In this time of turmoil in Gaza and the West
Bank, we pray for unity among the Palestinian people. We hope that as political
in-fighting and external pressures threaten to split Palestinian society,
Palestinians will stand together. We pray that Gazans, residents of the West
Bank, Jerusalemites, and Palestinians within Israel will all remain committed
to a just peace and to one another.
This winter has been very dry in Palestine
and Israel. We pray that water will come to this land before the “rainy” season
passes. Without enough rain, this summer will likely see increased tension over
access to water lines, springs, and cisterns. As settlements gain control over
water resources in the West Bank and Palestinian towns face water shortages,
this dry winter threatens to further strain this tense land.
We pray for Sabeel’s Open Forum community
program that is being held this week in Jerusalem. The topic is “The Narrow
Gate to Peace” led by Rev. Naim Ateek. We pray that this program will be well
received and will provide inspiration to the men and women of the Palestinian
Christian community.
We pray for the people of Sri Lanka, where
fighting between paramilitary groups and government soldiers has put the civilian
population at great risk. Nearly 250,000 people are trapped between rebel and government
forces, journalists are regularly attacked, and civilians are mistreated by
both sides. We pray that peace may come to the region quickly.