August 3, 2026
A few weeks ago, in mid-July, the Supreme Court issued a decision in favor of Shadi Khoury’s family. accepting their request to suspend the execution of the sentence issued against Shadi, which mandates an actual prison term of 32 months. The Court also ruled that he is not required to surrender himself to prison at this stage, allowing him to remain free until the date of the official appeal hearing before the Supreme Court is set. This is good news in the fight for Shadi Khoury’s freedom, who was taken by the Israeli military with no charge or trial from his home in 2022 and since then, has endured years of court cases and the trampling of his rights. More information about his case can be found on American Friends Service Committee’s website.
God of justice, whilst we pray for freedom for Shadi Khoury and for human rights be respected, we remember that no true accountability exists as long as Israeli courts systematically deny justice for Palestinians. Help us to overcome the sins of racism in communities, social and civil institutions, and structures of power. We pray for an increase of voices in all avenues to confront injustice and call for the liberation of all Palestinians suffering from the prison and court system.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
In memory of Palestinian journalist Anas Al Sharif’s assassination on 10th August, 2025, the international community is calling for a week of action from 10-16 August, 2026 to honor journalists killed in Gaza and remaining journalists who are still reporting in Gaza and the West Bank. According to the Palestinian Journalist Syndicate, more than 260 journalists have been killed since the beginning of the war on Gaza. The actions include submitting artwork and calling on newsrooms to commit to ethical reporting standards that center oppressed voices. More information can be found at entrustedwithpalestine.com
God of truth, we remember that “love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6) We give thanks to all the prophetic voices, known and unknown, who have sacrificed their lives to speak truth to power. Do not let them be forgotten but help us honor their courage by bearing witness to the voices of the oppressed. Lord, we ask the Spirit to work through us to bring just peace, guided by love.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Ongoing state violence in the West Bank does not only occur through raids and physical violence towards communities, but also through restrictions of movement. Recently, a 28-year-old Palestinian woman, six months pregnant and suffering severe internal bleeding, was being transported from Qaryout in the occupied West Bank to Rafidia Surgical Hospital in Nablus when Israeli soldiers stopped her ambulance at the Awarta checkpoint. During the forced delay, a nurse was forced to deliver inside the stranded ambulance. The woman was eventually allowed to proceed to the hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery and saved her life. The baby could not be saved.
Holy God, we remember that “the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3) We know you see the effects of violence on all parts of life in the West Bank. We pray for the young Palestinian woman and her family as well as all who face daily violence at checkpoints. Lord, give sight to those who dehumanize themselves through their participation in oppression. Help us see your face amidst our anxieties and fears so that with faith, we can courageously face our reality and work for your revolutionary love.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
FOSNA is launching a speaker tour with American activist and lawyer Huwaida Arraf in California, Oregon, and Washington this August. During the tour, she will speak about her work in legal, political, and grassroots initiatives for Palestinian rights and what is needed for our collective moment for justice and peace. Look for more details at www.fosna.org/huwaida.
Incarnated Christ, we thank you for the work of Friends of Sabeel and all who are practicing hope and solidarity. We pray for Huwaida and all involved in the tour, that they may bring the courage and faith of the Holy Spirit and sow seeds of revolutionary love wherever they speak and organize.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Israeli forces have killed at least 19 Palestinians in Gaza, despite United States President Donald Trump recently announcing a plan he described as a “monumental step” towards peace and security in Gaza. Some of the names of those killed include Abdullah Abu Taif, 33, his pregnant wife, Abeer Anan, 29, and their five-year-old son, Azzam; three members of the Al-Hams family which were father Mahmoud, 38, his wife, Fatima, 37, and their young daughter; Kamu Abu Muailiq, 68, and his wife, Huda, 59.
Holy God, we confess our inability to know all names of those killed in Gaza, and we carry deep fear and grief as the realities around us are collapsing. Give us faith like the Psalmist that “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3) We put our faith that no one is a stranger to you, and no one is ever far from your loving care. Lord, bring your peace and justice to the oppressed.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Republic of Congo, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers
You can download WOP PDF here.