July 27, 2026
Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged a “whole-of-government response” to weaken the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Trump administration has repeatedly targeted the ICC, imposing sanctions on prosecutors investigating alleged crimes by U.S. and Israeli forces. At the same time, the U.S. House passed a $1.15 trillion defense bill that expands military cooperation with Israel, including greater network integration and data sharing.
Redeemer Christ, in the face of the actions of empires, remind us of your call to not be afraid. Strengthen all who labor for justice and accountability, even in the face of pressure and intimidation. Grant wisdom to rulers and decision-makers, that they may recognize that lasting peace can only be secured through justice, compassion, and respect for the equal worth of every human being. Help us overcome the structural sins of violence and hatred by acting as agents of your love and peace.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
Horrific scenes are happening across the West Bank. Emboldened by years of impunity, settlers last week under the protection of the Israeli military targeted communities in Palestinian cities of Nablus, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Hebron, Salfit, Qalqilya, Jericho and Jerusalem. In one instance near Nablus, 4 Palestinians and 2 Israeli soldiers were killed when Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian town of Tal. The killing of Israeli soldiers prompted further crackdown on Palestinians, with the Israeli military announcing “counterterrorism” operations and ordering a curfew in the West Bank. As raids continue, Netanyahu also announced that his government would be accelerating the legalization of settler outposts and establishment of new ones in the West Bank.
God of Justice, in our sorrow, we echo only the words of the Psalmist: “My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me.” (Psalm 55:4-5) We pray for an end to the Israeli military occupation and for a just peace to take root in our land. While we feel a sense of powerlessness, remind us that we can still be witnesses. Help us to bear witness to Palestinian communities facing violence and displacement in the West Bank
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
Friends of Sabeel North America is launching their second Organizing Institute in Pasadena, California, USA in August. Organizing Institutes (OIs) are daylong, in-person gatherings for returned delegates from Sabeel delegations that help delegates create connections across delegations and provide space to practice collectively our responsibility to ‘Go and Tell.’ Throughout 2026, FOSNA will host several other Organizing Institutes and has committed to 3 new Organizing Institutes in 2027 to continue the momentum for collective liberation.
Holy God, we give you thanks because in moments of despair, you remind us of your Holy Spirit which is present in all our movements for justice. Empower returned delegates and the FOSNA team with wisdom and humility as they gather to organize and work as agents of your liberating love. Give us creative persistence, so that with faith the size of a mustard seed, we may be like the persistent widow in front of the unjust judge never ceasing to fight injustice.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Earlier this month, the Church of England General Synod voted in favour of a historic motion calling on the Church to “… Respond to the call of Palestinian Christians to stand in solidarity with them and their fellow Palestinians in non-violent resistance to the ongoing occupation” and to hear the “Kairos II” document released by Palestinian Christians last year. Sabeel-Kairos member Valerie Hallard was the original author of this motion, and her work has been supported by other efforts of Sabeel-Kairos.
Loving Creator, we are thankful for the beautiful solidarity of our friends who teach us what it means to bear creative witness. We pray that you empower us as one movement and Church so that we become true agents for justice and liberation. May the Church be a vessel to express your love to the oppressed.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We continue to lift up thousands of Palestinian prisoners held with no charge or trial in Israeli prisons suffering under abusive conditions. This week, we highlight Sama Safi, a 20 year-old Palestinian American student who was abducted by Israeli forces on June 2nd and has been held in a military prison since then without charge. She suffers from a chronic illness that requires her to take medication to survive. She was among 4 other young women from Birzeit University who were taken illegally last month under administrative detention.
Holy God, grant all Palestinian prisoners deliverance, justice, and restoration of dignity. Bring hope and comfort to their families in times of suffering. Lord, as the Israeli system systematically denies justice for Palestinians, help us fight for Palestinian prisoners creatively and persistently.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers
You can download WOP PDF here.