On June 8th, the Israeli military conducted a massacre in Nuseirat refugee camp, in its military operation to rescue some of the Israeli hostages. The Israeli army and their intelligence personnel disguised themselves as displaced Palestinians seeking aid. At least 274 Palestinians were killed, with nearly 700 people sustaining injuries, mostly civilians, according to medical reports. Four Israeli hostages were rescued in the operation.
● Divine creator, we know that every human being is equal before your eyes. Lord, whilst we are grateful the four Israeli hostages were rescued, we are outraged that it took a massacre to do so. Lord, how long until Palestinian lives are seen by the world to be created in your image? How long can truth and goodness be twisted with deceit and hate? Lord, intervene by bringing your holy justice which values Palestinian lives equally to others, and uproots the source of injustice.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
The World Health Organization (WHO) documents 464 attacks on healthcare facilities and equipment in Gaza. The global agency says the attacks have resulted in 727 fatalities, 933 injuries, 101 health facilities and 113 ambulances destroyed since the 7th of October. The attacks by the Israeli military have been across all of Gaza from the north, south and centre.
● God of healing, we give thanks for all the saints in Gaza, known and unknown, who have sacrificed their lives to aid those in need. In this unjust and dark world, where sin seems to reign and hope is lost, we remember that, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Lord, help us bring just peace, guided by love.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
On the 5th of June, thousands of Israelis, escorted by Israeli police, stormed the Old City of Jerusalem, commencing the annual flag-waving march which celebrates the anniversary of Israel’s occupation and annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967. Some Israelis made it through to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and performed provocative prayers. During the march, Israelis chanted fascist slogans, attacked numerous Palestinians and journalists, and vandalized Palestinian shops. The Israeli police arrested several local Palestinians, including children, following the attacks.
● Holy God, we cry with you over Jerusalem, a city of hate and sin. Lord, illuminate to us the institutions, structures, and beliefs that foster supremacy, and help us dismantle them. Cultivate in us a holy anger against sin and deliver us when we are tempted to fight evil with evil. Lord, bless those who are persecuted in Jerusalem and all of Palestine.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
An Israeli doctor at a field hospital for Gazan detainees at Israel’s Sde Teiman army base has described “deplorable conditions” and “routine” amputations due to handcuff injuries. In a letter to Israel’s attorney general and defence and health ministers, obtained by Haaretz, the doctor said the conditions at Sde Teiman field hospital compromise inmates’ health and violates medical ethics. Additionally, CNN has recently published a report detailing how the detainees are permanently blindfolded and held in diapers.
● God of protection, you, like many Palestinians, were unjustly tortured, neglected, and humiliated. Lord, we do not know how, but assure the Palestinians who are unjustly treated that you see them. Remind us that if we oppress and torture the weak, we are handcuffed to hatred by denying our own humanity. Lord, break the literal and systematic chains of sin and empower us to never give up struggling for goodness and mercy.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
At least 3600 Palestinians are under administrative detention without charge or trial. In the occupied Palestinian territories, one in every five Palestinians has been arrested and charged at some point. This rate is twice as high for Palestinian men as it is for women – two in every five men have been arrested and charged. Several of the Palestinian prisoners are children.
● God of freedom, we pray for true justice and deliverance for all Palestinian prisoners who are unjustly in prison and are enduring horrific conditions. Vindicate them with full honour. Give them and their families hope and courage in their times of suffering. Lord, as Israeli courts systematically deny justice for Palestinians, help us fight for Palestinian prisoners creatively and persistently.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Last month, the Catholic Church marked the month in honour of Mary, mother of Jesus. Catholics around the world paid homage to Mary with special services and prayers. On the 30th of May, Sabeel’s women Bible study series had a session dedicated to Mary led by sister Ghada Ne’meh.
● God of Mary, we understand the cries of Mary over Christ through the cries of Palestinian mothers mourning their children killed by the empire. Lord, help us be a disciple, prophet, and a witness like Mary so that we may be light and salt in the world. We thank you for Sabeel’s bible study series which helps our community meditate on your never-ending love.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
● We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayer for the countries of Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayers