September 20th, 2018
World Week of Peace for Palestine and Israel

Gaza
As the ‘Great March of Return’ enters its 27^th week, peaceful protests continue amidst the ongoing use of live fire by Israeli occupying forces. Shadi Abd al-Al, age 12 and Suhaib Abed Al-Salam Abu Kashef, age 16 have succumbed to wounds. More than 100 people were wounded including 14 children by live fire last Friday.

• Lord of justice,give the Israeli occupying forces along the Gaza border the insight to see that their use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters is an unjustifiable crime. Bring comfort to the families of those who have been injured and killed, especially children, who have only just begun to see the wonders of your world. Lord, in your mercy…

 Jerusalem

 Since East Jerusalem was occupied and illegally annexed in 1967, the government of Israel’s primary goal in Jerusalem has been to create a demographic and geographic situation that will thwart any future attempt to challenge Israeli sovereignty over the city.

• Ten measures of beauty God gave to the world, nine to Jerusalem, one to the rest – ten measures of sorrow God gave to the world, nine to Jerusalem, one to the rest. So, pray for the peace, pray for the peace; pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Lord, in your mercy…

 Palestinians inside Israel

 Palestinians living within Israel suffer from treatment as second-class citizens on a daily basis. This unfair treatment was, until recently carried out quietly and without government recognition. With the recent passing of the ‘Nation-State law’ this treatment has been confirmed in Israeli law.

• Righteous Lord stand with all those facing oppression on a daily basis. Give Palestinians citizens of Israel the strength to stand up to these laws designed to make them second-class citizens and to make their struggles clear to those in power around the world. Lord, in your mercy…

 Nakba

2018 marks 70 years since the start of the 1948 Nakba where 500 villages were razed to the ground. Palestinians continue to be treated as second class citizens, with little space to build homes due to loss of their lands.

• Although the dark night of oppression lingers, the dawn of justice will break. May God work through the people of good will to bring about a genuine peace based on justice and mercy, so that forgiveness and reconciliation will prevail for all the people of Palestine and Israel. Lord, in your mercy…

Refugees

In recent weeks there has been a move from the government of the United States to change the status of Palestinian refugees. This change of policy signals the removing of the ‘Right of Return’ from any Palestinian who was not one of the original refugees created by the Nakba. This move wouldfulfil a long-held wish of the Israeli government to ensure a majority Jewish population in Israel.

• Almighty and merciful God, Jesus became a refugee and had no place to call his own, look with mercy on those who have fled and continue to flee today from danger, homelessness, and hunger. Bless those who work to bring them relief; inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts; and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your kingdom of justice and peace. Lord, in your mercy…

Occupation, Settlements & Home Demolitions

The Israeli government continues to occupy Palestinian land. Ongoing illegal settlement building along with the destruction of villages, such as Al Khan al-Ahmar are a daily occurrence.

• Lord, hear us as we remember those affected by the occupation, settlements and land confiscations in Palestine. We pray for Palestinian families forced to leave their homes. We ask you to strengthen the hands of Palestinians and Israelis who work for an end to oppression and injustice. Lord, in your mercy…

Women against the occupation

Many women continue to stand against the occupation in various ways.

• Lord our God, we pray that the women of Palestine and Israel may be inspired to live in peace by acting justly, loving tenderly and walking humbly with you, our God. We pray that your Holy Spirit will open their eyes and help them to see what hope your call holds for them. May they be firm in the hope they profess and always be ready to give the reason for the hope they have. Lord, in your mercy…

Child Prisoners

At the end of June 2018, 273 Palestinian children were held in Israeli prisons as security detainees and prisoners, including 3 administrative detainees. Another two Palestinian children were held in Israeli Prison Service facilities for being in Israel illegally. The Israeli Police Service considers that these children, both detainees and prisoners, are criminal offenders.

In addition, a small number of children are held in Israeli Army-run facilities for short periods of time.

• Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’(Luke18:16).We pray that these children may receive support andhelp to overcome these harrowing experiences and restore them to their families. We pray that the hearts of our childrenmay be full of hope and free from fear. Lord, in your mercy…

Water

West Bank and Gaza strip residents constantly suffer severe water shortages due to the policies of Israel. Access to water and proper sanitation is a basic right enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

• Lord, we are so thankful for your provision, that you make the sun rise on the land and that you send the rain to make the crops grow. We know that your mercy is over all that you have made. May we be merciful to one another in how we share your provision, ensuring that all our needs are met equitably and that none are left to hunger or thirst. Lord, in your mercy…
• We join the World Council of Churches as they pray for the countries of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.

The themes and prayers for this week are adapted from the Sabeel Contemporary Way of the Cross.

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September 13, 2018

The Israeli Supreme Court turned down an appeal against the demolition of the Bedouin village of Al Khan al-Ahmar, which lies between two illegal Jewish settlements. This demolition if carried out, besides being a grave violation of human rights, will obstruct the establishment of a contiguous and viable Palestinian state.

• O Lord, we weep at the injustice being carried out against the people of Al Khan al-Ahmar. Grant them the strength to resist the Israeli military occupation and to continue to make their plight clear to the world. We pray that the Israeli judiciary will see the error of its ways in the light of international pressure and allow the people of Al Khan al-Ahmar to ‘live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest’,(Isaiah 32:18). Lord, in your mercy… 

As the ‘Great March of Return’ continues, the Israeli military forces are still using live ammunition against the protestors, in contravention of international law, leaving some protestors dead while many others have sustained serious injuries. Recently a Red Crescent Ambulance, which was being used to help people at the fence, was damaged by live ammunition.

• Lord of protection,we pray that those participating in peaceful protest have the courage to stand their ground in the face of the overpowering force used by the Israeli military We pray for the safety of all those who are trying to rescue those who have been wounded. Lord, in your mercy…

Dozens of Palestinians suffered tear-gas inhalation on Wednesday, the 5th of September during raids by Israeli occupying forces on Al-Quds University in Abu Dis, East Jerusalem. The university campus was sealed off and classes were disrupted.

• Lord, we pray for the Palestinian students trying to pursue their studies with frequent disruptions. May they not lose heart but persevere in their efforts. In your word we read that you ‘love justice and have established equity’,(Psalm 99:4). We pray for justice and righteousness for all who live in the land. Lord, in your mercy….

Israel has begun the construction of a 130km wall along its border with Lebanon. The Lebanese Government has raised concerns that portions of the wall are being constructed on Lebanese territory.

• O Lord, grant the Israeli decision makers the wisdom to see that bridges are better than walls. We pray that the international community will hold Israel to account in how they recognize international borders. Lord, in your mercy… 

The Third Palestinian Open International Taekwondo Championships is due to take place in Ramallah this week. The organizers have been forced to postpone the competition for a few days as Israel delayed issuing permits to competitors.

• Lord, we pray for the success of these sporting championships and that all competitors may be allowed to travel to Ramallah to compete. Lord, in your mercy…

 This week Muslims and Jews celebrate their New Year holidays, while the Druze community celebrate Nabi Sabalan day. Many Jews are visiting Jerusalem to pray at the Western Wall and to meet up and celebrate with family members. Israel has imposed a military closure on the West Bank and Gaza strip, leaving them trapped behind checkpoints and the separation wall. Palestinians will not have the opportunity to travel to worship or be reunited with their families.

• Lord, we see oppression for the Palestinians living in this land. We pray that governments around the world may recognize the injustice they suffer and challenge the impunity of the Israeli government. Lord, in your mercy… 
•  We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of  Ghana and Nigeria…

 

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September 6^th, 2018

The ‘Great March of Return’ continues into its sixth month. Peaceful protesters continue to be threatened by live fire from the Israeli military. Ibrahim Talalqa, a medic working at the fence takes his leave of his family every Friday before going away, anxious that he may not return home. 

• God of the peacemakers, we ask that you stand with those who continue protest with non-violent means to achieve their rightful aims. Stand with those who risk life and limb to bring medical care to the injured and dignity to the dead in this dangerous place. Lord in your mercy… 

As the US announce that they are withdrawing all funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA),  in an attempt to dissolve it and cancel the Palestinian right of return, other countries, including Sweden, Germany and Japan, have decided to increase their funding to cover the shortfall.

• Lord of all righteousness, you tell us in your word to ‘Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute’ and to ‘defend the rights of the poor and needy’, (Proverbs 31:8-9). We are thankful for governments around the world who are willing to step up and give funds to UNRWA as they support more than five million Palestinian refugees. Lord, in your mercy….

Like many places around the world, Israel and Palestine have a continuing issue of systematic violence against women. Whether this is through cultural background or home demolition, the abuse of women is pervasive in society.

• Dear God, Jesus treated women with kindness and respect. Help us to emulate Jesus in all our ways and especially to respect them as individuals and to end the systematic violence in Israeli and Palestinian culture as well as across the world. Lord in your mercy…

The Israeli Civil Administration have announced the uprooting of around seventy olive trees in the Jordan Valley under the pretext that they are growing on an archeological site. These trees provide the main source of income for Najib Turki Faqha.

• O Lord, we pray for Palestinian olive farmers whose livelihoods depend on their trees. The olive is a sign of peace, grant that peace to all who find their land under threat. Lord, in your mercy…

During August Israeli forces destroyed the Bedouin village of al-Araqib for the 132^nd time. As well as destroying homes, livelihoods and dreams, the forces also arrested sheikh Siyam at-Touri, his son Aziz at-Touri and Salim Abu Ashraf as they tried to halt the demolition.  The demolition comes after the Israeli authorities decided to approve the construction of four new illegal settlements in the Negev area.

•  Lord of resilience, stand with the villagers at al-Araqib and all Bedouin villages under constant threat from demolition. Support the community leaders as they strive to protect their communities, buildings and animals. We pray that this cruel policy of home demolition may cease and that the residents may be left alone. Lord in your mercy…

 UN schools for Palestinian refugee children opened on August 29th for the 526,000 students, despite cuts to funding. These schools are essential to meet the needs of every child to receive an education.

• Lord, we pray for the teachers and staff who run the UN schools for Palestinian refugees. Be with the teachers and the children as they embark on this new school year. Lord in your mercy…

Our colleague and friend, Andraous, celebrated his wedding this week. We rejoice with him and  his wife, Diana, on this blessed occasion.

• Lord, we ask you to watch over Andraous and Diana and to grant them every blessing as they start their life together as a married couple. Be with all couples and continue to bless them with love. Lord in your mercy…

• We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo

 

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August 30th, 2018

 The ‘Great March of Return’ continues into its fourth month. On Friday the 24th of August, approximately 5000 people attended the demonstration and the Israeli army fired live ammunition and tear gas at the protestors. More than 189 people were wounded and at least fifty of those who were wounded, were hit by live ammunition.

• We pray for the safety of the protestors in Gaza as they continue to use non-violent means to achieve their rightful aims. Lord, in your mercy…

In the wake of the protest over the Nation-State Law, which took place on the 14th of July in Rabin Square, Tel Aviv, the Likud party has proposed a new bill. On Wednesday the 22nd of August, it outlined  a bill which would prohibit the Palestinian flag, along with the flags of other ‘enemy nations’, from being raised in  any demonstration where more than three people had gathered. The ban would carry a sentence of one years’ imprisonment for anyone who raised the forbidden flag.

• Lord, we continue to pray for the safeguarding of freedom of speech and the right of the people to resist injustice in Israel. We pray that those in positions of authority would be mindful of the rights of all their citizens and would work for the benefit of all the people living in Israel. Lord, in your mercy…

On Thursday the 24th of August, Pierre Krähenbühl, the Swiss national who leads UNRWA stated, ‘one cannot simply wish away five million people’, in response to attempts made by Israel and the US to dismantle the agency. He spoke of the impact of the US funding cuts of $300 million earlier this year which have caused cuts to community mental health services, job creation and food distribution in the Gaza Strip. He warned that any further cuts would risk undermining the security and the stability of the region.

• O God of righteousness, who brings relief when we are distressed, ‘Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord,’( Psalm 4:6). Strengthen us, Lord, and help us to support those who seek to bring assistance to all those in desperate need in the occupied territories. Lord, in your mercy… 

On Thursday the 23rd of August Alistair Burt, the UK Minister for the Middle East, issued a statement condemning the Israeli governments plans to construct 2,100 new Jewish settlement units across the West Bank. He reaffirmed that these settlements would be illegal under international law and noted that they ‘remain one of the obstacles to a viable two-state solution’.

• Lord, we pray for all those  around the world who speak up for the powerless and who use their authority to expose injustice. Lord, in your mercy….

Majd al-Mashharawi, a twenty four year old engineering graduate and entrepreneur from Gaza has been attempting to bring her SunBox solar energy kits into Gaza through the Karm Abu Salem crossing. The kit is an inexpensive and lightweight solar-powered system suitable for providing energy for small fridges, motorized wheelchairs, laptops and smart phones. She launched the initiative last month but was stopped by the closure of the crossing by Israel. Two weeks ago the crossing was reopened and she was finally able to bring 200 of the kits into Gaza.

• We give thanks, Lord, when we hear of young people using their gifts to work for the benefit of their communities and to demonstrate their desire to conserve their environment even in adverse conditions. Lord, in your mercy…

On Saturday the 25th of August six activists from the Israeli-Palestinian anti-occupation group Ta’ayush were attacked by a group of at least ten settlers in the South Hebron Hills. The activists were documenting illegal construction in the unauthorized Israeli outpost of Mitzpe Yair. They were thrown to the ground, assaulted and their cameras were broken in the presence of Israeli soldiers. Four of the activists needed to attend hospital for their injuries.

• Lord, we pray for all who are willing to risk their personal safety to expose illegal activities in the occupied territories. We pray that they may find the strength and commitment to carry forward their work. Lord, in your mercy…

 Despite the massive funding cuts, UNRWA has decided to open schools for Palestinian refugees after the summer break. It supports over seven hundred schools and educates more than half a million students. However the Commissioner-General warned that the agency only had enough funds to last until the end of September and is urgently seeking funding from other donors. He asserted, ‘It is crucial to protect the fundamental right to education for Palestinian refugee girls and boys and the community’s unwavering attachment to learning and the development of skills’.

• Lord, we give thanks for the teachers and staff running the UN schools. We pray that provision will be found to keep the schools open and to enable the students to continue their studies. Lord, in your mercy…
  
• We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Cape Verde, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal. Lord, in your mercy……

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Sabeel Wave of Prayer
August, 23rd 2018

 

On Tuesday the 17th of August, two Palestinians, Saadi Abu Maamar and Karim Abu Fatair, were killed and 270 other protesters were injured by the Israeli army along the eastern borders of theGaza Strip. For over four months Palestinians have continued to take part in the‘The Great March of Return’ rallies.

• Lord, we pray for the families of Saadi and Karim as they grieve over their loss. We continue to pray for the safety of the protestors and for them to continue to espouse non-violent means to achieve their demands. Lord, in your mercy…

 

Last week Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian house and vandalised forty vehicles in the northern West Bank district of Nablus. Also Israeli settlers destroyed hundreds of olive trees in the village of al-Lubban al-Sharqiya, in southern Nablus ,while settlers uprooted dozens of olive trees in the Palestinian village of Arraba in the northern occupied West Bank district of Jenin.

 

• Lord, you are a merciful and gracious God and you work for ‘righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed’(Psalm 103:6). Wecontinue to pray for the oppression of Palestinian communities who suffer repeated attacks. Lord, in your mercy…

 

The Israeli security agency, Shin Bet, has been detaining high-profile figures in the past few weeks as they travel in and out of the country.The Jewish American journalist Peter Beinart,  the Jewish activistSimone Zimmerman and  the Iranian-American author and CNN contributor Reza Aslan are among the people who have been stopped as they tried to enter the country and were questioned by Shin Bet for criticising  the policies of the Israeli government towards Palestinians.

• Lord, we continue to give thanks for all the people of conscience who are willing to speak truth to power,even if they suffer a personal cost. We pray that human rights and freedom of speech would be  duly respected in Israel and Palestine. Lord, in your mercy….  

 

The Palestine Aquarium was opened in Ramallah at the end of July. It is the first aquarium

to be opened in Palestine and is a great attraction as many Palestinians in the West Bank are denied access to the coastline.The aquarium, which has 250 species, took more than a year to set up and was funded by a group of Palestinian investors. Israeli authorities tried to block parts of the project by denying access to the aquatic animals at the border, where some of them died in their containers.

• Lord, we pray for all the Palestinian entrepreneurs who make ethical and creative investments in Palestine. We pray that this project may inspire joy and a sense of wonder at the beauty and diversity of your creation.  

 

Across Palestine and Israel, hundreds of thousands of children attendcamps which provide them with activities while their schools are closed over the summer.

• Lord, we thank you for programmes which provide opportunities for children to relax and enjoy themselves, even while they continue to live under occupation. We pray for the organisers and volunteers who work to make this possible. Lord, in your mercy…

 

Palestinian Muslims,with millions of other Muslim worshippers from around the world, have travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage. At the end of Hajj, Muslims prepare for Eid al-Adha, the most important holiday in the Muslim calendar, which falls this weekend.

• We pray for our Muslim brothers and sisters, as some go on pilgrimage and as they celebrate Eid al-Adha this week.  Lord, in your mercy…  

 

• We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Liberia and Sierra Leone. Lord, in your mercy…

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August 16th of 2018

 

For more than four months Palestinians have continued to protest in the ‘Great March of Return’ rallies along  the border between Gaza and Israel. They are calling for their right to return to their homelands. On Friday, August 3rd a Palestinian man, Ahmed Yaghi, was shot and killed by the Israeli army. According to Palestinian health officials at least 220 others were wounded during the protests, among them Muaz al Siri, a teenager who died of his wounds early on Saturday morning.

• Lord, we pray for the families of Ahmed and Muaz as they grieve over their loss. We continue to pray for the safety of the protestors and for them to continue to espouse non-violent means to achieve their demands. Lord, in your mercy…

 

On the 8th of August, Rev. Naim Ateek, Chair of the Board of Sabeel, issued a statement on the Israeli Nation-State law, which was passed by the Israeli Knesset on the 19th of July. He states, ‘For it’s supporters, the law reflects Israel as a strong state that defines its identity as Jewish. For those who oppose it, it validates Israel as an apartheid state.

• Lord, we bring to you our fears over Israel’s Nation-State law. We ask for your guidance on how to express our non-violent opposition to any laws which seek to oppress people. Let us join with Rev Ateek as we pray the words of your prophet Micah: ‘He has told you O man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?’ Micah 6:8. Lord, in your mercy…

 

On Saturday, the 4th of August at least 100,000 Israelis attended a Druze-led demonstration against the Nation-State law in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv. Further efforts have been made by Israeli-Arab leaders to express their opposition to the controversial law as they filed the fourth petition to the High Court of Justice against the law on Tuesday the 7th of August.

• Lord, we pray that the pleas for justice and righteousness may be heard throughout Israel and around the world. Lord, in your mercy….

 

The UN’s special co-ordinator for the Middle East peace process, Nickolas Mladenov, has expressed his deep concern over the recent escalation of violence between Gaza and Israel.

On Wednesday, the 9th of August the Israeli military launched air attacks and artillery shelling on Gaza after 180 rockets were fired by Hamas from inside Gaza. At least three Palestinians were killed and six others were wounded in the air attack, while eleven Israelis were injured by the rockets from Gaza which landed in Sderot, Israel. This heavy exchange of fire comes as talks in Cairo to secure a ceasefire were making progress.

• O Lord, our Shepherd and our Rock, we pray to you at this time of violence in and around Gaza. Please strengthen the resolve of those involved in the negotiations to bring about a just peace in the region and deliverance for all those who continue to suffer. Lord, in your mercy…

 

On Friday, the 3rd of August the Israeli navy diverted a Swedish-flagged ship carrying medical supplies for Gaza to the Israeli port of Ashdod. The twelve passengers on board, mostly from Sweden, but from other European countries as well, were held for ‘further inquiries’. This ship was part of a four vessel flotilla which left Denmark in May with the aim of breaking the blockade imposed on  Gaza by Israel. Israel limits Gaza’s fishing-boats to six nautical miles from the cost of Gaza.

• Lord, the plight of the people of Gaza is grievous. Many live without work, with little food , fuel or medical supplies and we hear that many are becoming hopeless and desperate. We are thankful that around the world there are those who remember them and seek to bring them relief. Lord in your mercy…

 

Dareen Tatour, the Palestinian poet, was convicted for posting a poem on social media on Tuesday, the 26th of July. Tatour, an Israeli citizen was sentenced by the Nazareth District Court after having served almost three years under house arrest. She has been banned from publishing her work and accessing the internet. Her lawyer, Gaby Lasky, expressed her regret that a country which believes in democracy should inflict a prison sentence on a poet and that this trial was intended to intimidate and silence Palestinians in Israel.

• Lord, you have given us creative gifts and we are thankful for them. We pray for those who use their gifts to draw attention to injustice. Lord in your mercy…

 

Rashida Tlaib won the Primary in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District on Tuesday the 7th of August. This victory brings her closer to becoming the first Palestinian-American woman to hold national office. She is the daughter of Palestinian immigrants and the eldest of fourteen children.

She says she was encouraged to embark on a political career by her former boss who is Jewish, Steve Tobocman.

• Lord we are thankful for those who stand up and take responsibility for governing our countries, especially those who have been uprooted from their native land and have settled in another country. Lord, in your mercy….
• We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

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August 2nd, 2018

 The ‘Great March of Return’ protests continue into the eighteenth week, as Palestinians call for the right of return to their homeland.

• Lord, we pray for the safety of the protestors and for them to continue to espouse non-violent means to achieve their demands. Lord, in your mercy…

Arkan Thaer Mizhar, a fifteen year old Palestinian boy was killed, while many others were wounded by Israeli forces in the Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem on Monday, the 23rd of July. When Israeli soldiers carried out overnight arrests, a riot broke out and the soldiers fired live rounds at the protestors.

• Lord, we remember the family of Arkan as they grieve for his loss. Lord, in your mercy…

On Wednesday the 25th of July, Israeli air raids killed three Palestinians and critically injured a fourth person in Gaza. The attack was carried out after a ceasefire brokered by the U.N. and Egypt helped to end an earlier wave of attacks on the besieged enclave.

• Lord, we continue to lament the recent violence in Gaza. We pray for an end to the Israeli military occupation and for Palestinian refugees to be able to return home. Lord, in your mercy…

This week the Israeli government, along with Israeli military personnel, have used their might to cause harm in several Bedouin communities and have also demolished a vital water pipeline in the village of Ras al Ahmar in the northern area  of the Jordan Valley. On Wednesday the 25th of July Israeli bulldozers demolished a kindergarten and a women’s cultural centre at Jabal al-Baba, a Bedouin community in the eastern part of Jerusalem, in the West Bank. On Friday the 27th of July Israeli bulldozers demolished the village of al-Araqib in the Negev desert in southern Israel for the 131st time.

•  Lord, we pray that those in authority in Israel, who continue to use their might to uproot communities and deprive them of the basic essentials to survive: shelter, water and land. We cry out to you and ask that their eyes may be opened to the inhumanity of these actions. And yet Lord, help us to remember that the hope you give us does not put us to shame, as you pour your love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, (Romans 5:5). Lord, in your mercy, 

 

On Sunday the 22nd of July more than a thousand Israeli settlers were given access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under armed security by the Israeli police.

 

• Lord, we pray for those who intend to provoke anger and violence, that their hearts may turn to seek peace. Lord, in your mercy…

 

The Palestinian activist and writer Lama Khater is reportedly being subjected to harsh and intensive interrogation at Ashkelon, the Israeli prison. Israeli soldiers arrested Lama at dawn on Tuesday the 24th of July in the city of al Khalil in front of her five children.

• Lord, may we remember all those who speak out courageously for justice even at a cost to themselves. We remember the prayers of Peter and John the apostles after their imprisonment by the authorities for sharing the gospel, to ‘grant to your servants to continue to speak your words with all boldness’,(Acts 4:29). Lord, in your mercy…

 

The UN  agency for Palestinian refugees will cut more than 260 jobs in the West Bank and Gaza due to lack of funds. These cuts are the first outcome of a significant American reduction in their contribution to UNWRA.

• Lord, Palestinian refugees are still not allowed to return to their homes, and now even the lifeline of aid to meet the basic needs of the refugees is under threat. We pray that leaders around the world will step up to bring relief to the refugees. Lord, in your mercy…

 

The Israel Army stopped the activist boat attempting to supply Gaza with medical supplies. The boat was carrying 22 people from 16 different countries in protest against Israel’s decade-long blockade.

 

• Lord, we thank you for people who care about those living under siege in Gaza. We are grateful for the actions of those living abroad who seek to give a voice to those who are oppressed. Lord may they depend on your strength for you are ‘a stronghold in times of trouble’ Psalm 9:9. Lord in your mercy…

 

Ahed Tamimi, a Palestinian teenager convicted of assaulting an Israeli soldier, was released with her mother, after both serving a sentence of eight months.

 

• God, we continue to remember the Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli jails. We ask your spirit to guide us to mobilize the efforts of the peacemakers to set the captives free and to put an end to this occupation. Lord in your mercy…

 

• We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Republic of Congo, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe ……….

July 26th, 2018

 

The ‘Great March of Return’ protests continue into the seventeenth week, as Palestinians call for the right of return to their homeland. Last week, Israeli soldiers fired live bullets and teargas canisters towards Palestinian protesters gathered along the fence with Israel, killing 27-year-old Mohammad Sharif Badwan and wounding 120 others.

• Lord, we pray for the family of Badwan as they grieve for their loss. We continue to pray for the safety of the protestors and for them to continue to espouse non-violent means to achieve their demands. Lord in your mercy…

 

In Gaza, a deal was reached between Hamas and Israel after four Palestinians and an Israeli soldier were killed in the latest violence in the Gaza Strip.

• Lord, we lament the recent violence in Gaza and pray for all the families who have lost loved ones. We pray for an end to the Israeli military occupation and for Palestinian refugees to be able to return home. Lord in your mercy…

 

The Israeli authorities confiscated 324 dunams, (80 acres),of Palestinian land around the city of Ramallah to build a road for Israeli settlers. The planned road would link the illegal Israeli settlements of Beit Aryeh and Ofarim.

 

• Lord, the Israeli occupation continues to dispossess the Palestinian people of their land. We pray that those who stand for international law and human rights would speak out and condemn the illegal actions of Israel in the world-wide community. Lord in your mercy…

 

Mahmoud Zayed, a 28 year old Palestinian with Down’s syndrome, was assaulted and had his hand broken when he was arrested by the Israeli army in the city of Hebron city.

 

• Lord we pray for the release of Mahmoud and his speedy recovery. We remember all the Palestinian prisoners, especially the women, children and people with special needs who will be traumatized by this treatment. Lord in your mercy …

 

Israel has endorsed the Nation-State Law that serves to define the nature of the state of Israel, disregarding human rights and democratic values. There are now more than sixty five Israeli statutes which discriminate against the Palestinian citizens of Israel.

 

• Lord, we continue to pray for justice and freedom for all the people in our troubled land. Help us to remember that when those who suffer injustice cry out to you, your eyes are towards them and your ears hear them. You promise to be near the broken-hearted and you save the crushed in spirit, (Psalm 34:13-16). Lord in your mercy…  

 

Israeli settlers from the illegal Israeli settlement of Hallamish, in the district of Ramallah, attacked participants of “Hike and Explore Your Homeland”. The attack came as an attempt by Israeli settlers to prevent people from reaching land which they plan to confiscate so they can expand their settlement. The group regularly hikes around various sites of Palestine to give young Palestinians an opportunity to become more informed about their land and, on this occasion, they were trying to reach a natural spring in the Palestinian town of Beitello.

 

• Lord, we give thanks for all the international observers in occupied Palestine who witness and document violations against defenseless civilians. We pray that the day may come when any settlers committing illegal acts would be held to account in international courts. Lord in your mercy…

 

Two Palestinian families demolished the houses where they had lived  for nearly two decades, saying they would rather destroy  their own homes than watch Israeli settlers take possession of them. The demolition was the culmination of a lengthy legal battle between the families and a settler organization. Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that the land on which the houses were built belonged to the Israel Land Fund whose stated goal is “acquiring all the Land of Israel for the Jewish people”.

 

• Lord, help us to hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, (Hebrews10:23) We ask you to strengthen our resolve to speak out against the overwhelming injustice suffered by the Palestinian people with further land confiscations, house demolitions and attempts to eclipse their history. Lord in your mercy…  

 

• We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Lord in your mercy…

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July 19th 2018

 

The ‘Great March of Return’ protests continue for the fourth month as Palestinians call for the right of return. On Friday the 13th of July, Israeli soldiers shot and killed Othman Halas, a Palestinian teenager, who had been taking part in the border protests.

• Lord, we pray for the family of Othman as they grieve for their loss. We continue to pray for the safety of the protestors and for them to continue to espouse non-violent means to achieve their demands. Lord in your mercy…

 

Last week Israel launched the most intense wave of airstrikes on Gaza since the 2014 war, while militants in the enclave fired volleys of rockets at towns adjacent to the border. Nowa ceasefire has been agreed between Israel and the different Palestinian factions.

• Lord, we mourn the recent violence in Gaza and the retaliatory rockets fired across the border into Israel. We pray for all families affected by the violence. We pray that the ceasefire will be respected by all parties to avoid more suffering. Lord in your mercy…

 

Israeli forces destroyed more than 400 metres of water pipeline, which is a vital  lifeline to the Palestinian farmers and Bedouin in the Jordan valley. Many have to eke out an existence in enclaves closed off by Israeli military zones, checkpoints, and more than thirty illegal Israeli settlements. Recently Israeli forces used bulldozers to razethe ground in search of water holes and have destroyed water sources in several areas in the Jordan Valley.

• Lord, as we gaze upon this parched land we think of you and how our souls thirst for your righteousness. Let us pray in the words of Psalm 143:8,

‘Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.’

 

The Irish Senate has voted in favor of a bill prohibiting the importation and sale of goods and services originating in illegal Israeli settlements.

• Lord, we continue to pray for all who work for justice in the world. We give thanks to the people of conscience who stand in solidarity with people of Palestine. Lord in your mercy… 

 

On Saturday the 14th of July, seven thousand Israeli demonstrators took part in a protest march in Tel Aviv against the proposed Nation-state Bill. If passed by the Knesset this bill would allow Jewish-only communities and Hebrew would become Israel’s only official language. The bill cites Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, fixes the Hebrew calendar as the official calendar of state and recognizes Jewish holidays. If passed, the legislation would constitute a violation of human rights, democracy, and complete disregard for international law. The bill would deprive Palestinian citizens in Israel of economic, as well as political and social rights.

• Lord, we continue to pray for justice and freedom for all people in our troubled land. We ask for your spirit to empower us to remain steadfast in our demands for equality and democracy. We give thanks for all the Israelis who continue to challenge the injustice and discriminatory laws of the government. Lord in your mercy…

 

Sabeel is conducting two Bible study training courses this month to help groups of about thirty people to come and learn how to become Bible study facilitators. The participants come from various churches and denominations in Palestine. They will be led in their studies by theologians to enable them to go back and teach new contextual Bible study programmes in their local communities.

• Lord, we are so thankful that there is a hunger for your Word in the faith communities served by Sabeel. We pray that your Spirit would lead and guide this training and that it would glorify you and bless those taking part in it. Lord, in your mercy…

 

• We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Djibouti and Somalia. Lord in your mercy…

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July, 12th 2018

On the 4th of July Mahmoud al-Gharableh, a 16-year-old Palestinian boy, died of his wounds after being shot by Israeli snipers last month. Thousands of Palestinians continue to take part in the ‘Great March of Return’ calling for their right of return to their homeland and for lifting the oppressive Israeli siege.

• Lord, we pray for the family of Mahmoud as they mourn their loss. We continue to pray for the safety and steadfastness of the protestors to keep their commitment to non-violence to achieve their Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer

 Last week the Israeli Supreme Court granted a temporary injunction to halt the demolition of the Palestinian Bedouin village of Khan al-Hmar, east of Jerusalem. This demolition had been planned to make way for the further expansion of the illegal Male Admit Israeli settlement. Israel faced an international outcry as their forces gathered to start demolishing the village and to forcibly remove its 181 residents, many of whom are children.

• Lord, we hold the community of Khan Al Hmar in our prayers as they resist the orders of the Israeli army to displace them. We give thanks for all the Palestinians, Israelis and international advocates who are prepared to make a stand for justice for this community. Lord, in your mercy…

Benjamin Ladraa is a 25-year-old Swedish activist who is on a 3000 mile walk from Gothenburg, Sweden to Jerusalem to raise awareness about human rights violations in the occupied territories. Over the past eleven months he has walked through fifteen different countries. The Israeli authorities prevented Ladraa from entering Palestine when he arrived at the Allenby Bridge, on the Jordanian-Palestinian border.

• Lord, we give thanks for Benjamin Ladraa and for all the people of conscience who are committed to justice and peace and are determined to speak out about the plight of the Palestinians living under occupation. Lord, in your mercy…

For the past two months the Israeli settlement of ‘Amihai’ continues to discharge its sewage water into the fields worked by Palestinian farmers from the village of Turmus Ayya, north-west of Ramallah. The settlers have dug a pit near the fields to allow the sewage to soak away but the pit overflows and floods the fields. The farmers fear that the sewage poses a threat to their health and will undermine the local economy.

• Lord,  when we are provoked by the harmful attacks on us by our neighbors, help us to pray for ‘The wisdom that comes from above’. Remind us of your promise that ‘a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace’ (James 3:17-18).  Lord, in your mercy…

The 60th Ramallah Convention took place between the 4th -9th of July 2018. Over one thousand members of the Ramallah community living in the Diaspora visited the city of their forebears to renew their ties with the land and to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

•  Lord, we give thanks for the success of the Ramallah Convention. We are grateful for the opportunity for families to gather together and to see relationships strengthened. We pray that the Palestinian community in the Diaspora will continue to act as ambassadors for justice. Lord, in your mercy…

 

Sabeel Nazareth has organized an educational trip for 45 members of the community to visit four Palestinian villages which were depopulated in 1948.  Also last week, Sabeel Nazareth launched the book ‘Nakba and Survival’ by Adel Mana.

•  Lord, we continue to pray for the staff and volunteers of Sabeel. We give thanks for those who are willing to stand up and call for justice, even under the threat of reprisals. Lord, in your mercy…

 

• We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Eritrea and Ethiopia. Lord, in your mercy…

 

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