words “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:10). Your resurrection is good news to the oppressed since it is a proclamation of victory of sin and a liberation. Help us, O Lord to participate in your new creation by working for justice, liberation, and peace in Palestine. 

El-Messiah Qam… Haqan Qam

● Crucified Messiah, we behold how you were tortured, mocked, beaten, stripped, and killed on the cross. Your cry “My God my God why I have you forsaken me” (Matthew 27:46) is an exclamation we are saying for more than 75 years, and now more than ever. Lord, we thank you for identifying with us since “You were despised and rejected; one who knew suffering and was familiar with pain; people despised you and looked away and considered you worthless” (Isaiah 53:3). We await the day of your return.  

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer