OCHA reported that in the West Bank this year (2025), Israeli forces killed 232 Palestinians, including 52 children, and forcibly displaced over 1000 people. OCHA has also documented over 1,700 settler attacks that resulted in casualties or property damage in more than 270 communities across the West Bank. In Gaza, since the ceasefire, over 400 Palestinians have been killed.
Almighty God, we know that you see our pain and know the name of every soul persecuted by the weapons and apathy of empire. Deliver us from the many forms of oppression. When peace feels far beyond our reach, just as it does now, keep us steadfast in our labor for justice, love, and accountability.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, arrived in Gaza on Friday for Christmas Mass at the Holy Family parish in Gaza City. He spent time in solidarity with the Christian community in Gaza and led mass on Sunday. This is Cardinal Pizzaballa’s third visit to Gaza since October 7th 2023.
Emmanuel, this year, we are reminded of the beautiful gift of your incarnation when we see our Christian siblings in Gaza gather to cultivate hope, prayer, and solidarity. Continue to help the Church be present with the marginalized and oppressed. We pray that the people of Gaza may continue to rise above the rubble and hold onto hope and sumud in the new year.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach last Saturday, and 42 people were injured, marking Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly three decades. Friends of Sabeel Australia issued a statement in the wake of massacre standing firm with our values and calling for human solidarity.
God of Life, we cry out in anguish at the lives lost and pray for the healing and safety of all families affected. During this Hanukkah and Christmas season, embolden us to be candles of light in the darkness, standing firm against all ideologies that incite hatred and violence. We pray for a world that fosters inclusivity, nonviolence, and justice for all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Sabeel had its last online Thursday service of 2025 on 18 December. The service featured Shadia Qubti reflecting on the last week of Advent. A part of her sermon can be found in her written reflection here (www.shadiaqubti.com/blog/sacred-bodies-broken). We look forward to returning to our Thursday services starting 8 January, 2026. Those who are interested in attending can register at tinyurl.com/sabeelworship.
Loving God, we give thanks for the steadfastness and growth of our global community over the last year. We pray for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit as we continue to gather next year and reflect on your liberating Gospel. May we continue to worship you by being prophetic agents of your love and justice in this world.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last Saturday, Sabeel hosted a successful Christmas dinner that brought together 160 community members and friends. Participants came from different churches, and the evening was enriched by the sharing of hymns. Mr. Sami El Youssef from the Catholic Church offered a message reflecting on the Church’s work in Gaza.
The ecumenical ministry of Sabeel remains a vital pillar of our work, especially in nurturing unity, faith, and solidarity within our community.
Lord Christ, we give gratitude for the gift of community that keeps us strong and filled with hope and life. Continue to accompany us with your Holy Spirit as we endeavor to serve and bear witness to our community.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and the Mainland of China.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers