Last week, a report by the Watson Institution for International and Public Affairs revealed that since 7th October 2023, the United States spent over $22.76 billion dollars in taxpayer money on military aid to Israel and related U.S. operations in the Middle East. This figure does not include commitments to future spending that were made this year. 

God of Life, in a world that invests in so much in violence, we look towards your example through your Son Jesus Christ, who taught us that to be faithful to you is to always honor the sanctity of life. Holy Spirit, remind us of Christ’s call to be peacemakers, to turn swords into plowshares, and to choose compassion over conflict. In a time where so much is spent on destruction, we pray that the hearts of leaders may be transformed, choosing to invest in life, in peace, and in justice. May we, as your people, be instruments of your peace, standing against the systems of violence and bearing witness to the life-giving power of love. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Israel conducted an airstrike on the Tulkarem Camp in the West Bank, which was the largest and deadliest air strike in the West Bank in over 20 years. At least 16 people were killed. Many fear that Israel’s tactics in Gaza are now being applied to the West Bank, Lebanon, and beyond. 

God of Compassion, we witness in horror as violence continues to spread across the region and beyond. We hold the people in Tulkarem Camp in our hearts, and we pray for their protection. May your healing presence be felt in their grief, and may they find strength in each other. We ask that the cycle of violence cease and that all who commit war crimes be held accountable for their evil deeds.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israeli settlers launched attacks that targeted Palestinians, their property and a mosque in the West Bank. The assaults occurred in Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. These attacked injured at least 11 Palestinians, including a child. Since October 2023, incidents of settler violence–averaging 4 per day according to the United Nations–have resulted in the displacement of 28 Bedouin communities and the deaths of 19 Palestinians throughout the West Bank. 

Gracious God, we come before you in grief and anger over the continued violence inflicted upon Palestinians, Bedouins, and all marginalized communities in the West Bank. We pray for the injured and for all those traumatized by these brutal acts. We ask for justice to prevail, and for the hearts of those who perpetrate violence be transformed. We hold the displaced Bedouin communities, and the lives lost in our hearts, and we ask for your protection over them. May the Israeli military occupation come to an end and faith be restored in international law and human rights.  

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israeli forces ordered the evacuation of patients from Kamal Adwan, Indonesian, and al-Awda hospitals in a renewed ground invasion into North Gaza. Patients, healthcare workers, and families taking shelter were forced to leave with nowhere to go, with many vulnerable patients and injured in the ICU who were unable to evacuate. In addition, thousands of people trapped in the Jabalia and Beit Lahia camps are suffering from a near-total shortage of food supplies due to a blockage by Israel and continuous bombings. Eyewitnesses able to escape to Gaza City report dead bodies lying on the street, hundreds under the rubble, and the blocking of ambulances and other methods of victim support. 

God of Mercy, the horrors in Gaza worsen each week. The scenes of death are beyond anything we can fathom, and we are overwhelmed with grief and despair. We ask you to protect the families of North Gaza as they endure unimaginable suffering. We ask for your provision in their time of need and for this violence to cease.  Strengthen us in our courage and in our numbers to escalate our voices for Gaza and all people suffering under oppression. Lord may your light shine amidst darkness.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

To mark one year since October 7th, many Friends of Sabeel groups around the world attended or organized vigils, protests, and events. Friends of Sabeel North America and Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, for example, organized an event with Ilan Pappe on Christian Zionism and the Israel Lobby. Others on October 5th gathered in their cities to march and protest for justice. 

Divine One, in the midst of so much suffering, we hear the cries of justice echo in every part of the earth. We know your presence is everywhere, bringing light to those dwelling in darkness. Continue being with the protestors, activists, civil society organizations, and people of conscience as they work towards peace and justice.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

This month, Sabeel Jerusalem will welcome two delegations, one for black faith leaders and one on “harvesting hope.”  While here, the delegations will visit communities facing settler violence, house demolitions, political incarceration, and military occupation. In the past few months, these delegations have cultivated hope for many of our people in East Jerusalem and beyond. Despite the circumstances, Sabeel is committed to continuing our witness and advocacy.  

Holy God, we thank you for the chance to bear witness. In times of despair, we still see signs of your love everywhere. Holy Spirit, continue making Sabeel an instrument of your peace. Bless and protect the staff, members, and friends of Sabeel so that we may serve as examples for the world. Move our hearts, our minds, and our bodies, so that we may serve where we are most needed. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israeli forces demolished a makeshift church built by the Qaisiya family on their land in the Al Makhrour area, which had been stolen by settlers weeks earlier. The family, with the support of Palestinian, Israeli and international peace activists, had constructed the wooden church as a symbol of resistance and faith, hosting prayers in solidarity with their ongoing struggle. Israeli forces also demolished other cottages in Al Makhrour. 

Heavenly Protector, we pray for the Qaisiya family and all those affected by the destruction in Al Makhrour. We pray they be filled with continued courage and resilience to prevail, knowing that your presence is with them even in the midst of overwhelming violence and occupation. May their faith be a beacon of hope, and may they be surrounded by the support of their community and the global Christian family. Lord, we ask for justice to prevail, for the land to be restored to its rightful owners, and for the settlers to turn from their path of harm.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, as part of their ongoing assault on Palestinian neighborhoods, Israeli forces stormed the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem and raided dozens of shops. The army was accompanied by inspectors from the Israeli-run Jerusalem Municipality’s departments of taxes who inspected the stores’ licenses and vandalized several of them. They also hung demolition notices on a number of facilities. 

Loving God, we pray for our brothers and sisters in East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank who are facing not only the destruction of their homes and livelihoods but also the constant threat to their very existence. In the face of this aggression, where families cannot even grieve for their loved ones lost in Gaza, we ask for your strength, comfort, and justice. Holy Spirit, tend to those who are suffering, those who are weary, and those whose hope feels lost. May your peace, which transcends all understanding, touch all hearts, including those of the oppressors.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israel committed more massacres in Gaza. Among the massacres was the Al-Amal Centre for Orphans, which provided shelter to thousands of displaced people from various parts of Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip. Many children were killed. Gaza’s Government Media Office also revealed that 902 families have been wiped off the civil registry and that in 1,364 cases, only one family member survived. 

God of Mercy, after a year filled with endless massacres, our people continue to endure unimaginable pain. We are overwhelmed by the tragic revelation that over 902 families have been wiped from existence, while the world remains silent. Lord, we hold each and every family in our hearts, lifting them to you in prayer. May they find peace in your eternal embrace, and may their memories fuel the strength of the living to seek justice and healing. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

This week marks one year of unprecedented violence across the region, with the number of casualties reaching record highs. Human rights continue to be violated, international law is disregarded, and world leaders appear either incompetent or complicit. The Middle East seems to be heading toward a regional war, with no signs of hope. There is widespread bloodshed and violence, and little hope for a ceasefire. 

Gracious God, in a broken world tethering on the edge of despair and darkness, we find redemption in your holy name. Despite the destruction around us, we hold steadfast to the example of Christ the liberator, who stood un-moving at the face of empire. Instill in us that same spirit, so that our collective strength will rise above the forces of war and destruction. Liberate the hearts and minds of those captive to the violent theology of empire and bring them closer to your grace and goodness.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer