Sabeel Wave of Prayer
November 22^nd, 2018

 

 

The “Great March of Return” continues in Gaza. Forty people were wounded in protests along the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip, including 18 by live fire and five by rubber bullets.

 

• Lord, we continue to pray for the Palestinian refugees and their just demands to return to their lands and homes. May the creativity of the protesters in creating nonviolent methods of resistance continue. Lord in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

 

Wednesday, the 14th of November a Palestinian fisherman, Nawwaf al Attar, was shot and killed by the Israeli occupation forces off the coast of northern Gaza. The  Palestinian fishermen were working, as recently directed, at three nautical miles from the coast when the Israeli naval forces opened fire, forcing them to head back to working at one nautical mile, where the fish stocks are exhausted.

 

• Lord, we pray for the people of Gaza trying to earn a livelihood and feed their families. We pray for the family of Nawwaf al Attar as they grieve their loss. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

Twenty women from Jerusalem traveled as a group from Sabeel to enjoy fellowship with one another and to learn about the city of Haifa, it’s history and the challenges it faces.

 

• Lord, we thank you for the opportunities you give us to travel and to meet up with our brothers and sisters to find out about their lives. Help us, we pray to walk together in the light of your truth and holiness and to reach out to one another and bear one another’s burdens. Lord, in your mercy…. hear our prayers

 

 

The Palestine Book Awards, 2018 winners were announced at the Middle East Monitor’s flagship event in London on Friday, the 16th of November. The Academic Awards were given to Maha Nassar for her book ‘Brothers Apart, Palestinian citizens of Israel and the Arab world’ and to Colin Anderson for his book ‘Balfour in the Dock: J.M.N. Jeffries and the Case for the Prosecution’. The Memoir Award went to Reja-e Busailah, who is blind, for his autobiography, ‘In the Land of My Birth. A Palestinian Boyhood.’ Salim Tamari was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to literature on Palestine.

 

• Thank you, Lord, for the gifts you have given to writers to express the concerns of their hearts and to tell their stories. We pray for those who use their gifts to tell the world about what is happening in Palestine. Lord, in your mercy….. hear our prayers

 

On Sunday, the 11th of November, the Israeli authorities banned Hebron’s Rehabilitation Committee from renovating a Palestinian kindergarten near the Ibrahami Mosque in the Old City of Hebron, which is under full Israeli military control. The kindergarten belongs to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. The Israeli authorities did not provide any reason for the ban.

 

• God of justice and righteousness, we pray that the Israeli occupying forces in Hebron would be moved to withdraw the ban on work at the kindergarten. We continue to pray for an end to the military occupation that deprives our people of a normal life. Lord, in your mercy….. hear our prayers

 

A sixteen year old boy, Abdel Nassar Aweiwi was arrested and abused by the Israeli occupation army on the evening of the 13th of November.

• Lord, it is deeply shocking to witness the level of violence inflicted on children by the Israeli occupation army. We pray for the healing of victims like Abdel Nassar, that they may recover physically and mentally from the abuse. We pray too for the perpetrators of the violence that they may have a change of heart and be held accountable for their crimes. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

The Kumi Now nonviolent initiative continues this week with Wi’am and their topic of Letting Children be Children. Wi’am, the Palestinian Conflict Transformation Centre, next to the Separation Wall in Bethlehem seeks to provide a safe and stimulating place for Palestinian children to come to, especially for those living in cramped conditions in nearby refugee camps.

www.kuminow.com

 

 

• Lord Jesus when you walked the earth you showed a special love for children, telling your disciples, ‘Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God’,(Luke 18:16). We give thanks for all those seeking to bring joy and peace into the lives of children and particularly for the work of Wi’am. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

• We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of East Timor (Timor Leste), Indonesia, the Philippines.

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Thursday 15^th November 2018

An Israel undercover commando unit killed a Hamas leader and six others inside Gaza near Khan Younis. Israel launched air attacks to provide cover for the retreat of the commandos. An Israeli officer was killed and one wounded. The Israeli incursion and air attacks drew rocket fire from the Hamas-controlled enclave threatening an escalation of violence in the region.

• O Lord, our Shepherd and our Rock, we pray to you at this time of violence in and around Gaza. Please strengthen those in Gaza who are committed to nonviolence and deliverance for all those who continue to suffer. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

On Thursday 8th November 2018, Israeli forces raided an elementary school in Khirbet Ibziq in the Jordan Valley, disrupted classes, and dismantled a tent used by teaching staff and students.

• Great Teacher, children need an education to have the full and abundant life You came to give them. Bless those who strive to provide an education under these extreme circumstances — for this generation and generations to come.Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 Israeli forces detained 511 Palestinians during the month of October, including 74 minors and 15 women. This was confirmed last week in a joint statement by three Palestinian prisoner’s advocacy groups.

• Lord, we continue to pray for Palestinian prisoners, especially children. May your spirit give them courage to stand steadfast and to depend on your justice. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the passing of a law, introduced by Avigdor Lieberman, which will remove the strict conditions on capital punishment and will pave the way for the death penalty to be carried out against Palestinians convicted of murder whether in the Israeli Military or civilian court system.

• Lord of justice, Your Son suffered execution at the hands of the state,but He did not let hatred overcome Him. Help us to reach out to the Israeli decision makers so that they may remember that ‘there is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbour?’ (James 4:12). Holy Spirit of God, You strengthen us in the struggle for justice.Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 Sabeel is holding its annual Ecumenical Clergy Retreat this week Monday 12th to Wednesday 14th of November. The retreat will take place at the Carmelite Convent of Stella Maris on Mt. Carmel in Haifa. A number of distinguished clergy and lay people will lead the sessions.

• We pray dear Lord for your blessing on this Retreat and for the ecumenical spirit that prevails in the Sabeel programs. Guide the speakers and the participants to be nourished by this fellowship, and help them disseminate the right attitude in their parishes so that the “Other” will be a Blessing.  Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 November 15 marks Palestinian Independence Day. Unfortunately, in the 30 years since the state was declared, true independence is still not a reality.

• Lord, we offer thanks for all the people and organizations working to bring about a just peace that will allow Palestine to experience actual independence. We pray for transformation and freedom in this land. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

The Kumi Now nonviolent initiative continues this week with MennoPIN and their topic of House Demolitions. This week’s action asks you to contact the international contractors involved in Palestinian house demolitions in order to highlight the use of their machines in this illegal act. www.kuminow.com

• This is a prayer for the steadfast, the ones who stand firm,the ones who say: you can destroy my house, but you will never destroy my home.This is a prayer for the ones who stand amidst the ruinsonce the soldiers have gone and silently vow:demolish our houses again if you choose but we will never leave.We will rebuild, we will replant, we will remain. Bless the Kumi nonviolent action this week and give strength to those who stand in solidarity. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

On November 1^st, the Palestinian authority enforced the first comprehensive social security system to cover all private sector workers. Thousands of Palestinian workers continue to demonstrate against the law which they see as unfair and have expressed their mistrust of the Palestinian authority and its intentions.

•  Lord, we pray for all the Palestinian workers who are on the margins. We also give thanks for the demonstrators who stand up for the rights of the people and express their concerns with nonviolence and a creative call for justice. Grant the Palestinian authority open ears to hear the concerns of the people and humble hearts to serve the Palestinian people in a fair and transparent way. Lord in your mercy…

 

• We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for Aotearora New Zealand, and Australia. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

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Nov. 8th,  2018

The ‘Great March of Return’ continued into its 32nd week. Palestinian factions agreed to ensure protests remained peaceful, after reaching agreement in talks brokered by Egypt. This decision followed Israel’s expansion of the permitted fishing zone off the Gaza coast and agreement to transfer funds from Qatar for Hamas salaries.

• Lord, we pray for the peace talks led by Egypt and the UN, that there may be a cessation of the suffering in Gaza. Lord, in your mercy…

On Thursday, the 1st of November Israeli bulldozers razed Palestinian land and uprooted olive trees in the northern occupied West Bank district of Tulkarem, to make way for the expansion of the illegal Avnei Hefetz settlement.

• Lord, God of hosts, we call out to you, ‘Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne,’ Psalm 89:14. We pray that the lawmakers of the world may speak out for the Palestinians who are losing their homes and livelihoods without redress to international law. Lord, in your mercy….

Khader Adnan ended his hunger strike on Monday, the 29th of October after an Israeli military court sentenced him to one year in prison. That evening two Palestinian girls, Aseel 14years and Nisreen Abu Aker, 15years, the daughters of the Palestinian administrative prisoner Bassam Abu Aker were released from prison.

• Lord, we pray for the thousands of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, some of them administrative prisoners held without charges and particularly we pray for the child prisoners whose lives are severely affected by imprisonment. Lord, in your mercy…

The president elect of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, a far right politician has decided to move the Brazilian Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem ignoring international law.

• Lord you hear those who are distressed. We continue to pray for justice as we see the powerful conspiring against the Palestinians and denying them their human rights . May the powerful understand what makes for peace, the peace the city of Jerusalem desperately needs.  Lord in your mercy…

On Friday, the 2nd of November the Palestinian- American writer, Susan Abulhawa, was deported from Israel and sent back to the US. She had been invited to participate in the Kalimat Palestinian Literature Festival in her native land.

• We praise and worship you Lord for the creative gifts you shower on us. We thank you for the artists who respond with love to their native lands. May they be given the freedom to express their gifts fully. Lord, in your mercy….

At least seven people were killed and fourteen others were injured in an attack on a bus in Northern Egypt on Friday. The bus was heading to a Coptic Christian monastery. The attack appears to have been carried out along the same route targeted by Islamic radicals in May last year, when 30 Copts were killed and dozens more injured.

• Lord, we pray for the families in Egypt who are grieving for their relatives who have died or are injured. We ask you to comfort and console them in their loss. Lord, in your mercy..

Week 3 of the Kumi Now initiative is available online at www.kuminow.com. This week’s action asks you to send empty cardboard boxes to the Israeli Parliament in time for the Global Day of InterAction for the #WorldwithoutWalls on November 9th.

• Lord, we give thanks for all those around the world who want to support the Palestinian people in their suffering. May the non-violent actions proposed by Kumi Now give those in power in Israel pause for thought and reflection on how their policies are affecting the Palestinians. Lord, in your mercy….
• We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for Oceania: American Samoa,  Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (Maori Nui), Kanaky, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers.

 

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Sabeel Wave of Prayer

1^st November 2018

 

The “Great March of Return” passed its 31^st Friday amid increasing violence from the Israeli forces and militants amongst the legitimate protestors. More than 230 people were injured, and five killed including 19-year-old Nassar Abu Tim.

• Lord of the suffering, we pray for a commitment to human rights by all sides and the protection of all lives. We pray for effective international intervention to ensure justice. We pray for humanitarian aid and rebuilding where destruction has occurred. We pray for peace and for justice in our homes and on our city streets. Wrap all and each of these your people in your love. Let them hear: “Come to me you who suffer and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

The death toll from flash floods near Jordan’s shore of the Dead Sea has risen to 20, with the majority of the dead and injured being local schoolchildren. At the request of Jordan, Israel has sent rescue teams to help with rescue and recovery.

• Lord, surround us now with your grace and peace through storm or earthquake, fire or flood. By your Spirit, comfort the families of those children and adults who have died or have been injured, sustain those who work to rescue, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through You, our rock and redeemer. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

A Human Rights Watch report has criticized both Hamas and Fatah for frequently arresting and torturing peaceful critics and opponents.

• We pray for all those in authority in Palestine who are blinded by power. Grant them that they may see the wrong in their actions and be accountable to international law. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

Following a peaceful protest by Coptic Orthodox priests against Israel carrying out work on the Ethiopian Coptic church, several Coptic priests were assaulted with one being arrested by Israeli police.

• Lord of grace grant the clergy within Palestine and Israel the strength to realise that “the son of man came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Give them the faith to stand alongside one another rather than in opposition. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

The Sabeel Fall Witness Tour takes place this week following the Contemporary Way of the Cross.

• Lord, we pray for an enriching and fruitful visit that will enable the participants to see and learn firsthand the situation on the ground.  We pray that they will go back inspired and encouraged to continue the work of justice and peace for this troubled land. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

Palestinian prisoner, Khader Adnan, 40, who has been on an open hunger strike for 57 days, as a form of protest against his “arbitrary” detention by Israel.

• Lord, we pray for Khader Adnan as he continues to protest peacefully the unjust actions of the occupation. We pray for the speedy release of Adnan and all Palestinian political prisoners. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

Week 2 of the Kumi Now initiative is now online at www.kuminow.com to read and start on the action for this week. We encourage you to take the time to read the information and to engage in this week’ s action of sending paper dolls.

• Lord, we give thanks to all who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. May the Kumi nonviolent action open the eyes of the decision makers in Israel to abandon their policies of dispossession and unjust treatment. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

 

• We join the world council of Churches in praying for the countries of Canada and United States of America. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

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Sabeel Wave of Prayer

25^th October 2018

The ‘Great March of Return’ continues along the Gaza border. Among the thousands legitimately protesting, one hundred and thirty persons were injured including Journalist, Fady Thabet. Israel has announced that it plans to start a ‘zero tolerance’ approach, using live fire on protestors further away from the fence.

 

• Lord we pray for those who take a stand for justice and raise their voices in legitimate protest against oppression. Protect those who make a stand to let the world know what is happening in Gaza. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

Israel has suspended the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar for “several weeks”. This comes amid increasing violence from Israeli occupying forces who used tear gas, pepper gas and stun grenades on locals and internationals last week.

 

• O Lord, grant that the Israeli authorities will take time to realise that this place is a home built by wisdom, established by understanding, and filled by knowledge (Proverbs 24:3). Give peace to the families at Khan al-Ahmar and strength to those standing in their defence. Lord in your mercy…

 

The Kumi Now initiative launches this week. This initiative of over sixty organisations encourages everyone to rise up together for justice through short, simple, nonviolent actions.

 

• Gracious Lord grant us the strength to rise together with others around the world in nonviolent action alongside the people of Palestine. Lord in your mercy…

 

Sabeel is holding a bible study for women at Ein Kerem this week.

 

• Lord, we are thankful for the continuing Sabeel contextual bible study sessions with the community in Palestine. We, specifically, raise before you the commitment of the women who will meet at Ein Kerem. Lord in your mercy….

 

On November 1^st , the Palestinian authority plans to start enforcing the first comprehensive social security system to cover all private sector workers . The Palestinian authority states that, the purpose of the social security system is to provide protection to the workers of the Palestinian private sector in case of old-age, disability or death, employment injury or maternity. Tens of thousands of Palestinian workers have been taking to the streets to demonstrate against parts of the law which they see as unfair, many protestors have expressed their mistrust of the Palestinian authority and its intentions.

 

• Lord, we pray for all the Palestinian workers who are on the margins. We also give thanks for the demonstrators who stand up for the rights of the people and express their concerns with nonviolence and a creative call for justice. Grant the Palestinian authority open ears to hear the concerns of the people and humble hearts to serve the Palestinian people in a fair and transparent way. Lord in your mercy…

 

• We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for The Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, St Kitts-Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago

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Sabeel Wave of Prayer

18th October 2018

 

This Friday the ‘Great March of Return’ continued through its 29th Friday with at least 252 legitimate protestors (including fifty children) injured and seven killed, including two teenage boys, by live fire from Israeli occupying forces. The protestors continue to demand their right to return to their homeland, which they were forced to leave seventy years ago and the brutal siege of Gaza.

 

• Good shepherd, no refugee is a stranger to you and no one is ever far from your loving care. We pray that you would watch over the legitimate protestors as they continue in their efforts to return home. We pray for healing of the hearts of refugees who have endured unimaginable tragedy and trauma. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

Ahed Tamimi has been on a tour of Europe and Turkey over the past few weeks. Palestine is full of prophetic voices who need an opportunity to be heard.

 

• Lord, teach us to speak prophetic words when our world is out of balance; when the needs of the poor are shunned and the cares of the voiceless go unheard. Teach us to speak prophetic words when hope is in short supply; when our best efforts still fail; when events occur, which seem senseless and without meaning. Lord, in your mercy…

 

Aisha Muhammad Talal al-Rabi,a mother of eight children, from the Bidya village near Salfit in the northern occupied West Bank, was killed and her husband was injured, after Israeli settlers hurled rocks at their vehicle near the Zaatara checkpoint in Nablus.

 

• Lord, we pray for the protection of all people from the violent and racist attacks of illegal Israeli settlers. We ask for your spirit to guide us towards a path of liberation from the evil occupation which fosters hatred and conflict. Lord, in your mercy…

 

Lara Alqasem, a 22-year-old American student, accepted to study at the Hebrew University, was refused entry to Israel despite having been granted a visa by the Israeli Embassy in America. The Tel Aviv District Court refused her appeal; however, she has now placed an appeal with the Supreme Court and awaits a decision. The refusal was based on the grounds that she is a supporter of the Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions, (BDS), movement.

 

• O Lord we pray that those wishing to visit, study, or work in Palestine and Israel should have equal opportunity to do so. We pray that Israeli lawmakers may rule that those students who support Palestine do not necessarily pose a threat to thestate of Israel. Lord, in your mercy …

 

The olive harvest has started in Palestine. Many Palestinian communities, who earn their living from this harvest, are unable to reach their olive groves due to the separation wall, or their proximity to illegal settlements, or due to the threat of military intervention.

 

• God, we lift our prayers for those Palestinian farmers who undertake great risks to harvest their produce. We give praise to you Lord God, who through the mouth of your prophet proclaimed that one day ‘..they shall sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees and no one shall make them afraid’ (Micah 4:4) Lord, in your mercy…

 

Sabeel continues to hold weekly services on Thursdays. Visitors are always welcome for a time of fellowship and to pray together the ‘Wave of Prayer’.

 

• Lord, we are so thankful for your promise that, ‘where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them,’ (Matt 18:20).  Lord we welcome you amongst us today and celebrate the gift of life that you have lavished upon each of us.  We ask that you would open our ears so that we may hear your voice. Lord, in your mercy…

 

• We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.

 

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As the ‘Great March of Return’ continues into its 29th week, Israeli forces have continued to use live fire against peaceful protestors, leaving over 370 injured and a three Palestinians dead including a twelve-year-old boy. Occupying forces have, once again, entered into Gaza and razed land metres beyond the fence. This ongoing practice has destroyed much of the agricultural land in Gaza.

 

• O Lord, we pray for the peaceful protesters as they continue to resist the Israeli occupation, abuse of power and destruction of land. In particular we pray for the children and young people caught up in the conflict beyond their understanding or control. We pray for those who have been killed or maimed and for the bereaved families; those who have had their future torn away from them; those whose lives are bleak, lacking opportunity, freedom of movement and hope. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

The demolition of the Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar is expected imminently after an Israeli court gave the residents until the 1st of October to evacuate their homes. On the 2nd of October Israeli settlers from the illegal settlement of Kfar Adumin, east of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank stormed the village and flooded the area with wastewater from a tanker.

 

• Protecting Lord, we pray that you may place your hand of protection over the people of Khan al-Ahmar. Be with them and those showing a protective presence as they stand firm against the constant threat of demolition by Israeli forces and abuse from Israeli settlers. Lord, in your mercy…

 

Several Palestinians suffered injuries after being assaulted by dozens of Israeli settlers in Jerusalem before dawn on Monday, the 1stof October. Israeli settlers stormed the al-Musrara Street, Damascus Gate and al-Wadi Street in Jerusalem City and began to assault Palestinian residents with verbal and physical abuse by shouting curses at them, repeatedly beating them, and damaging vehicles.

 

• We pray for an end to the occupation of Jerusalem and across Palestine. May the Israeli authorities recognise their responsibility to act and not to keep turning a blind eye to the crimes committed by settlers. Lord, in your mercy…

 

The Israeli Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, announced on Thursday, the 4th of October, that he plans to remove the services of the United Nations› agency for Palestinian refugees, (UNRWA) from occupied East Jerusalem. He has accused UNRWA of ‘operating illegally and promoting incitement against Israel’. Following the announcement, the Jerusalem Municipality confirmed that UN schools, which serve about 1,800 students, would be closed by the end of the current school year.

 

• Lord of the oppressed, open the minds of the Israeli authorities to realize that UNRWA is a United Nation Agency and cannot be closed as long as the Palestinian refugee problem persists. Grant them the conscience to see that they cannot ignore international law or the plight of refugees. Lord, in your mercy…

 

This week Sabeel announces the ‘Kumi Now’ advocacy initiative. It is a project, in partnership with dozens of organisations, aimed at allowing people all over the world to rise up in support of Palestinians through simple, effective actions.

 

• We pray for the ‘Kumi Now’ initiative as it is announced this week. We give thanks for the Sabeel staff, volunteers, and the organisations involved in this initiative. Lord, in your mercy…

 

While we focus on the suffering in Palestine we also remember the plight of all those caught up in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Sulawesi, Indonesia.

 

• Lord, the earth belongs to You, all that is in it and all who live in it are Yours’(Psalm 24:1). We pray for those impacted by disasters, both natural and man-made, wherever they are in the world. Grant swift comfort and relief to the survivors. Lord, in your mercy…

 

Sabeel is conducting a Bible study training course this weekend to help thirty-five people become Bible study facilitators. The participants come from 23 parishes 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. Lord, in your mercy…

 

• We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Panama. Lord, in your mercy…

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4^th, October 2018

The ‘Great March of Return’ continued into its 27th Friday along the eastern border of the Gaza Strip. Seven Palestinians, including two children, were shot and killed by Israeli forces during protests across the eastern borders of the besieged Gaza Strip, on Friday afternoon.

• Lord, we come before you ready to lay our anxieties and fears at your feet and ask that you would guard our hearts with your peace which surpasses all understanding. We pray for the peaceful protestors in Gaza and that others would be led to express their grievances using non-violent means. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.

During the recent UN General Assembly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) received pledges of $118 million from several donor countries to help it overcome a financial crisis triggered by the United States’ aid cuts.

• Lord of the refugee, we pray for those prevented from returning to their homes by the unjust laws of Israel and the USA. We pray that the international community will awake to this injustice and apply pressure to make their return possible and permanent. Lord, in your mercy…

The Israeli authorities declared an eight day closure on the occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip starting late Sunday until Monday, the first of October, for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Rabbis for Human Rights announced that they have set up sukkah’s, which are temporary tents constructed for use during the week-long Jewish holiday of Sukkot, to show solidarity with the residents of Khan al-Ahmar and as a protest against Israel’s planned demolition of the village.

• We pray that this Jewish celebration of return will open ears to current cries for freedom from the oppressive Israeli occupation. Even greater disruption and hardship is imposed on Palestinians during Jewish festivals like Sukkot, when checkpoints in the West Bank and Gaza are shut down. Lord, in your mercy…

On Monday, the 24th of September, the Israeli military court of Ofer placed a 45-year-old Palestinian detainee under ‘administrative detention’ for six months. Ayman Nasser Karajeh is a legal co-ordinator for Addameer, a human rights group which focuses on promoting the rights of Palestinian prisoners.

• Lord, your Word tells us that you lift up ‘those who are bowed down’ and that you ‘love the righteous’ (Psalm 146:8).We bring before you all those who risk their own life and liberty for the sake of others. Lord, in your mercy…

Nour al-Din Shakarneh, a 20-year old Palestinian was injured before dawn on Sunday, after Israeli forces raided his family home and shot him while he was asleep in the village of Nahalin, in the southern occupied West Bank district of Bethlehem.
Twenty four year old Muhammad Rimawi, from Beit Rima near Ramallah, was beaten to death by Israeli occupation soldiers who raided his home in the early hours of the morning on the 18^th of September. His body was returned for burial on the 1^st of October.

• Lord, protect those who face the daily threat of arrest,  injury or death by Israeli soldiers. Grant them your peace in their hearts and surround them with your powerful love . Lord, in your mercy…

Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly last week. He spoke of the need for the US and Israel to abide by international law and for a peaceful Palestinian state to be recognized by the world.

• We pray that the world community may come together and support Palestine’s legitimate cry for sovereignty. In the meantime the Palestinian people watch while illegal Jewish settlements expand around their communities, choking their movement, farmland and livelihoods. Lord, in your mercy…

 Palestinians observed a 24 hour strike on Monday the 1^st of October, in protest against Israel’s Nation State Law, against the demolition of Khan Al Ahmar and in remembrance of the 13 young people killed in cold blood 18 years ago during the Al Aqsa Intifada. This strike was observed by Palestinians inside Israel, in the West Bank-including East Jerusalem, the Gaza strip, as well as Palestinian refugees in the Diaspora.

• God of all, we pray for perseverance of Palestinians who are trying, peacefully, to have their voices heard. We ask that you give the powerful, ears to hear and hearts open to understanding our struggles and concerns. Lord, in your mercy…
• We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Columbia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Lord, in your mercy…

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September 27^th, 2018

 

 The ‘Great March of Return’ continues with more Palestinians coming under live fire from the Israeli military forces. It has also been reported that Palestinian fishermen are coming under pressure from frequent arrests and live fire from the Israeli Navy. This constant pressure on the livelihoods of these fishermen means that 95% of the fishing industry in Gaza now live below the poverty line.

 

• Lord, we continue to hold the protestors in our prayers; cast your net of protection over Gaza and its fisherman so that they may catch abundant fish without the threat of arrest or injury. Lord, in your mercy…Hear our prayers

 

Thirty-four Democratic senators, more than a third of the U.S. Senate, have signed a letter criticising the Trump administration’s recent decisions to withhold American aid from the Palestinians. The senators warned that these cuts, including the loss of aid to hospitals in Israeli-controlled East Jerusalem, will harm Israel’s security. Now, Democrats on Capitol Hill are calling on President Trump to reverse his decision to impose cuts, saying that they will contribute towards a humanitarian crisis in the region.

 

• Lord, you never faint or grow weary. We pray for the efforts of lawmakers around the world who work for the powerless and the dispossessed. We pray that you would renew their strength and encourage them in their work for justice. Lord, in your mercy…

 

American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) have recently completed work on a wastewater reuse project in Ramallah to increase the amount of water available for drinking by using wastewater for non-domestic uses including firefighting and irrigation of crops and gardens. Ramallah City, the West Bank, suffers from severe water shortages resulting from drought, population growth, and Israel’s limiting Palestinian access to groundwater resources.

 

• God who called us forth from the dust and watered our lands with countless streams and great rivers, as we gaze upon this world that so thirsts for your water let it remind us of all the thirsts in this land: the thirst for justice, the thirst for peace, the thirst for opportunity, the thirst for reconciliation and the thirst for hope. Lord, in your mercy…

 

The Israeli Civil Administration announced an expansion plan of the Israeli settlement of Tina Omarim in the town of Dahriyeh, Hebron. The Land Research Centre, a Palestinian research centre, released a report on Monday, the 17th of September, which shows that the Israeli Civil Administration have published a plan that would change the classification of the Palestinian-owned land from agricultural to urban, in order to justify expanding the illegal Israeli settlement. The report said that the plan would lead to the seizure of 260 dunums, (64 acres), of Palestinian-owned land in the al-Thahriyeh town.

 

• 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 expose the illegal actions of Israel. Lord, in your mercy…

 

Sabeel continues to organise local Bible study groups in the community to help Christians to come together and reflect on what it means to follow Christ today, living under the oppressive constraints in the land of Palestine and Israel.

 

• Lord, your words are life and light. We give thanks to all the lay leaders who help organise the Bible Study groups and prepare the material. Accept our prayers as incense offered to you, and our upraised hands as an evening offering (Psalm 141). Lord, in your mercy….

 

Several international groups are to participate in the Palestine Circus Festival, set to take place in 32 locations across the occupied West Bank, which will be held under the slogan “United for Freedom.”

 

• Lord, we thank you for those willing to bring their creative gifts together to highlight injustice. May your innovative spirit bless all those involved with this project. Lord, in your mercy…

 

• We join the World Council of Churches in prayer for the countries of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Peru. Lord, in your mercy…

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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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