20^th December 2018

 Our prayers will be expressed through the Gospel words about the birth of Jesus, our Saviour.

• The angel Gabriel came to Mary and said, ‘And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.’(Luke 1:31)

 The historic renovation of the Church of the Nativity is lifting spirits in the town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of our Lord Jesus. In 2012 the church was declared a World Heritage Site. In 2013, renovation work with Italian experts began on the fabric of the building and the wall and floor mosaics. It is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

• Mary said,” Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) Lord, as we remember the birth of our Savior in Bethlehem we think of the many Palestinian children born in the refugee camps in the occupied territories. We pray for hope and a future for them through a just and equitable peace with Israel. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

 During the Great March of Return protests at least 60 Palestinians were injured by live fire from the Israeli military on the eastern borders of the Gaza Strip on Friday, the 14th of December.

• And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:41-42)Lord, we pray for the mothers of Gaza, who see their children injured and crushed by the oppressive conditions of the occupation. We pray that the lands and livelihoods may be restored to the Gazans. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

 There has been a spate of deadly incidents across the occupied West Bank this week which has left a number of Palestinians and Israeli soldiers dead. Within a twenty-four-hour period from Thursday until pre-dawn on Friday, the 14th of December, Israeli forces detained over 100 Palestinians.

• And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.” (Luke1:46-48)Lord, we are humbled by Mary’s obedience and joy in her worship. Help us to keep our hearts free from anger and bitterness and to be merciful to others. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

 In Silwan neighborhood, occupied East Jerusalem, the Palestinian Hashimeh family are now homeless. On Saturday, the 8th of December they were obliged to demolish the building, home to fourteen family members. If they had not demolished the property themselves, they would have been required to pay the municipality for demolition costs.

• Zechariah prophesied, saying, “..the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke1:78-79) Lord Jesus, you are our Saviour and Redeemer. Your light brings us hope where there is no hope. Help us, Lord, to continue to work for peace and justice where we see inequity. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

During a period of several weeks from November 4th to the 27th Christian Peacemaker Teams documented the escalation in violence conducted by the Israeli military against Palestinian schools and pupils in a portion of the H2 area in al-Khalil/ Hebron. This has included the firing of tear gas and sound grenades directly targeting Palestinian children, school compounds and civilians.

• All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, (which means, God with us). (Matthew1:22-23/Isaiah7:14)Lord Jesus, we are thankful for the Christian Peacemaker Teams and their work to monitor abuse, particularly the abuse of young children. We pray that they will be strengthened by your presence. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

 On Saturday, the 15th of December, Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister of Australia, announced that his country would formally recognize West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. However, he stated that he would not move the Australian Embassy to Jerusalem until there was a peace settlement between Israel and Palestine.

• “And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”(Luke 2:7)Lord Jesus, there was only a stable for you when you were born and, as a child you knew what it was like to live as a refugee. Lord, we pray for the people of Palestine that they will be released from the occupation to live peaceful lives. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers  

This week the Kumi Now non-violent initiative looks at the treatment of children in the Israeli military court system. Military Court Watch is a non-profit organization which monitors the abuse and denial of rights to children caught up in this system, focusing particularly on the first 24 hours of arrest when most allegations of abuses take place. (www.kuminow.com)

• “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John1:14) Lord, we pray for all those who work for justice and to protect the young and defenseless. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

•  We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of China, Hong Kong and Macau. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

Sabeel Wave of Prayer

13th of December, 2018

 

Thousands of people attended the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Bethlehem’s Manger Square on Saturday, the 1st of December.

 

• Lord Jesus, the light of the Christmas trees reflect our joy at this season as we remember how you came to earth to bring light into our lives, ‘the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light’, (Is 9:2). Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

At least 25 Palestinians were injured by live fire during the weekly protests  of the ‘Great March of Return’ along the border between Gaza and Israel on Friday, the 7th of December.

 

• Lord, we pray for those who have been injured in Gaza this week, together with thousands of other Gazans who have sustained wounds at the protests. We pray that there may soon be a breakthrough in the peace talks and that the blockade of Gaza may be lifted. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer

 

The Israeli authorities demolished a Palestinian primary school in Simiya village in the southern occupied West Bank district of Hebron on Wednesday, the 5th of December. The Israeli Civil Administration claimed it had been built without a permit. Almost all Palestinian applications for permits in areas under their control are rejected.

 

• Lord, you are an ever-present help in times of trouble. We pray that those who try to provide homes and schools for families in Palestine may not lose hope but will continue to seek to meet their needs. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer

 

This week marks human rights week, with the UN Day of Human Rights on the 10^th December.

• Lord, all people have the right to live in peace, dignity and with justice. Grant all those involved in the occupation humble hearts to see the wrongs of their ways and clear heads to move towards peace and justice. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

On Wednesday, the 5th of December, the Irish Senate approved the first reading of the ‘Occupied Territories Bill’. This bill would criminalise the import of goods from Israeli settlements. It will still need to be endorsed by the Lower House of Parliament.

 

• Lord, we are encouraged when those in authority abide by international law and recognise the illegality of the Israeli settlements in Palestine. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

The U.N. General Assembly voted in favour of five resolutions regarding Palestine on Friday, the 30th of November. UNGA also adopted a sixth resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan, demanding the withdrawal of Israel from all the territory and affirming Syria’s sovereignty over the land.

 

• We thank you, Lord, for all those international bodies who work to maintain peace and to protect the sovereignty of nations. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

The Kumi Now initiative focuses this week on the work of Al-Marsad in the Syrian Golan.

Al-Marsad was founded in 2003 to protect the human rights of those Syrians still living in the Golan. They live under the threat of Israeli military activity as well as the promotion of tourism from illegal settlements in the area. The action this week asks you to write to travel companies such as booking.com and Lonely Planet asking, ‘Does your business profit by providing accommodation in illegal Israeli settlements or by misrepresenting the Syrian Golan as ‘Northern Israel’?’

 

• Lord, we pray for the Syrians who have suffered so much in recent years. We pray that the Syrians in the Golan and in other regions may be granted peace and justice. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 

• We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

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Sabeel Wave of Prayer
6^th of December 2018

 

At least eighteen Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces on the 36th Friday of ‘The Great March of Return’. Israeli occupation soldiers used live ammunition and tear gas against the protestors on the Gaza border.

 

• Lord, we pray for all those protestors who have suffered injuries at this week’s protest in Gaza. We continue to pray that protestors may hold fast to their commitment to non-violence to achieve their demands. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers

 

The Palestinian Governor of Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, was detained after Israeli forces raided his home in Silwan. His detention, along with the detention of a number of other Palestinians appears to be a campaign targeted at members of the Palestinian leadership.

 

• Lord, we pray for all political prisoners. We pray that this campaign to undermine those in authority in Palestine may cease. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

November the 29th marked the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. On this day in 1947, the U.N. adopted the Partition Plan for Palestine. This day has has turned into a day of solidarity with the Palestinian people and has been commemorated in the U.N. since 1978, yet the Israeli occupation continues and the international community remains silent.

 

• Lord, you are our God of righteousness and you tell us to speak out ‘for the rights of all who are destitute’ (Prov 31:8). We pray that the international community may speak out against the crimes of the occupation and take steps to defend the rights of the dispossessed in Palestine. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

Two young women fell victim to brutal murders last week. On the 26th of November, the body of Yara Ayoub, a sixteen-year-old girl, was found in her hometown of Jish, Galilee. On the same day, in Tel Aviv, the body of Sylvana Tsegai, the thirteen-year-old daughter of an Eritrean asylum seeker was discovered at her home. Suspects for both crimes have been arrested on the charges of rape and murder.

 

• Lord we are deeply shocked by these brutal murders and pray that the perpetrators of these violent acts may be brought to justice. We grieve for the families of Yara and Sylvana as they mourn their loss. Lord Jesus, you teach us to turn away from violence, to confess our sinful desires and to walk by the Spirit, treating others with kindness and respect. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers

 

The 9th Kairos Palestine Anniversary Conference will take place on December 6th-7th at the Dar Annadwah International Centre in Bethlehem. The title of the conference is, ‘Hope where there is no Hope’.

 

• Lord, we pray for the Kairos Conference in Bethlehem that it may be a reflective and motivating time for its local and international participants. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

The Kumi Now non-violent initiative continues this week with the work of Christian Peacemaker Teams and the topic of  Israeli military checkpoints used to enforce the occupation. Palestinians in the West Bank city of Hebron suffer from the presence of Israeli settlers and the military in the centre of the Old City. Christian Peacemaker Teams have been monitoring human rights abuses in this area since 1995.

The Kumi action asks you to send a letter to your local police chief or commissioner asking, ‘Do you purchase equipment from Combined Systems or any other company which profits from the Israeli occupation?’  www.kuminow.com

 

• Lord, we pray for Palestinians who are subjected to delays, body searches and even detainment as they have to pass through military checkpoints on their way to school or work in their hometowns. We pray for the work of the Christian Peacemaker Teams as they report human rights abuses resulting from the occupation to the international authorities. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

 

Sabeel wants to hold several local programs during the Advent season: a) Christmas activities for Children in Nazareth, b) Community Bible Studies, and c) to Ecumenical Dinner in Jerusalem bringing together the Christian Community to celebrate Christmas.

 

• Lord, we thank you for the beginning of Advent this weekend – for valuing humanity to become one of us, for taking on flesh and teaching us how to love. God, we ask for your guidance so that we will not only reflect on this time with hope, joy, peace, and love, but also act upon it. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayers

 

 

• We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Myanmar and Thailand. Lord, in your mercy….. hear our prayers

 

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Sabeel Wave of Prayer
29 November 2019

 

Fourteen Palestinians were injured by Israeli live ammunition during the 35th Friday of ‘The Great March of Return’ protests along the eastern borders of the Gaza Strip.

 

• Lord, we pray for all those who have been injured in Gaza. We pray that the international authorities would pay attention to their cries of anguish and would resolve to act to restore justice to the people of Gaza. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers

 

On Wednesday, the 21st of November, Israeli bulldozers demolished twenty Palestinian owned shops in Shufat refugee camp in occupied East Jerusalem. The reason given for the demolition was that the shops had been built without Israeli permits, which are rarely, if ever, granted.

 

• Lord Jesus, you are the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. Help us, Lord, to know how to respond when we witness the Israeli authorities pushing Palestinians right out of occupied East Jerusalem. We pray for all those whose livelihoods have been devastated. Lord in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

Israeli settlers vandalized a children’s playground and a cafeteria which were under construction in the village of Burqa along the Nablus-Jenin road. Settlers use these attacks to discourage Palestinians from completing building projects. They are rarely held to account for their actions.

 

• Lord, you love justice and you are a stronghold for those who seek righteousness. We pray that these attacks on Palestinian property would cease and that the perpetrators of violence would face due punishment. We pray that the Palestinians would endure and remain steadfast, even under constant provocation. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

All members of the US Congress and the Senate, as well as members of the White House, received an ecumenical statement form Global Ministries on November 14th. The statement has sixteen signatories form different churches. It voices dismay over the US support for Israel over the concerns of the Palestinians, since President Trump took office in 2017. The statement outlines in detail how US policies are designed to ‘punish’ Palestinians and to ‘take away their human rights, dignity and hope’.

 

• Lord we pray that those in authority in the US may be challenged by the statement from Global Ministries and  may reflect on the harm their policies are inflicting on the Palestinians. Lord in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

Airbnb decided to remove 196 listings in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. These settlements are recognized by the Israeli government, but remain illegal under international law. Three days later an Israeli settler, Maanit Rabinovich, from the illegal Kidar settlement has filed a request to the Jerusalem District Court for a lawsuit against Airbnb.

 

• Lord we pray that international lawmakers may focus on the proliferation of illegal settlements in the occupied territories and all hardship and suffering inflicted on  nearby Palestinian villages and towns. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

Leila Malki from Palestine, was presented with a prestigious award by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports at a ceremony in Bahrain. She received the ‘Against all Odds’ award for overcoming prejudice and persevering in entering equestrian events all over the world.

 

• Thank you, Lord, for the gifts you give our young athletes and for their courage in using their gifts well. We praise you and recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from you. We pray that we might encourage others to find their particular gifts and to use them for your glory and  to help others. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

On Saturday Nov.24, the Friends of Sabeel in France iheld a one day conference at the Protestant Theological Faculty of Paris on following theme : “Israel in the Bible and today’s State of Israel – Christians from here and over there have questions…”.  The Theological Institution was one of the co-organizers of the Conference, and Father Jamal Khader from Ramallah was the guest speaker from Palestine. Over 100 people assisted to the conference.

 

• Lord, we are grateful for the success of this event and hope that it will shed more light on the life and challenges of Palestinians. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers

 

The Kumi Now nonviolent initiative continues this week with the Women’s Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling (WCLAC) and their topic of ‘Violence against Women’. This week’s action asked you to draw a picture or take a photo of flowers and send it to the UN Women’s Office in New York, asking them to hold Israel accountable for the fear tactics of night raids and arrests (at least 1360 recorded each year) carried out by the Israeli army on Palestinian families.

www.kuminow.com

 

• Lord, you encourage us in your word to show love and sympathy to our brothers and sisters. We pray for the mothers in Palestine who go to bed at night dreading a night raid and sick at the thought that they or their children might be arrested. We thank you for support groups like WCLAC who seek to help victims of violence. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers

 

 

We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore. Lord, in your mercy…. hear our prayers

 

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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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