December 28th, 2017
Last Thursday, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a resolution rejecting US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and his plans to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The world stood united and refused the bullying of the United States of America.
- Lord, we give thanks for the adoption of the United Nations resolution rejecting the unjust recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel by the USA. May the resolution be a reminder to all the oppressed in the world that Justice is not dead and that freedom is coming. Lord in your mercy…
Ahed Tamimi, a prominent 16-year-old Palestinian activist, has been detained during a pre-dawn raid on her home by the Israeli army and border police in the occupied West Bank. Ahed, a blond girl with piercing eyes, was caught on camera slapping an Israeli soldier after he refused to leave the premises of her home.
- Lord, we pray for all the Palestinian teenagers living under the Israeli military occupation. We ask for the day to come that our youth enjoy a normal life that allows them to seek and fulfill their dreams they have. Lord in your mercy…
Shiekh Saiah Al Toury, the leader of Al Araqib Village, was sentenced for 10 months in an Israeli jail. Israeli forces have destroyed Al Araqib, a village in the country’s southern Negev region for the 119th time, yet its community continues to defy the Israeli government by rebuilding their village.
- Lord, we remember all prisoners, especially the Palestinian political prisoners who advocate for justice and freedom. We pray that Israel realizes that the way for peace is not made by demolishing our villages nor by silencing our leaders. Lord in your mercy…
Pope Francis and Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, used their traditional Christmas Day message to make oblique criticism of Donald Trump over the Jerusalem decision.
- Lord, we give thanks to all the prophetic voices in your Church. During this blessed season of Christmas, may the kings who rule our world accept that the message of the baby in the manger will never be hushed. Lord in your mercy…
On Monday, Member of Kenesset, Oren Hazan of the right-wing Likud party ( Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party), intercepted and boarded a bus of Palestinian families travelling to Nafha prison. The Ultra right-wing Israeli representative verbally insulted Palestinians from Gaza as they travelled to visit their imprisoned relatives, hurling abuse at the women calling their sons “dogs.”
- Lord, we echo the scripture: “And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Mathew 15:27. We pray the racism and abuse of Israel ends and we, who are seen by our neighbors as unworthy, be granted equality. Lord in your mercy…
- As 2017 draws to a close and the New Year begins, we take time to remember the events of this past year. The difficulties, the tragedies, and the hardships are fresh in our minds, especially as we think of Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Gaza. But Lord, please remind us of your daily mercies, your grace, and your promise of peace; though we have trouble in this world, remind us to continually take heart, for you have overcome the world. Lord in your mercy…
- We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan. Lord in your mercy…