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 

On the 14^th of February, at least 10 people, including six children, were killed by Israeli air strikes in villages across southern Lebanon. Furthermore, Iran launched attacks in Syria and Iraq after members of its elite forces were killed in Damascus allegedly in Israeli attacks, while the US, along with the United Kingdom, has carried out several attacks against the Houthis in Yemen. Experts warn that if an immediate ceasefire is not achieved, there will be further escalation and violence in the region. 

• God of peace, the empires, states, and militaries of the world legitimise themselves through violence and deceit. As we proclaim that you are the “Prince of Peace,” help us to be agents who work for an immediate ceasefire of bombs and lies in our region, especially in Gaza. Help us disrupt and end settler colonialism so that we can rejoice in peace and justice.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer       

In recent weeks, all eyes have been on Rafah and Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Mass displacement in Rafah continues as Israel’s military increases its air raids and artillery fire. Many fear a ground operation on the southern city which was once designated a “safe zone.” In Nasser hospital, people are being indiscriminately attacked by Israeli forces, both inside and outside the hospital and as they try to flee the facility. 

• God of life, as we witness so much death and brutality, we come before you with the words of the Psalmist, “O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest” (Psalm 22:2). Lord, while we have no control and are experiencing a sense of powerlessness, remind us that we can be witnesses. Let us bear witness to the fact that you breathe life, conquer death, and restore justice.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

Last week, Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent. In the coming weeks, many Christians in the world will practice fasting, meditation, daily prayers, and scripture readings. During this Lent season, there are various initiatives which dedicate their meditation and reflection with Gaza in mind. One initiative out of many, is the “Struggle and Lament Series”, organized by Friends of Sabeel North America, The Kairos Center, Freedom Church of the Poor, Black Christians for Palestine, Faith for Black Lives, and National Council of Churches, among other important organisations and movements. 

• Holy God, your perfect nature not only reveals our individual sins, but the sins present in structures and systems. During the season of Lent, help us, O Lord, to repent from our sins and turn the other way. Help us, with your Holy Spirit, reclaim holiness by ending oppression in all its forms and liberating all from the shackles of sin.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

On the 7th of February, many Muslims around the world marked the Israʾ and Miʿraj, or the Night Journey, and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims believe that the night journey and ascension was a miraculous occurrence during which prophet Muhammad travelled from Makkah to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem before ascending to heaven, all in one night. This year the commemoration was sombre as many worshipers were denied access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and police and settler violence in the old city are frequent.  

• God of love, we are angered and saddened that our Palestinian Muslim siblings are prevented from their right to worship, and at times harassed and attacked by settlers and Israeli police. Lord, you wept over Jerusalem, and we continue with that cry today as Jerusalem has become a city of intolerance and hate.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer  

On the 18^th of February, as a part of Voices From the Holy Land Online Film Salon Series, a webinar will be featured entitled “Oppression and Violence in the West Bank”. This webinar aims to reveal how Palestinians live under occupation in the West Bank, the plight of Palestinians families who have fled, the arguments of Israelis who want to empty Palestine through settler-colonialism, and what the international community might do to stop the violence. Omar Harami, the director of Sabeel, will be one of the keynote speakers.

• God of light, use the voices coming from Palestinians and their allies to reveal evil where it is hidden, educate where there are lies and misinformation, and speak life in times of death. Let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul, “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6).

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Israel confirmed last week that its troops are pumping seawater into a network of tunnels in Gaza, a method, environmentalists say violates international law and cause dire long-term environmental consequences in Gaza. This raises questions about Israel’s plans to rescue the Israeli captives and adds to the lasting devastation of Gaza.

• Divine creator, Israel’s disregard for the consequences of their actions reveals their twisted intention. Your children and creation are victims to the sin of Israel’s military actions. Help us steward your good creation by resisting the sin of oppression and working for the redemption of all forms of life, human and ecological.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer 

On the 4^th of February, Ibrahim Hashash, aged 4, was mauled by an Israeli military dog during an arrest operation in Balata refugee camp in Nablus. The dog was unleashed into the Hashash family’s home, viciously attacking Ibrahim, biting him repeatedly and leaving him severely injured.    

• God of protection, we pray for young Ibrahim Hashash as he is recovering in the hospital. Heal the wounds he sustained from the teeth of the Israeli occupation. Lord, save us from the brutality of colonialism as it bites all, young and old. Help us speak and act prophetically against the evil we see and bear witness to your love.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Last week, a convoy of lorries waiting to bring food into the Gaza Strip was struck by Israeli fire, according to UNRWA director Thomas White. Moreover, OCHA reported that 66 percent of planned humanitarian missions to distribute food, water, or medical support were denied by Israeli authorities in January.

• Good God, we hold on to our faith that you hear the cries of the oppressed and see the evil actions of the oppressor. We pray that all in need in Gaza will receive their daily bread through the lorries carrying aid and the end of their oppression. We call all those perpetrating and enabling injustice to, “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

The 14^th of February marks for many Christians worldwide Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday symbolizes the first day of Lent and is traditionally observed with fasting and abstinence from meat and other animal products. Ash Wednesday derives its name from this practice, in which placement of ashes on the forehead is accompanied by the words, “for dust you are and to dust you will return.” Lent is a period of lament which ends with the great celebration of Easter.

• Crucfied Christ, in this season of fasting and lament we are reminded of our mortality more than ever. As we fast, let us remember those starving in Gaza. As we place ashes on our foreheads, let us remember the Palestinians turned into dust by bombs. Lord, help us understand the message of Ash Wednesday which encourages not to be despaired from death, but to await the death of despair and suffering.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer