Category: Wave of Prayers

Wave of prayer

Wave of Prayers
Last week, Israeli forces stormed Birzeit University, using live ammunition and teargas at students and teachers and trapping at least 8,000 students inside.  Over forty people, mostly students, were injured. The raid came after students organized a solidarity event for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention. Education throughout Palestine has been facing increased repression and attacks, with Birzeit University being one of the most targeted. More than 150 Birzeit University students are currently held in Israeli prisons, while the campus continues to face repeated military raids.
Holy God, although the powers of empire may kill, imprison, assault, and silence, we declare that you are sovereign and that your righteousness and love for humanity conquers all. We pray for the students of Birzeit and all students and educators who bear witness to injustice. Hold all partakers and enablers of injustice accountable. Help us to build a world where everyone has the right to learn in dignity and freedom.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza, bombing a tent in Khan Yunis. While the military said it was targeting an “imminent threat,” the airstrikes killed a 5-year-old girl and her uncle and wounded two other children. The death toll from the airstrikes was at least 7 people.
Loving God, we put our faith that you dwell with all who are targeted by weapons and bombs. Lord, our shelter in the storm, hear the cries of the oppressed suffering from the cold, from massacres, and from aid blockades. Lord, help us to remember the oppressed and bear witness to their loss.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Many communities are suffering state and military violence throughout the world, from the United States to the United Kingdom to Palestine to Iran to Lebanon to Venezuela. International law continues to be ignored and discarded, with the United States recently dropping from several international bodies, including UNESCO, the WHO, the UN Human Rights Council, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Holy God, in the face of militaries and states who legitimize themselves through violence, we declare that you are the Prince of Peace. Have mercy on the powerful who dehumanize themselves through their cruelty. Until the day all is restored, help us to reclaim sanctity and holiness through ending oppression in all its forms and standing in solidarity with the marginalized.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
The Israeli Knesset gave final approval to legislation that will cut electricity and water supplies to the offices of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Jerusalem, with the law entering into force immediately. UNRWA provides services to more than 110,000 refugees in Jerusalem alone. The attacks on UNRWA will thus continue to have devastating effects on communities already marginalized. UNRWA and UN officials condemned Israel’s decision, noting it as a violation of the UN Charter, international law, and international norms and agreements.
Good God, protect all the people of this land as they face more uncertainty and oppression.  We feel unable to do anything in the face of an empire that discards all the pretenses of human rights and international law. Answer our feeling of powerlessness with the courage of the Holy Spirit which reminds us that if only we have “faith the size of a mustard seed,” we can do much. (Matthew 17:20) Help us be better witnesses to the many refugees who suffer displacement and neglect.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Christmas season in Palestine and Israel continues, with Orthodox Christians celebrating last week on 7 January. On the 19th of January, Armenians in Jerusalem will celebrate Christmas. While Armenians around the world celebrate Christmas on 6th of January, Armenians in the Holy Land are the only group to mark the holiday on the 18th and 19th of the month, according to the Julian calendar.  As the Armenian community in Jerusalem celebrates Christmas, efforts to defend and preserve their land in the Old City continue through Save the ArQ.
Emmanuel, the third Christmas in Palestine bears witness to the diversity of your church and the beautiful mosaic of Jerusalem. We pray for a revolutionary and hopeful Christmas to our Armenian siblings. As we welcome your incarnation in our midst, we ask that you provide the community with continued steadfastness, hope, and courage to pursue peace in the Holy Land and beyond.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Both Jewish Israeli and Palestinian activists recently marched together in Jerusalem, to protest the Israeli government’s neglect of organized crime-related violence in Israel’s Palestinian-majority cities. Since the start of this year, 16 people have been killed in organized crime-related violence in Palestinian towns and cities, including most recently a 15-year-old boy by gunfire in Nazareth. The situation is spiraling due to years of neglect, racism, and inaction by the Israeli government, leaving Palestinian citizens of Israel without adequate policing, resources, or protection.
Loving God, in times when the injustices feel great and overwhelming, you remind us that our collective pursuit for freedom is greater than fear. We worship you whenever we work together to restore dignity to the oppressed and victims of violence. Strengthen us to build and sustain this movement until justice belongs to all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers

Wave of prayer

Wave of Prayers

Israel recently suspended 37 humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and CARE, from operating in Gaza for failing to comply with its new registration rules. These rules included disqualifying organizations that have called for boycotts against Israel or expressed support for any of the international court cases against Israeli soldiers or leaders. Organizations were also disqualified for refusing to disclose detailed information on their Palestinian staff in fear of their safety. The United Nations and many aid groups denounced this crackdown, warning that it would only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

God of mercy and justice, we pray for all humanitarian workers who choose compassion in times of war. Protect those who heal, feed, and shelter the suffering, and guard the dignity of the people they serve. Where aid is blocked and fear is used as control, let justice and mercy prevail.  Strengthen those who speak truth, soften the hearts of those in power, and let life overcome cruelty.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, amid the rubble of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, a cohort of 168 Palestinian doctors, received their advanced medical certifications in a graduation ceremony symbolizing their resilience and determination for life. The graduates had studied and sat for examinations while working nonstop inside Gaza’s hospitals for over two years, with many being injured, arrested, or having family members killed. The ceremony included empty chairs displaying photographs of healthcare workers killed during the war.

Holy God, we give thanks to the doctors and healthcare workers of Gaza who teach us how to love. Be with them and protect them and their families as they work tirelessly to rebuild. May their example ignite in us a determination to show life and hope to others.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

News of settler violence in the West Bank continues to be constant and horrific. Near Bethlehem, Illegal Israeli settlers, backed by army forces, injured at least 15 Palestinians and stormed a mosque. In a village near Hebron, the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission reported that settlers killed three sheep and injured four more, smashed a door and a window of the home, and fired tear gas inside, sending three Palestinian children under the age of 4 to the hospital. Injuries, deaths, and property damage are becoming a daily and frequent reality.

Good God, we come before you grieving this news. We remember that “in arrogance the wicked persecute the poor— let them be caught in the schemes they have devised.” (Psalm 10:1-2) In the face of injustice, we declare you are a just and righteous God who sees all evil deeds and will deliver us from our oppression. As we pray to you in lament, we ask you to be with the displaced and suffering. Help us to be better witnesses to the injustices occurring in the West Bank.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, 201 Jewish extremists stormed the Al Aqsa mosque compound in morning and evening incursions. Israeli police and soldiers accompanied the intruders offering them protection. Under the status quo, non-Muslims may visit the site in coordination with Mosque authorities but not allowed to perform religious practices. Therefore, actions by Israeli officials to illegally storm the site are an attempt to provoke Palestinians and cause fear among them that Israel intends to take over the site.

God of justice and peace, we pray that places of worship may never be used to justify theft, domination, or oppression. Guard holy sites from provocation and violence, and protect all who seek to pray without fear. Teach us to honor one another across faiths, to respect the law and international law, and to uphold the dignity of every people.
Let love overcome hatred, restraint replace provocation, and peace prevail over power.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Sabeel’s first online Thursday Service for 2026 begins on 8th January at 6 PM Palestine time featuring Rev. Don Wagner. Those interested in attending the weekly services can register at tinyurl.com/sabeelworship. Playbacks of Thursday Services can be found weekly on Sabeel’s newsletter, at tinyurl.com/sabeelnewsletter. 

 

God of light, we thank you for the unity of our movement, functioning as one body with many parts. We pray for the wisdom of your Holy Spirit as we meet weekly to discern your Gospel and humbly make sense of it in the face of empire’s oppression today. Through our discussions and bible studies, strengthen us to be active agents of your liberation and love.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers

DOwnload WOP PDF 8-1-2026

Wave of prayer

Wave of Prayers
Mohammed Bakri, a beloved and renowned Palestinian actor and filmmaker, died last week at age 72. Mohammed Bakri was one of the most influential voices in Palestinian cinema; he appeared in more than 40 films and directed several documentaries directly challenging Israeli narratives and showcasing Palestinian voices to the world. During his life and career, he faced legal battles over censorship, with Israel banning the documentary Jenin. He is survived by his immediate family, including his children Saleh, Ziad, Adam, Yafa, and Mahmood who followed him into cinema.
Good God, we pray for the family and friends of Mohammed Bakri. Grant peace and comfort for his family as they grieve his loss. We give gratitude for his legacy of nonviolent, creative resistance. Help us so that in our own acts of creative nonviolent resistance, we do your will on earth.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Pope Leo XIV celebrated the first Christmas since his election by denouncing the suffering of Gaza and by calling for peace in Ukraine. In his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” address, he urged the faithful to embody the solidarity of God’s incarnation: “In becoming man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of us: with those who have nothing left and have lost everything, like the inhabitants of Gaza; with those who are prey to hunger and poverty, like the Yemeni people; with those who are fleeing their homeland to seek a future elsewhere, like the many refugees and migrants who cross the Mediterranean or traverse the American continent.”
Emmanuel, we thank you for the many prophetic voices within the Church that remind us that faith belongs to you and must be lived personally and communally for the liberation of the world. Help us to welcome the incarnation of your Love in our midst, so that we may be revolutionary embodiments of your hope in every place that is yearning for justice. In the face of worldwide suffering, we pray for peace, truth, and justice.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Children in Gaza are dying from the harsh winter and storms. Last week, infant Aisha al Qassas died from the cold. So far, at least 16 Palestinians have died due to heavy rainfall, freezing temperatures, and damaged buildings in Gaza in recent days. Aid trucks that could provide more secure shelter are limited from entering Gaza.
Holy God, we recall how you took the form of a refugee child, fleeing from Bethlehem across Gaza and into Egypt. You are no stranger to the apathy of empire. In these days where death and grief are constant, we cry out to you who knows the name of every soul in Gaza. We pray for the family of Aisha and those mourning loved ones. Bring your warmth and justice to the people of Gaza and all who are suffering under the yoke of oppression.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We remember in our prayers this week all who are incarcerated and separated from their loved ones during what should be a joyful Christmas season. We especially lift Layan Nasir, who is currently serving an unjust 7-and-a-half-month sentence at Ofer Prison, and more than 11,000 Palestinian prisoners along with her suffering from torture and neglect in Israeli prisons. We also lift political prisoners, especially the imprisoned “Filton 24” activists and hunger strikers in the UK who were imprisoned for protesting their government’s complicity.
Crucified Messiah, we grieve the existence of occupation walls, cages, and prisons that defile the inherent dignity that you gifted us and that separate families from one another. In our despair at overwhelming injustice, our only comfort is knowing you dwell alongside the prisoners, the orphans, the widows, and the oppressed. Make your presence known to them. Embolden us to make peace and liberation a reality for all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Despite the escalation of settler violence and settlement expansion, it is important to remember that international support continues to help protect communities under threat. For example, the Kisiya family, a Palestinian Christian family, recently won a legal action against settlers illegally residing on the family’s land in Al Makhrour. The Tent of Nations, a Palestinian farm situated in a settlement bloc near Bethlehem, has received a steady influx of volunteers and visitors over the last few months. Green Olive Collective launched their “Sowing Solidarity” campaign to plant Palestinian trees. Jewish and international activists continue doing protective presence in Um Al Kheir and many other villages facing threats, decreasing risks to communities and deterring many cases of violence.
Sovereign God, though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong because you “hold us by the hand.” (Psalm 37:24) We remember that no matter how overwhelming injustice becomes, we must continue the good fight. Illuminate to us where we can find new ways of bearing witness to creative resistance, so that we may be like the persistent widow bothering unjust judges.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Japan, North Korea, and South Korea.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers.

Wave of prayer

Wave of Prayers

OCHA reported that in the West Bank this year (2025), Israeli forces killed 232 Palestinians, including 52 children, and forcibly displaced over 1000 people. OCHA has also documented over 1,700 settler attacks that resulted in casualties or property damage in more than 270 communities across the West Bank. In Gaza, since the ceasefire, over 400 Palestinians have been killed.

Almighty God, we know that you see our pain and know the name of every soul persecuted by the weapons and apathy of empire. Deliver us from the many forms of oppression. When peace feels far beyond our reach, just as it does now, keep us steadfast in our labor for justice, love, and accountability.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, arrived in Gaza on Friday for Christmas Mass at the Holy Family parish in Gaza City. He spent time in solidarity with the Christian community in Gaza and led mass on Sunday. This is Cardinal Pizzaballa’s third visit to Gaza since October 7th 2023.

Emmanuel, this year, we are reminded of the beautiful gift of your incarnation when we see our Christian siblings in Gaza gather to cultivate hope, prayer, and solidarity. Continue to help the Church be present with the marginalized and oppressed. We pray that the people of Gaza may continue to rise above the rubble and hold onto hope and sumud in the new year.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach last Saturday, and 42 people were injured, marking Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly three decades. Friends of Sabeel Australia issued a statement in the wake of massacre standing firm with our values and calling for human solidarity.

God of Life, we cry out in anguish at the lives lost and pray for the healing and safety of all families affected. During this Hanukkah and Christmas season, embolden us to be candles of light in the darkness, standing firm against all ideologies that incite hatred and violence. We pray for a world that fosters inclusivity, nonviolence, and justice for all.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Sabeel had its last online Thursday service of 2025 on 18 December. The service featured Shadia Qubti reflecting on the last week of Advent. A part of her sermon can be found in her written reflection here (www.shadiaqubti.com/blog/sacred-bodies-broken). We look forward to returning to our Thursday services starting 8 January, 2026. Those who are interested in attending can register at tinyurl.com/sabeelworship.

Loving God, we give thanks for the steadfastness and growth of our global community over the last year. We pray for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit as we continue to gather next year and reflect on your liberating Gospel. May we continue to worship you by being prophetic agents of your love and justice in this world.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last Saturday, Sabeel hosted a successful Christmas dinner that brought together 160 community members and friends. Participants came from different churches, and the evening was enriched by the sharing of hymns. Mr. Sami El Youssef from the Catholic Church offered a message reflecting on the Church’s work in Gaza.
The ecumenical ministry of Sabeel remains a vital pillar of our work, especially in nurturing unity, faith, and solidarity within our community.

Lord Christ, we give gratitude for the gift of community that keeps us strong and filled with hope and life. Continue to accompany us with your Holy Spirit as we endeavor to serve and bear witness to our community.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and the Mainland of China.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers

Download WOP pdf 18-12-2025

Wave of prayer

Wave of Prayers
During the last week of advent starting on December 21st, many churches around the world will light the fourth candle of advent, symbolizing love. Christmas for Catholic and Protestant churches will be on December 25th, while the Orthodox Churches  will celebrate Christmas on January 7th according to the Julian calendar. The Armenian church will celebrate Christmas on January 19thth.
Lord God, in your deep love and mercy for our broken humanity, you took the form of a human to walk with us and to suffer with us.  In doing so, you taught us that the deepest form of love is solidarity. In this season of Christmas where we are reminded of your love, help us to love you and worship your Holy name by extending our solidarity and witness to “the poor; the oppressed; the widow and the orphan.” (Isaiah 10:2)
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem, seizing items and replacing the UN flag with Israel’s flag. The agency’s commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini condemned the attack as a breach against international law. UNRWA has not used the building since the beginning of the year after Israeli authorities ordered the agency to vacate all of its premises and halt operations inside Israel, following months of harassment that included arson attacks in 2024, hateful demonstrations, and anti-UNRWA legislation passed by the Israeli parliament.
Holy God, we lament this news. We pray that international law may be upheld, and those responsible for violating it will be held accountable. May justice and peace soon come to the Holy Land.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
As many university students around the world go on winter break, it is important to remember the continued efforts to sustain education in Gaza amidst two years of systematic elimination of Palestinian education, including the complete destruction of 165 schools, universities, and other educational institutions and killing of thousands of students and teachers. The Islamic University of Gaza, the largest university in Gaza, recently re-opened and resumed in-person classes. During the last two years, many students also graduated via remote learning, going through great difficulties finding electricity and internet to complete their studies.
Divine Creator, help us follow the example of the people of Gaza in their determination to hope and their love for life. We pray for the students of Gaza as they resume learning and for a lasting and just peace in the Holy Land.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
A delegation of 1,000 evangelical pastors and influencers recently went on a fully funded trip to Israel, organized by Friends of Zion and the Israeli ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Christian pastors and influencers met with Israeli president Issaac Herzog and other officials, and they received training to promote Israel and strengthen its reputation in their respective communities. Dr. Mike Evans, a Christian Zionist who founded the Friends of Zion Heritage Centre in Jerusalem, is a known confidant of President Donald Trump. In their itinerary, the delegation did not meet with any Palestinian Christians or Palestinian Christians leaders.
Holy God, please forgive us when we participate in the structural sins of racism, hatred, and settler colonialism. We grieve the complicity of false prophets who participate in theologies of empire. Embolden the global church to stand firm in love and inclusivity against exclusive theologies and help us realize that your justice and love for humanity extends to all. 
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We lift in our prayers this week the 8 imprisoned activists in the UK who have been on a hunger strike protest of over 40 days, at great risk to their health. The activists have been held on remand for over a year without trial for taking direct action against weapons manufacturers committing genocide. This is the largest coordinated prison hunger strike in UK history since the 1981 H-Block strike by Irish republican prisoners. The hunger strikers have received little to no coverage on mainstream media.
Dear lord, we recall how you were imprisoned, crucified, and maimed on the Cross, disregarded and despised by the powers of your time. We know that you are dwelling now with Qesser Zuhrah, Amu Gib, Heba Muraisi, Jon Cink, T Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, Muhammad Umer Khalid, and Lewie Chiaramello in their hunger and thirst for justice. Strengthen them with the sumud of the Holy Spirit as they risk their lives in protest. We pray that the international community may respond in solidarity and action with their demands for accountability and justice.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. We especially pray for the victims of the recent cyclones and destructive storms that have swept across South and Southeast Asian regions, killing at least 1,350 people. 
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers

Wave of prayer

Wave of Prayers
On the third week of Advent on 14 December, churches around the world will light up the third candle of Advent. Otherwise known as the Shepherd Candle, this third candle of Advent reflects the joy that comes through Jesus’ arrival.
Word Incarnate, like Elizabeth in the presence of Mary’s womb, we are filled with joy at your arrival despite all our suffering, for your incarnation is good news for the oppressed and the poor. Help us deepen our encounter with you this Christmas through the steadfast and joyous work of making the world anew. 
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
December 3rd was International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Before the war on Gaza, people with disabilities already constituted 2.1% of the total population of Palestine. This percentage has sharply increased due to the violence inflicted on Palestinians whether inside prisons or through weapons and settler violence. In Gaza, persons with disabilities suffer the most, lacking access to basic tools they need, and as a result, they face immense difficulty reaching aid or following evacuation orders.
Immanuel, in a world that renders people with disabilities invisible, especially Palestinians maimed and disabled by the violence of empire, we proclaim that you see us and are with us. Help us to be more inclusive and act in solidarity with all who are living with disabilities. We pray for the day that every person can live a life of dignity and freedom in their own land.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
For the first time in two years, the Christmas tree was lit up in Bethlehem. Many Palestinians gathered to watch the lighting. Bethlehem mayor Maher Canawati said the lighting of the Christmas tree in Bethlehem was a message of hope for Palestinians, to Gaza and to the world. The mayor also shared a message sent to Bethlehem by Pope Leo XIV, who said he “carries Bethlehem in his heart and prayers and is working for an end to Palestinian suffering”, urging people in Gaza “not to give in to despair.”
Holy God, as we witness the lighting of the Christmas tree in the place of your birth, we meditate on the mystery, revolution, and hope of the Christmas story that proclaims liberation for the oppressed. In the face of overwhelming death today, teach us how to faithfully hold onto your promise of liberation and life.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Israel is moving to seize parts of Sebastia, a major Palestinian archaeological site near Nablus and one of the places where John the Baptist was buried after his execution by the empire of his time. Settlers recently erected a new outpost to support this takeover, and earlier this year the government began archaeological excavations as part of a plan to turn the site into an Israeli tourist settlement.
God of the oppressed, we continue to pray for an end to the military occupation and the land-confiscation policies of the Israeli government. We lift up the community of Sebastia and all villages facing displacement and dispossession.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer
Sabeel is hosting its annual ecumenical Christmas dinner on 20th December, 2025 at Terra Sancta Parish Center.
Lord God, we thank you for the staff and community of Sabeel who work tirelessly as agents of your love and unity, insisting on hope amidst immense suffering. We pray for the success of the Christmas dinner and for all efforts to uplift our communities.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Myanmar and Thailand.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers

Wave of prayer

Wave of Prayers
On the second week of Advent on 7th December, many churches around the world will light the second candle, “The Bethlehem Candle,” which represents peace. Many communities are participating in FOSNA’s “Preach Palestine” Advent campaign to preach justice and peace during Advent and to organize their communities towards liberation. Sign up for the resources here
Prince of Peace, as we journey through Advent, help us remember that you came to this earth to proclaim peace and righteousness. Teach us how to heed your call to be peacemakers and to resist the temptations of evil. We pray that all violence, wars and genocides may cease and a just peace will prevail.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Fr. Francesco Ielpo and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa recently issued an encouragement for pilgrims and people of faith to come to the Holy Land and bear witness to the Christian community. Sabeel encourages pilgrims who are planning pilgrimages to the Holy Land to adhere to Authentic Christian Pilgrimage (ACP) principles, outlined by Canadian Friends of Sabeel here (www.friendsofsabeel.ca/authentic-christian-pilgrimage).
God of all nations, we give gratitude to those who show loving solidarity with the living stones of the Holy Land through their visits, international actions, and support. We pray that pilgrims coming to the Holy Land may bear witness to your presence among the oppressed, and in doing so, do their part in achieving peace and justice for all. Continue to strengthen the sumud and hope of our communities as they undergo violence, in all the theological and physical forms it takes.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Green Olive Tours recently hosted a webinar on “Uprooting Christian Zionism,” featuring Omar Haramy from Sabeel and Ghassan Najjar of the Burin Land and Farming Cooperative. The conversation focused on the destructive impact of Christian Zionist initiatives in the Nablus District and the theological catastrophe they represent, as well as how to counteract them. The webinar is part of Green Olive Tours’s Sowing Solidarity Campaign to counter HaYovel and their Greening Israel Project, which brings Christian Zionist volunteers to plant forests and assist settler projects in settlements.
Divine Creator, we grieve the actions of other Christian siblings who participate in theologies that justify dispossession and displacement. We give thanks to those participating in the Sowing Solidarity Campaign, and we pray that their actions of prophetic love and solidarity may counter the harms of Christian Zionism and envision theologies of liberation in its place. 
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
After months of campaigning, protesting, and relentless pressure, Palestinian American teenager Mohammed Ibrahim, who was kidnapped by Israeli forces and detained without trial for over 9 months on the allegation of throwing stones, was released from prison. While in prison, his 20-year old cousin Sayfollah Musallet, a fellow U.S. citizen, was killed by settlers in the West Bank.
Holy God, we are thankful for the release of Mohammed, and we pray for his healing and safety. We put faith that you continue to dwell with the many youth who are still detained and tortured in Israeli military prisons, especially all who do not have the privilege of a Western passport. With Mohammed’s freedom, remind us that our actions can do much. Give us the strength of the Holy Spirit to continue our work until freedom belongs to all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Despite the so-called ceasefire, an Israeli attack killed two children in Gaza over the weekend. Fadi and Goma Abu Assi, brothers aged 10 and 12, were gathering firewood to help their wheelchair-bound father east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
God of justice, you know what it is like to witness your son killed. Be with the family of Fadi and Goma, who bear the unfathomable pain of losing two children. As we grieve the many named and unnamed souls in Gaza, we hold on to our faith that “you will hear the cries of the oppressed and the orphans; you will judge in their favor.” (Psalm 10:18)
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
November 29 was the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. This day is observed by the United Nations each year, a date chosen for its significance. On Nov. 29th in 1947, the General Assembly adopted resolution 181, which came to be known as the Partition Resolution.  Nearly 80 years later, the Palestinian people have yet to attain their inalienable rights as defined by the General Assembly, namely, the right to self-determination without external interference, the right to national independence and sovereignty, and the right to return to their homes, from which they have been displaced.
God who dwells with the oppressed, continue to illuminate to the world the realities of our people, and increase in us the steadfastness, creativity, and determination to confront all forces and actions that seek to deny dignity, life, and freedom. 
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers

Wave of prayer

Wave of Prayers
Advent begins November 30 this year. The Advent season marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year and is observed in various Christian denominations. Many churches throughout Advent will light the Advent wreath, which consists of a circular arrangement of evergreen branches with five candles. The lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath symbolizes hope.
Loving God, you are our light and salvation.  As we ignite the first candle of Advent, help us to commit to the prophetic practice of hope and sumud (steadfastness). This Advent season, teach us to love one another, as you have loved us, by being servants of your hope and light in this world.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
This Advent and Christmas Season, Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) is calling on churches and faith movements to “Preach Palestine” and center the call for justice and peace in the Holy Land and beyond. The free resource guide launched by FOSNA offers prayers, upcoming community events, calls to action, and guiding questions for faith leaders and churches as they worship during Advent season. At the time of release, over 170 communities have already signed up to Preach Palestine this year.
Holy God, you are always present with those who work to make peace, justice, and liberation a reality for all. Continue to give us strength and courage to move the Church closer to the liberatory message of your gospel.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, the head of the settler Gush Etzion Regional Council announced the establishment of a new settlement adjacent to homes in the Palestinian town of Beit Sahour near Bethlehem. Overnight, tractors leveled the ground, and by morning, several caravans had been placed on the site.
Redeemer Christ, we cry out to you in anguish. Like the Psalmist, we feel utterly isolated and forgotten, and with settler-colonial violence crushing us at all angles, it feels as if our “life draws near to death.” (Psalm 88:3-4) Good God, hear our cry and deliver us from oppression. We pray that the international community may be awakened and take immediate action to end the occupation.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
November 20 was Universal’s Children Day, designated to emphasize children’s rights to protection, education, dignity, care, play, and other rights. All across the globe, children’s rights and dignity continue to be violated, and children continue to be exploited and abused. In our context, more than 20,000 Palestinian school children have been killed in the past two years. Hundreds of schools, kindergartens, and children centers have been completely or partially damaged in Gaza and the West Bank since October 2023.
Creator of life, you cherish each child as a precious gift, and we know your heart breaks every time they suffer. We pray for every child injured and abused, every child in Israeli prisons, and all families who have lost a child. Guide us to take action for the safety, justice, and dignity of all children.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, the UN Security Council voted in favor of a US-drafted resolution that endorses US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza. Critics of the resolution have argued that there is little clarity about the key mechanisms’ composition, that it does not ensure the participation of the UN, it fails to explicitly reiterate a firm commitment to a Palestinian state, and Palestinians have no say in their own political future.
God of the oppressed, we are thankful that mass killing has slowed down and at the same time, we know that peace cannot come without true justice and accountability. Help us to be present where you are located, amidst the marginalized and the oppressed. In doing so, we ask for the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit to confront all colonial tactics that further entrench injustice. We pray that international law and human rights will be upheld for all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for East Timor (Timor Leste), Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers

Clarification: In our last prayer wave, we incorrectly claimed that many German church and political representatives had left the Reformation Day service in Jerusalem. We have since learned that this was not the case. Only one guest left the service, and the delegation did not attend Bishop Azar’s reception. The participating German bishop subsequently expressed concerns about the wording used. The Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) also distanced itself “clearly from the language used by Bishop Azar.” According to the EKD, his use of the term “genocide” contributes to division and stands in the way of understanding and reconciliation. In an open letter, 600 Christians in Germany have contradicted this.
We continue to strive to report accurately and are grateful for any corrections or suggestions from our friends and partners.

Download WOP PDF, 27-11-2025

Wave of prayer

Wave of Prayers
On Nov 14th , Kairos Palestine launched the 2nd Kairos document, “Faith in the time of Genocide.” The new Kairos document is a renewed call from Palestinian Christians to the global church amidst genocide, ethnic cleansing, and settler colonialism. Among the many important themes, the document highlights the call to hope as a defiant resistance and affirmation of life over death.
Liberator Christ, through the steadfast witness of indigenous Christians in the Holy Land, we are reminded of Apostle Paul’s words, that “we are afflicted in every way but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10) As we discern the Kairos of our time, help us to embody the theology of liberation professed in the new Kairos document. Give us the courage to name and dismantle the structural sins of settler colonialism and genocide. May the global church rise to the call of hope, sumud, and solidarity.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Despite the ceasefire announcement, the killing in Gaza has not stopped. In addition to aid blockades, Israel has carried out airstrikes and house demolitions in Khan Younis, Beit Lahia, and throughout Gaza. With the winter season coming, many are also at risk of dying slow deaths from disease, starvation, and the cold.
Holy God, as we witness never-ending death, we feel the words of the Psalmist: “My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’” (Psalm 42:3) We insist that you are still present under the rubble, with those who are suffering, and with families who are grieving. Do not let us be distracted by the false promises of empire but rather help us to listen to the voices of the oppressed. Until the day that all is redeemed, increase our commitment and action for the people of Gaza.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
The Israeli parliament recently advanced a bill that would expand the use of the death penalty for convicted Palestinian and individuals found guilty of killing Jewish Israelis for nationalistic reasons. The death penalty bill, championed by far-right Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, passed its first reading by 39 votes to 16. It now moves to a parliamentary committee for further debate and preparation ahead of the second and third readings.
God of the captives, we lament this news and cry out for justice. We pray that those in power would understand that what makes for peace is not violence and fear, but justice and righteousness. Open their eyes to see that cycles of vengeance only breed more suffering.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
During the recent Reformation Day service at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem, Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land spoke candidly about Palestinian suffering, asking what “Reformation” means amid what he described as “two years of genocide,” displacement, and daily restrictions under military rule. His remarks prompted many German church and political figures who attended to walk out, condemning the bishop’s comments rather than the conditions in Gaza that he named.
God of the marginalized, we grieve the complicity of the Western church that remains more fixated on policing prophetic voices than stopping the violence of empire. Help us to challenge the silence of our churches by increasing our solidarity and our voices for the oppressed. We pray for true repentance from world leaders and renewed commitment to justice and peace in the Holy Land.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Friends of Sabeel Australia along with other partners recently helped organized an event featuring Rev. Mitri Raheb on decolonizing Palestine and the weaponization of the Bible to serve Zionist settler-colonialism in Palestine. A recording of the event can be found on Palestine Justice Movement’s Youtube channel.
God of hope, we thank you for the voices around the world who continue to organize their communities in solidarity with the suffering. We pray that these events may continue to educate and bring awareness to our struggle for justice and peace.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. We pray especially for the indigenous peoples of New Zealand and Australia who continue to experience discrimination, erasure, and racism.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers
Download WOP PDF, 20-11-2025

Wave of prayer

Wave of Prayers
The United Nations reported that Israel rejected 107 requests for entry of aid into Gaza since the ceasefire began, including blankets, winter cloths, sanitation, and hygiene services.
God of Justice, we bring the people of Gaza to you as they continue to suffer an assault on their dignity. We pray for the ceasefire to actually be implemented and for an end to blockade that for so long has denied the people of Gaza their basic rights and humanity. Increase our commitment to action so that justice and accountability may soon come.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Jewish volunteers from Rabbis for Human Rights and Achvat Amim who arrived in the village of Burin to accompany and show solidarity to Palestinian farmers during their olive harvest were detained and arrested by the Israeli military. Two Jewish American participants who were volunteering with the group were informed that they were facing deportation. Unfortunately, this is not new; the Israeli military has increasingly targeted non-Israeli citizenship holders who are volunteering in the West Bank. Meanwhile, settlers, who are illegally residing in the West Bank and committing violence against Palestinian communities, receive little to no consequences.
Holy God, we grieve a system that allows settler violence to take place while obstructing those who work for peace and nonviolence. Amidst unbearable state violence, be with Palestinian farmers and those who accompany them. We pray that the international community will challenge Israel’s impunity through real action to end the occupation.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Sabeel is planning an ecumenical clergy retreat 17-19 November in Jericho, bringing around 50 clergy and their spouses together. The theme of the retreat will be focused on hope and resurrection amidst the many challenges facing the church and the people.
Loving God, we give thanks for all those involved in the upcoming clergy retreat. We pray for the courage, creativity, and wisdom of the Holy Spirit to accompany them during the retreat. May this gathering in Jericho be a source of renewed hope and commitment for the church in the Holy Land.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We lift up in our prayers this week the case of Mohammed Ibrahim, a 16-year-old Palestinian-American boy who was violently arrested by Israeli soldiers in February 2025 after being accused of throwing rocks at Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. At his court hearing on 9 November, an Israeli military court postponed proceedings, effectively extending his imprisonment until at least 15 December. Mohammed is one of hundreds of Palestinian children in Israeli detention. Mohammed has lost a quarter of his weight and contracted scabies after being beaten and tortured in prison.
Good God, we cry to you in deep despair and lament. We cannot fathom the cruelty of a system that deprives children of their childhood. We pray for the liberation and full healing of Mohammed and all children suffering in prisons. Lord, help us dismantle all systems of oppression and build a world where every child is safe to live and thrive.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
During Sabeel’s worship service two weeks ago, theologian and friend of Sabeel Ched Myers gave a reflection to conclude his series on Luke this year, from his new book Healing Affluenza. The reflection covered the story of Zaccheus, a story which has been trivialized and marginalized by churches. Ched called on the Sabeel community to study and decolonize the text, reading the story of Zaccheus instead as a story of political and economic reparations for the transformation and healing of the world. Sabeel invites all to join our Thursday worship services by registering at tinyurl.com/sabeelworship.
Redeemer Christ, teach us to follow the path of Zaccheus, who in breaking out of his comfort and committing to reparations towards those he oppressed, restored his full humanity. Help us recognize the times we uphold unjust systems, and in doing so, guide us to repentance and to a true discipleship of the cross.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We invite all people of conscience to join us in praying for an end to famine in Gaza and Sudan, and for the cessation of wars everywhere.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Oceania.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers