Since the 7^th of October, the situation continues to worsen in Gaza. Israel’s intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip, one of the world’s most densely populated areas, has caused the reported deaths of over 11,000 Palestinians, including more than 4,000 children as of the 13^th of November. Thousands are trapped under the rubble. Unfortunately, the death continues with every hour. With the restriction of water, food, medical supplies, fuel, electricity, and the displacement of over one million people, Gaza is facing an unprecedented health crisis that risks outbreak of deadly infectious diseases. Meanwhile, the 240 Israeli hostages remain in captivity in Gaza and their security is becoming more and more uncertain. 

• Divine Creator, as we lament all loss of life, we plead for you to send manna to the hungry and multiply their food as Christ did to feed the 5000. Lord, quinch the thirst of all who are searching for water and justice. May our prayers ascend to the heavens like incense. Have mercy and protection on all who are suffering, particularly those vulnerable in Gaza. How much longer shall this suffering continue, O Lord?  

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

On the 31st of October, Sabeel organised a women’s Bible study at Terra Sanctae Parish centre in Beit Hanina. This time offered a space to gather collectively, provided an outlet for the suffering and the pain of the current situation in Palestine-Israel and a chance to wrestle with faith-based questions. The mere act of coming together for prayer and reflection helps in communally supporting one another in times of distress.

• Resurrected Christ, we remember that you said where two or three gather in your name, you will be with them. We hold to our faith that you were amongst the women in the Bible Study organised by Sabeel. We thank you for this opportunity to gather and reflect on your loving heart for creation. We hope that these meetings will help foster a faith that is steadfast like the olive tree.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer 

Since the 7^th of October, hundreds of thousands of protestors around the world are calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. These voices come from a mosaic of identities, expressing global concern for all human life in Palestine-Israel. The call for a ceasefire is intended to allow lifesaving humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, ensure the safety of the Israeli hostages in Gaza, and to end the loss of civilian life. 

• God of peace, we thank you for all the voices, petitions, and protests calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. These voices witness to your love for all people who are suffering. Each day that passes without a ceasefire, more innocent lives are lost, and the likelihood that prisoners and hostages will be safely released becomes more uncertain.  We come before you, God, asking for you to intervene for an immediate ceasefire.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer    

Since the 7^th of October, Israeli military and settler violence is soaring in the West Bank, particularly in vulnerable communities in Area C. More than 132 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed, some communities in Area C have been displaced due to increased settler violence. Leaflets have been distributed by settlers warning Palestinians in the West Bank of a forthcoming Nakba. Videos are emerging on social media of Palestinian detainees from the West Bank being tortured and mocked by Israeli soldiers.

• God of refuge, as we are overwhelmed by the horrific situation in Gaza, let us not be blind to the evil actions occurring in the West Bank. We are one people who are suffering from the same matrix of coloniality. We lament the lives lost in the West Bank and ask your provision for those displaced from their homes, those under constant threat, and those tortured and abused. we know that the “Lord maintains the cause of the needy, and executes justice for the poor…”

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

On the 1^st of November, many in the Western Church celebrated “All Saints Day” commemorating all the saints and martyrs of the church, known and unknown. The following day commemorates all the faithful who have departed from this earth known as “All Souls Day”. These days provide an opportunity to remember the spiritual connection between the living and those who have passed on.

• God of life, we come from a land which has been, and is being, drenched in the blood of the martyrs and saints, known and unknown. We are currently witnessing your saints in Gaza who are doctors, journalists, and rescue teams attempting to save lives and give a voice to the voiceless. We also behold the thousands of martyrs who bear witness through their deaths to the injustices of this world. O Lord, we ask ourselves: what are we doing to stop their crucifixion? We hold on to our faith that the day of resurrection redeems all suffering and liberates the oppressed.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Since the 7th of October, Israeli forces have intensified their nightly raids of Palestinian homes, villages and cities in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. There have been more than 1,800 arrests. Palestinian detainees endure harsh treatment and are held in poor conditions in Israeli prisons. Moreover, more than 200 Israeli hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, some of whom are elderly and children. 

• God of the captives, you were imprisoned and know what it is like to be held captive. We pray for all those wrongfully imprisoned and captured as a method of warfare. In moments of despair, may they know your compassion, in times of distress, may they know your peace. Lord, we pray for the safety of all wrongly incarcerated Palestinian prisoners and the Israeli hostages in Gaza. By your power we pray for their immediate release and safe return home. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer    

It has now been over a month since the beginning of this period of suffering and misery. The situation in Gaza is indescribable. The death toll continues to rise. Stories that manage to be written or scenes captured on camera seem as though they are from a horror film. One tragic story is the tragic bombing of Jabalia refugee camp which killed many people. Along with the 22,000 injured, and the collapse of nearly all services in Gaza, there are thousands of missing people, including more than 1,200 missing children buried under the rubble. Journalists operating in Gaza describe the situation as “Hell on Earth”. 

• Holy God, for more than 75 years we have been hurting and experiencing perpetual trauma. The current events in Gaza lead us to the same question of the prophet Jeremiah: “Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable?”. As missiles and white phosphorus rain down from the skies on Gaza, killing all indiscriminately, we ask you O Lord, to show your compassion and mercy for the oppressed. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Next week, Kumi Now will focus on Islamophobia and anti-Muslim discrimination. In recent times, there has been an alarming increase in hate crimes targeting Muslims, accompanied by efforts within Western media to unjustly associate all Muslims with violence. This Islamophobia is used in propaganda efforts, perpetuating violent, and racist depictions of Palestinians. 

• God of inclusivity, as we witness a rise of Islamophobia, especially in the media, we pray for the courage to challenge all hate crimes, unjust associations, and racist colonial depictions against and of Muslims. Lord, may we be witnesses to your love for all people by lifting a prophetic voice and resisting nonviolently against Islamophobia through our actions.    

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

November 2nd marks the 106th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. This declaration, expressed British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine without considering the rights of the native population. It is widely recognized as a significant factor that set the stage for the forced displacement of Palestinians.  Foreign interference, spanning from that time until today, has consistently hindered the pursuit of justice and peace for everyone in the Palestine-Israel.

• God who advocates for the oppressed, generations of Palestinians have witnessed how the West facilitates their oppression. This is being observed today as the West is assisting in the continuation of suffering of all in Palestine-Israel, particularly the people of Gaza. Lord, we come before you to advocate for those who are in the margins and judge the powers which perpetuate inequality and oppression.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer.     

Since the 7^th of October, the response of the Western Church has disappointed the Palestinian people. Some Churches have provided theological justification for the bloodshed while others remain silent. Only a few have spoken out on the side of justice and mercy. In response, Palestinian Christians issued an open letter calling Western Churches to repent and, “Learn to do right; seek justice; defend the oppressed.” 

• God of love, we believe that justice is love made public. The Global Church must do more to be a witness of Christ, to be salt of the earth, a shining light in the darkness. Any theology which promotes oppression should be challenged. Likewise, any lukewarm stance must be reformed and repented of. We thank you Lord, for the Churches who are standing for what is right, witnessing to your heart for the oppressed.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer