Last week, in Beit Jala near Bethlehem, Palestinian, ISraeli and international activists were violently attacked by the Israeli military during a demonstration against the current confiscation of land belonging to the Kissieh family, whose land is part of Bethlehem’s last green and open space area and a UNESCO World Heritage site. On July 31st, 2024, a group of Israeli settlers, accompanied by the Israeli Civil Administration, attacked and forcefully evicted the Kissieh family, a Palestinian Christian family from Beit Jala, from their land at Al-Makhrour Valley, located to the northeast of Beit Jala. The owner of the land called the Israeli police to help him confront this attack. However, when the police arrived, they arrested his son, and forced the family to vacate their land, while allowing the Israeli settlers to remain in the land, without any “legal” claims, or eviction notices issued prior to this attack. The Kissieh family continues to confront the military and settlers. 

O God of the oppressed, we bring before you the Kissieh family and the people of Beit Jala, who face injustice and violence on their own land. As they endure these attacks, strengthen their resolve and grant them courage in the face of oppression. 
We ask for your protection over Bethlehem’s last green space and the heritage it represents. May justice prevail and may those who seek to dispossess others be moved to repentance. Guide us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed, to seek accountability of the oppressors, and to uphold the dignity of every human being. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer. 

Last week, during the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’av, settlers stormed the Palestinian village of Tuwani with the protection of the army so that they could pray at the site of an ancient shul located in the village. The process included forcing the residents of Tuwani to stay in their homes with soldiers stationing themselves on people’s roofs. 

Similarly, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israeli National Security Minister Ben-Givr and Knesset member Yitzhak Wasserlauf led more than 1,800 Israelis to the Al-Aqsa Mosque grounds under the protection of Israeli police. Right wing Israelis in both cases enjoyed protection from the state while harassing Palestinians and chanting provocative songs.  

O God of justice, we lift our hearts to you for the people of Tuwani and Jerusalem. As they face fear and oppression, grant them courage and protection. We pray for an end to the violence and the Israeli military occupation.  
Empower us to stand for justice, to speak truth, and to love beyond barriers. Soften the hearts of those who oppress, that they may turn from violence and repent of their sins. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer. 

Israel has detained thousands of Palestinians during the Gaza war and is now facing accusations of torture in a new UN report. Additionally, B’tselem has released a report titled “Welcome to Hell: The Israeli Prison System as a Network of Torture Camps.” Recently, Israeli military police arrested nine reservists at the Sde Teiman detention centre for prisoner abuses, including rape. Far-right protesters, encouraged by Israeli ministers, broke into two army bases demanding their release. This incident has ignited a disturbing discussion among some Israeli politicians about the use of rape against Palestinian detainees. 

Holy God, the news about the torture, abuse and rape of Palestinian detainees, disturbs us to our core. We cannot comprehend how hateful people can be but are assured that your judgement will be true. Lord, let the world know the evilness experienced to Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, be with the victims of cruelty and heal the wounds of your children. Transform brokenness into wholeness. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer  

On August 15th, many Christians around the world will celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin. This joyous occasion is filled with reverence, thanksgiving, and reflection on Mary’s profound role as a prophet and her special relationship with Christ. Patriarch Luigi Barlassina (1920-1947) was the first to invoke the title “Queen of Palestine” for Mary. 

God of love, we remember how Mary gave birth in Bethlehem, fled to Egypt passing through Gaza, a key witness to Christ’s crucifixion in Jerusalem, and a significant Apostle during the early Church. Lord, like of the days of Mary, there is so much darkness, death and uncertainty. Help us be faithful like Mary proclaiming that God “has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty” (Luke 1:52-53).   

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer 

Last week, Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy has issued a new plea to end the war in Gaza which he warns has brough the region to the “brink of a war of unknown propositions”. Borrell’s comments stem after the Israeli assassination of several high-level Hamas and Hezbollah leaders last week.  

● Prince of peace, we repent if we ever thought we had total control over our lives and the lives of others. As uncertainty is held among us in Palestine, anxious about tomorrow, unable to mourn the suffering of yesterday, and struggling in our present, we remember that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Lord, although we yearn for a ceasefire in both mind, spirit, and body, remind us that no matter the events are to come, we are to follow you and be witnesses.  

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

Last week, Israeli forces carried deadly raids across the West Bank. In the Jenin refugee camp, at least 5 Palestinians have been killed, including an 18-year-old and in Tubas four Palestinians have been killed. Several reports claim that the Israeli military are blocking ambulances from treating Palestinians who were injured in the raids. Since October 7th, at least 612 Palestinians have been killed, including 145 children and 11 women.  

Emmanuel, you were incarnated in Bethlehem later to be arrested and killed by the empire. We hold on to our faith that you did not only suffer like many Palestinians, but you are currently co-suffering with all those oppressed. Lord, illuminate to the world the causes, systems, and policies that are responsible to the injustice in the West Bank. Let compassion defuse all hatred.  

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer 

Last week, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, following his remarks suggesting that it might be justified and moral to starve Palestinians in Gaza. Smotrich also acknowledged that Israel is allowing limited aid into Gaza, attributing the decision to international pressure. 

● God of the starving, you know what it is like to be hungry (Mark 11:12) and you have fed the starving crowds (Matthew14:13-21). Lord, feed your children who have no food, and provide them your daily bread. We remember how you were recognised by your disciples when you “broke the bread” (Luke 24:35), and we long to see you when you break the bread with your children in Gaza. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer  

Last week, Israel bombed another school-turned-shelter in Gaza during a time of prayer. Reports from Gaza indicate that over 100 Palestinians were killed in the attack, with many more injured. Eyewitnesses have described the bombing as one of the most horrific massacres since October 7th. Paramedics reported that it was nearly impossible to find a single intact body, with remains scattered across the school. Families were left to receive their loved ones in plastic bags. 

● Crucified Messiah, every time we blink another massacre occurs. Schools, hospitals, safe-zones, and refugee camps are all targeted one by one. Lord, as we struggle to find words and for many, we have no more tears, we simply utter the words of the Psalmist: “Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy” (Psalm 130:1-2). Redeem this broken world. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer 

Last week, the Archbishop of Canterbury called on governments to honor the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice concerning Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He emphasized that, having visited Palestinian Christian communities numerous times over the past decades, it is evident to him that the policies enforced by successive Israeli governments in the Occupied Palestinian Territories constitute systemic discrimination. 

God of truth, whilst most of our faith leaders of the world have failed the Palestinian people and some are changing their stance after only 10 months of devastation in our land, we see progress. Despite this progress, it is not enough. Lord, give wisdom to our churches and leaders to recognize that they must fear God and do justice, rather than fear losing their institutional lives and compromise their vocation of standing with the oppressed.  

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer  

Last week, Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran. Additionally, the Israeli military claims to have killed a senior Hezbollah commander in a strike on Beirut. These assassinations have halted ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas and escalated the conflict towards an all-out regional war. Iran and other militia groups have vowed to retaliate. 

□ Prince of Peace, we have been praying for a ceasefire for many months, and now, more than ever, that possibility seems distant. Lord, amidst our lament, anxiety, and suffering, we pray that we remain faithful in love, even when it is costly. Though it feels like our efforts are in vain, we remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer