Last week, the Israeli Knesset on 6 November voted for a collective punishment law that allows authorities to deport family members of Palestinians who carry out armed operations against Israelis to the Gaza Strip and “other locations.” Parents, siblings, children, and spouses would be targeted by the law. They can also be deported on the basis of expressing “support or sympathy” for the act of “terrorism” committed or for publishing “praise, admiration, or encouragement.”  

God of Justice and Compassion, we cry out for those in the Holy Land facing unjust laws and relentless oppression. We grieve for families torn from their homes and exiled. We see mothers, fathers, children stripped of their rights, their dignity trampled, and we lament for a system that punishes them for who they are. Holy Spirit, awaken the world to the suffering of those crushed beneath the weight of occupation and unjust systems. May your light shine into the darkest halls of power, and may your love bring freedom to the oppressed and courage to the persecuted.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Qatar suspended its mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza until the parties “show their willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war and the ongoing suffering of civilians.” Over the last few months, there has been evidence indicating Netanyahu’s plans of thwarting any ceasefire agreement, and due to the impasse of talks, a top member of Israel’s negotiating team for the release of the hostages had already resigned.  

God of Peace, with no ceasefire in sight, we live in fear of this situation of instability and the spreading of violence across the region. In a world where belief in international law and human rights has been shattered, we ask you to bring light and healing to us. Lord, bring willingness and urgency to those in power to end the suffering of civilians and pursue a vision of human rights. Renew the spirit of all who seek accountability, and soften all hearts that peace may prevail and suffering may end.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israel sentenced 70-year-old Sheikh Jamal Mustafa, an imam of a mosque in the al-Issawiya neighborhood of Jerusalem, to three years in prison for “incitement to terrorism.” Israeli authorities have also imprisoned two other imams in Jerusalem on similar charges. Unfortunately, the crackdown on religious figures in the region is nothing new. In August, the Israeli occupation banned Grand Mufti and preacher of the al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, from entering Al Aqsa for six months. Sheikh Sabri was arrested the same month after Israeli forces raided his home in the al-Sawana neighborhood of East Jerusalem. He was later released. 

God of Freedom, protect those who worship amid fear, and grant courage to those barred from sacred spaces. Soften the hearts of those in power, that they may choose mercy over oppression. Bring peace to every street and let justice flow through the land. May all worship in freedom and safety, and may peace and dignity be restored to all.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, the Palestinian Environment Quality Authority stated that the Israeli forces have dropped more than 85,000 tons of bombs on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, surpassing the amount dropped during World War II. The Authority added in a statement that “the ongoing Israeli shelling of the Gaza Strip has led to the destruction of vast areas of agricultural land and the contamination of soil with toxic chemicals that will hinder farming for decades.”  

Creator of the Earth, we grieve for the people of Gaza which have borne the weight of violence, and for the generations to come who may never know the land as it was. Lord, we lift up those who have cared for and loved this land for centuries, who are now left without the means to plant, to grow, or to reap. We pray for the families who relied on the soil for their sustenance, for the children who will be denied its harvest, and for all whose heritage and hopes are bound to this earth. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, amid U.S. presidential elections, Israel officially confirmed that Palestinians will not be allowed to return to homes in northern Gaza, an area that still has hundreds of thousands of civilians unable or unwilling to follow evacuation orders.  For over a month, the Israeli Occupation Forces -IOF has obstructed most humanitarian aid and medical assistance, allowing widespread famine and diseases to spread while it continues indiscriminate bombing campaigns.  

Loving God, we lack the words to fully describe the continued suffering of the people of Gaza, who like the Psalmist, face death all day long. (Psalm 44:22) Amid famine, disease, and genocide, we know you can hear the cries of your people under the rubble of homes, from hospitals struggling to care for the wounded and sick, and from families who know not where to turn for safety. We ask you to intervene for the people of Gaza and be their shield against these unimaginable acts of violence. Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with the depths of your justice and awaken the hearts of the international community that we may end the violence that has robbed people of their lives and dignity.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, a coalition of Black faith leaders from across the United States held a press conference to share firsthand accounts following their FOSNA/Sabeel delegation visit to Palestine. Drawing on their historical fight against Jim Crow and racialized oppression, they speak to the parallels between these struggles and the racialized discrimination against Palestinians in a system of Jewish supremacy. The video is available to watch using this link. 

God of Solidarity, we thank you for the voices that speak out against oppression and stand in unity with those who suffer. Bless these leaders and all who work to bridge divides with courage and empathy. May their witness inspire change and lead to a future where liberation belongs to all. Holy Spirit, we ask you to continue protecting the entire Sabeel community and to lead our hearts and minds so we can serve where we are most needed. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, South Africa submitted over 700 pages documents of to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) offering “undeniable evidence” of acts of genocide committed in Gaza by the Israeli army and statements by authorities that carry genocidal intent. The evidence will show that undergirding Israel’s genocidal acts is the special intent to commit genocide, a failure by Israel to prevent incitement to genocide, to prevent genocide itself and its failure to punish those inciting and committing acts of genocide. 

God of Truth, we pray for wisdom and strength for those seeking justice on behalf of the suffering. Guide the hearts and minds of those in power, that they may see clearly and act with fairness and compassion. May the truth bring healing, accountability, and the seeds of peace. We pray for an end to acts of harm and for a world that values each life. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israeli forces arrested at least 10 Palestinians on Tuesday during dawn and morning raids across various provinces, including Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Jerusalem. The arrests have been characterized by widespread raids and violent treatment of detainees, including severe beatings and threats against both the arrested individuals and their families, along with destruction of property. Since October 2023, the total number of Palestinians detained by Israel in the West Bank has surpassed 11,500 with thousands held with no charge or trial.  

Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We seek comfort in you as we pray for those kidnapped, detained, and abused. Holy Spirit, console the thousands of current detainees and console them and their families. Holy God, we ask you to break the bonds of violence and occupation and to let your love be known even in the depths of suffering. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week was filled with non-stop massacres and carpet bombing in North Gaza. In one strike in Beith Lahiya alone, at least 93 Palestinians were killed or missing and dozens wounded. Meanwhile, Israeli troops raided Kamal Adwan hospital and assaulted patients and medical staff after bombing cuts oxygen supplies to vulnerable children. The people of North Gaza have received little to no aid, medicine, food and fuel since the blockade on the north began at the beginning of October. 

God of Justice, in witnessing such death and violence on the innocent, we cry out with the Psalmist: “O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; and they say, ‘The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.’” (Psalm 94:3,6-7) Hear the cries of those in North Gaza, Lord, whose suffering is immense and whose pain goes unseen by many. Strengthen them in their despair and hold them close in their vulnerability. Let your justice shine forth so that no cry of the oppressed nor deed of the wrong doers goes unanswered. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israel’s parliament voted to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). UNRWA has for decades provided important services for Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank including East Jerusalem in addition to neighbouring Arab Countries.. The ban is expected to severely restrict UNRWA from operating to serve Palestinian refugees.

God of Refuge, we know you are present with the displaced and see the suffering of all. We thus come before you in sorrow as we witness mounting challenges and hardships facing those who have lost both home and homeland. Hear the voices of the Palestinian refugees who yearn for stability, who desire safety, who long for a future free from fear. We ask you to intervene for the protection of all UNRWA workers and the people they serve. We pray for a softening of hearts among those in power who make decisions affecting countless lives, the end to occupation, and the respect of international law. Lord, transform structures of oppression, and dismantle barriers to justice.  

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer