May 2nd, 2024
After the withdrawal of the Israeli military from certain areas in Gaza, mass graves were found. Inside the Nasser Medical Complex in Gaza’s Khan Younis, Palestinian medics found at least 300 bodies in a mass grave, and earlier last week another mass grave was discovered at al-Shifa Hospital after a two-week Israeli siege. The death toll currently is at least 34,000, with two-thirds of the victims being children and women. The death toll is likely higher, as many bodies are stuck under the rubble or are in areas that are unreachable for medics.
● God of life, in past prayers we have prayed for the Nasser Medical Complex and al-Shifa hospital. Lord, our nightmares of the horrors in Gaza are being confirmed with these mass graves. Keep our hearts from becoming numb to pain. Show us how to use our hands, our feet, and our hearts for goodness and mercy. Remind us that these mass graves are not numbers but people who loved, dreamed, and were created in your image. Lord, end this nightmare.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Last week, we received devastating news that Lara Sayegh, aged 18, died on her way from Gaza City to Rafah. Lara collapsed as she was walking on the “safe route” in an area where Israeli forces do not allow any ambulances, cars, or other emergency responses to enter. Lara’s mother who was accompanying her to Rafah is currently in a coma because of the shock. Furthermore, we learned that last week our friend, Dr. Yousef Al-Khouri’s parents apartment building has been partially destroyed in northern Gaza due to Israeli missile strikes. Thankfully, Dr. Al-Khouri’s family was not at the house but sheltering at Saint Porphyrius Church in northern Gaza.
● Man of Sorrows, give assurance to the Sayegh family that though Lara has passed from their sight, Lara has not passed from your care. We plead that you heal Lara’s mother and ensure she reaches safety. Lord, protect Dr. Al-Khouri’s family and all Gazan Christian families who are currently sheltering in Saint Porphyrius Church and remind them that God’s love for them cannot be destroyed or conquered. As we lament the tragedies of our communities in Gaza, we hold on to our faith that, “You will hear the cries of the oppressed and the orphans; you will judge in their favor” (Psalm 10:18).
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
On the 29th of April, the Orthodox world marked the beginning of Holy Week. For Orthodox Christians, Holy Week entails strict fasting, extensive prayer, and church services, all in anticipation of Easter. This year, for Palestinian Christians who celebrate Orthodox Easter, especially those in Gaza, Holy Week is marked by intense suffering and yearning for hope.
● God of the weak, as the Orthodox world marks Holy Week, remind us that Christ has come to deliver those who are suffering. Lord, illuminate that we must understand Holy Week with the suffering of those who are being persecuted now so that we may produce fruits of the Kingdom of God. Bless and protect all Palestinians marking Holy Week, especially those in Gaza.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
On the 28th of March, the United Protestant Church in France (EPUdF) published two documents about the Churches and the situation in Palestine-Israel. The EPUdf calls for an immediate ceasefire and immediate access to humanitarian aid in Gaza. Additionally, the EPUdF recognizes the need for a just solution for all people in Palestine-Israel.
● Just God, we thank you for the various churches who strive for justice and peace for all peoples. Lord, to the churches who continue to promote and support supremacy and violence, may they transform as the Apostle Paul did on his way to Damascus. Mobilize us Lord, to continue acting unwaveringly regardless of our achievements, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10).
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
On the 7th of April, Walid Daqqa, one of the most prominent Palestinian prisoners and novelists, died due to medical negligence in Israeli prisons. Walid was the longest-serving Palestinian prisoner in Israeli jails after being held for 38 years. In 2022, Walid was diagnosed with cancer. Despite the many calls for his urgent release on humanitarian grounds, Israel denied Walid medical attention and treatment. Israeli forces also raided the tent where his family was receiving condolences, attacked mourners going to attend his funeral, and have withheld Walid’s body from his family.
● God of the captives, although the powers of empire may imprison, kill, torture, harass, and silence, they cannot conquer love. We pray that you stop the systematic medical neglect of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. We plead that you hold all enablers and partakers of injustice accountable.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Mass protests across top universities in the United States are taking place, including those of Yale, New York University and Columbia University. The movement are various student solidarity societies for Palestine and Student’s Jewish Voice for Peace. Many of the student protestors have been arrested, suspended, and threatened. The main calls from the protesters are the divestment from corporations that profit from Israel’s military, the severing of academic ties and collaborations with Israeli universities and programs and calling for a complete ceasefire in Gaza.
● Loving God, you have called us all to work for freedom, justice, and peace. We thank you for the brave students who are protesting for righteousness and are bearing witness to injustice. In these moments of deception and confusion, we remember that, “An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies” (Proverbs 12:17). Lord, protect the honest witnesses and give them wisdom with every word they speak, so that they bear good fruits, and be protected from those who want to slander and persecute them.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
● We join with the World Council of Churches for the countries of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer