Last week, Rev Kamal Farah, 83, a Maronite priest, passed away. Rev Farah was from Kafr Bir’im, a historic Christian village depopulated during the 1948 Nakba. He was a respected community leader, guide, and elder who dedicated his life to supporting his community and nurturing younger generations. Rev Kamal was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a trusted guide and mentor to many, and his loss is deeply felt by the Christian community. We give thanks for his life, his service, and the many people whose lives he touched. 

Loving Creator, we commend the soul of beloved Rev Kamal Farah into your perfect care. We give thanks for his presence with us as a community leader and spiritual guide, leading us closer to you. Bring comfort to his family and community. We trust in your unfailing mercy and your deep, abiding love.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

The Israeli military acknowledged for the first time that it opened fire on the vehicle carrying five-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza and launched a military investigation into her killing. The military had previously denied involvement in her death in January 2024. Hind’s grandmother has called for an independent international investigation.

Holy God, we pray for peace and dignity to be restored to Hind’s family and to the countless families suffering in Gaza. We remember that true peace is rooted in justice and liberation. We pray for an independent international investigation that will hold those responsible for injustice accountable. Strengthen our voices in every avenue—whether in the streets or through international mechanisms—to seek justice, peace, and reconciliation for all.

Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.

Israeli authorities have formally allowed Jewish prayer inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, marking a significant challenge to the site’s decades-old status quo. This marks a significant shift in Israeli policy. Al-Aqsa is an Islamic holy site, and the Muslim community’s ownership, custodianship, and authority over its religious affairs must be respected. Changes to the site cannot be unilaterally imposed by an occupying authority without the consent of the Muslim authorities responsible for it.

Holy God, we pray in solidarity with the Muslim community. May their ownership, custodianship, and authority over this sacred place be respected. We pray for the international community to uphold international law and the agreements that protect the status quo of Al-Aqsa, and to oppose unilateral changes imposed by Israel. Give us courage to stand with those whose rights are threatened, and to seek a peace rooted in justice, dignity, and respect for all.

Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.

In the United Kingdom, a judge ruled that 5 Palestine Action activists who did direct action and vandalized a Barclays branch in Burnley will not be sentenced as terrorists. All five will still be sentenced next month for criminal damage, but will face shorter jail terms as a result of the ruling.

Holy God, we pray for all who defend human rights, practice nonviolence, and speak truth to power. Strengthen those who risk their livelihoods and safety to stand with the oppressed and to show through their actions that love is stronger than hate. Give them courage when they face pressure, intimidation, or injustice. May justice prevail in every court and every struggle, and may their witness inspire others to choose solidarity, nonviolence, and love.

Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.

Huwaida Arraf’s speaking tour with FOSNA concluded this month, with over 400 people attending her speaking events. Many different groups and communities came together to support Huwaida while she toured across the West Coast of the United States.

Gracious God, we give thanks for the loving solidarity of our friends who remind us we must continue to fight the good fight. Through their example, remind us that we can do much. Help us be your vessel which your love and justice flows, since “we are the clay, and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers

You can download WOP PDF here.