June 1, 2026
Sabeel is launching a new project honoring the ministry of its co-founder, Rev. Naim Ateek. By the end of the year, we plan to publish a collection of over 150 homilies from Rev. Naim, Palestinian Christians, and Sabeel friends, organized by the three-year lectionary cycle. These homilies come from virtual Thursday Bible studies hosted since 2020 and will be made accessible globally. This project is the first to offer a complete reading of the Revised Common Lectionary through Palestinian Liberation Theology. It serves as a living, prophetic witness proclaiming God’s liberating love and justice. For more than 40 years, Rev. Naim and Sabeel co-founders have guided the path to liberation, and this resource aims to inspire and guide believers in hope and justice.
Holy God, we thank you for Rev. Naim, the co-founders of Sabeel, and the many friends who have participated in the weekly Bible studies, helping to bring this project to life. We pray that this new resource will equip the church to resist theologies of exclusion and domination and embrace the way of Jesus, which is the way of justice, mercy, and life. Help us to listen attentively that we may be become people of courageous hope who demand for justice and only justice for the people of Palestine until that day comes.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Last week was Eid Al Adha for Muslims around the world. During the first day of Eid, Israel struck a residential building in al-Rimal neighborhood west of Gaza City killed at least 10 people and wounded 20 others. Four children are among the dead. According to reports, Israel has violated the U.S.-backed ceasefire 3,000 times since agreeing to the deal last October, killing more than 900 civilians since then.
God of the oppressed, like the Psalmist, our tears have been our food day and night. Help us bear witness to the children of Gaza and work to end their hunger, thirst, and oppression. Lord, deliver the oppressed with your liberating justice and love.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Israel approved a plan to turn the headquarters of UNRWA in East Jerusalem into a settlement that contains a museum, recruitment office, and headquarters for the Israeli Army. This plan is against international law and comes after years of attacks on UNRWA and the dismantling of UNRWA in East Jerusalem.
Holy God, we pray for the over 800,000 refugees in East Jerusalem and the West Bank who live in insecurity and worsening oppression. Help us to tear down the false idols of violence and to seek instead the paths of justice, mercy, and peace.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Over the last two weeks, as students graduate from university in the United States and around the world, many used their graduation speeches and ceremonies to continue to draw attention to their institutions’ complicity in genocide and the fact there no more universities in Gaza. many schools attempted to silence pro-Palestine speech at the commemorations, including canceling speakers and eliminating live speeches by students altogether, the students found creative ways to protest including interrupting their own graduations.
Holy God, we are thankful of the courage of your Holy Spirit working through those who resist and speak truth to power. We pray for those who risk their livelihoods and careers for the sake of advocating for the living and the suffering. Through their example, guide us to be better advocates and witnesses to injustice. May we be agents of your liberating love in a world in dire need of it.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer
This past Sunday was Trinity Sunday. Trinity Sunday is the first Sunday after Pentecost in the Western Christian liturgical calendar, and the Sunday of Pentecost in Eastern Christianity. Trinity Sunday celebrates the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, the three Persons of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you are one in love and diverse in communion. In a divided world, teach us that unity does not require sameness and that diversity is a sacred gift. Draw us into solidarity without domination, justice with compassion, and peace rooted in dignity for all people. Help guide us through your transforming love to seek freedom and the flourishing of every human being.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Angola and Mozambique.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers
You can download the WOP PDF here.