Japanese 29/12/2011

フィリピンで台風の被害にあった数百万人の人々のために祈ります。12月17日、嵐が鉄砲水を引き起こし、1250人以上の人が亡くなり、1000人以上が行方不明になっています。木が濫伐され、土壌を失った森の環境の荒廃が、台風の破壊的影響を大きなものにしました。扉を開いて被災者を保護した多くの教会に感謝します。これから数ヶ月間の日々、被災者の世話をする人、救援活動を行う人に、力と勇気が与えられますように。主よ、御憐れみによって、この祈りをかなえてください。

今週、イスラエルのベトシェメシュで家の近くの歩道を歩いていた8歳の少女が、衣服が慎ましくないという理由でユダヤ教超正統派の男たちから罵声を浴びせられ、脅かされました。ユダヤ教超正統派の一部の狂信者たちが公共の場所での男女分離を要求する中、ユダヤ人社会で女性に対する暴力事件が増加しています。こうした事件を受け、この地域に広く存在する人種やジェンダーによる分離と不正義の実態に人々が目を向けますように。女性に対する暴力がすべての場所で止みますように。主よ、御憐れみによって、この祈りをかなえてください。

2011年が終わろうとしています。今年、多くの暴力が犯され、貧困化し、周縁化される人々が増加したことを悲しみます。2012年は全ての人にもう少し平和と正義がもたらされますように。多くの美しい働きがあったことも覚え、感謝します。家族のために祈り、世界中のサビールの友のことを神に感謝します。私たちは支援と祈りと寛大なる寄付を与えられました。＜祈りの波＞を通して分かち合った一人ひとりのゆえに神を讃美します。主よ、御憐れみによって、この祈りをかなえてください。

世界教会協議会の働きのために祈ります。世界中の信仰を共にする家族のために為されているその働きのゆえに、神に感謝します。総幹事のオラフ・フィクセ＝トゥヴェイト師と全てのWCCの職員とを神が祝福してくださいますように。また世界各地のエキュメニカルな協議会のために祈ります。主よ、御憐れみによって、この祈りをかなえてください。

29/12/11 - English

We pray for the millions affected by the typhoon in the Philippines. On December 17^th, storms triggered flash floods that caused the death of more than 1,250 people (and 1,000 people still missing).  Soil erosion, over-logged forests, and environmental degradation amplified the destructive effects of the typhoon. We are grateful for the many churches that opened their doors to serve as sanctuaries to the victims.  We pray for caregivers’ and relief workers’ strength and courage in these days and months ahead. Lord in your mercy…

This week, an eight-year-old girl expressed her fears of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish men who yell at her because of her clothes as she walks down the sidewalk near her home in Bet Shemesh, Israel.  Incidents of violence against women are increasing in the Jewish community, with some ultra-Orthodox Jewish religious fanatics currently pushing for increased gender segregation in public spaces. We pray that these incidents of segregation in Israel will expose the wider patterns of racial and gender segregation and injustice in the region.  We pray for an end to violence against women, everywhere. Lord in your mercy…

As 2011 comes to a close we pray that 2012 will bring a little bit more peace and justice for everyone.  We mourn the high-level of violence this year, and the increased numbers of people who became poor and marginalized. We are grateful for the many acts of beauty that happened, too. We pray for our families, and we thank God for Friends of Sabeel everywhere, for their support, prayers, and generous giving.  We praise God for each person who has shared with us this year, through the Wave of Prayer. Lord in your mercy…

We pray for the work of the World Council of Churches.  We thank God for the work they do for the family of faith worldwide. We remember the General Secretary Olav Fykse Tveit and all of the WCC staff, and ask God’s blessing upon them. We pray for all ecumenical councils of churches around the world.  Lord in your mercy… 

Japanese 24/11/2011

永遠なる神よ、あなたの完全なるみ国においては正義の剣のほかには剣が抜かれることはなく、愛の力のほかには力が知られることはありません。すべての民が集められ、和解するように、あなたの霊を力強くひろめてください。シリアとエジプトの人々のための正義を祈りもとめます。シリアとエジプトでの民衆蜂起の結果に影響を及ぼす意思決定が純粋なる意図と知恵においてなされますように。主よ、あなたの憐れみによって、この祈りをかなえてください。

サビールエキュメニカル解放神学センターの新しい理事の選挙が成功裡に行われたことを私たちは祝います。彼らの心がセンターに向けられますように。数年間にわたって多くをサビールに捧げて任期を終えた理事たちに感謝します。この移行期にあって理事会と指導者のために祈ります。主よ、あなたの憐れみによって、この祈りをかなえてください。

イザヤ書55章で「あなたたちは喜び祝いながら出で立ち、平和のうちに導かれて行く。山と丘はあなたたちを迎え、歓声をあげて喜び歌い、野の木々も、手をたたく」という約束が告げられています。しかし、木々が根こぎにされたなら、どうして手をたたくことができるでしょうか。山々が不法な入植地に占拠されたなら、どうして歌うことができるでしょうか。今週末、パレスチナ教育農場「国々の幕屋」の丘の上で植樹するサビール・ユース・プログラムに参加する青年たちのために祈ります。彼らが豊かにされる経験をすることができますように。「国々の幕屋」の働きと、ナザレでの今週のサビールのプログラムが祝福されますように。主よ、あなたの憐れみによって、この祈りをかなえてください。

12月1日、ベイトサホール（羊飼いの丘）でイスラム教とキリスト教の聖職者が集まりを持ちます。占領下に異なる信仰の民として生活を共にすることについて話し合われます。この行事のために働くサビールのスタッフを祝福してください。基調講演を行うエルサレムの大ムフティと前カトリック総司教のために祈ります。彼らのメッセージが励ましを与え、パレスチナの宗教指導者間により大きな一致を呼び起こすものとなりますように。主よ、あなたの憐れみによって、この祈りをかなえてください。

22/12/11 - English

Extreme settler violence continued in and around Nablus and Hebron this week.  Stones launched by illegal Jewish settlers also struck the bus full of students from Bethlehem Bible College as it returned from a choir concert. Settler violence against Palestinians increased by 50% in 2011, and has terrorized people, agricultural land, and caused considerable amount of property damage.  In just this month, three mosques near Ramallah, Jerusalem, and Salfit were torched and covered with racist graffiti.  Rather than enabling these attacks and then protecting settlers from prosecution, we pray that the Israeli government takes responsibility for stopping this violence. We pray that God will change the hearts of the settlers. Lord in your mercy…

People around Palestine rejoiced as 550 more political prisoners were released from Israeli jails early this week, completing the second stage in the prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel.  The detainees included 55 children and six women.  We pray for their swift reintegration in society, and increasing wisdom.  We pray for the release of all political prisoners.  Lord in your mercy…

We pray for all those who must pick up the pieces of life and death after the official end to the US-led war in Iraq this month. Looking at the effects of this war that raged for nine years and destroyed millions of lives, we grieve. We pray for the people of Iraq as they face a very uncertain future, and seek to rebuild after the unjust war.  Lord in your mercy…

The Christmas season continues in Palestine-Israel with multiple celebrations led on different days by Roman Catholics and Protestants, Armenians and Orthodox Christians.  While we are privileged to host people from all over the world for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we mourn the fact that many Palestinian families cannot reunite at this time, because they did not receive travel permits to leave the West Bank.  Lord in your mercy…

With the World Council of Churches we pray for Ghana and Nigeria. We thank God for the gifts they bring to the family of faith worldwide, and we pray that their needs will be met. Lord in your mercy…

15/12/11 - English

We pray for Sabeel Nazareth’s Christmas community celebration this week, taking place despite recent anti-Christian discrimination in the region.  The mayor of Nazareth Illit, an Israeli town with a 40,000 population and 7% Arab Christian minority, decided to ban the public display of Christmas trees.  Calling Nazareth Illit “a Jewish city” he promised to maintain the ban for as long as he is mayor.  We pray that all people of good will and democratic ideals will reject this racism and make space for Christians to celebrate their holiday in peace. Lord in your mercy…

We pray for the Sabeel Jerusalem Christmas dinner on Saturday.  Local clergy from different denominations, international workers, and community members from all walks of life will gather for food, fellowship, and song.  We pray that God will be glorified by our celebration. Lord in your mercy…

Jesus said to the weeping women, “Oh Daughters of Jerusalem! Do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.” We join weeping family and friends who mourn the death of 28-year-old nonviolent activist Mustafa Tamimi.  Killed by a tear-gas canister fired into his face at close range, Mustafa died in Nabi Saleh protesting the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements.  Lord in your mercy…

Israel constructed more segments of the separation wall around the residents of Shu’afat refugee camp.  This portion of the wall cuts through the municipal area, separating 40,000 tax-paying Palestinian Jerusalemites from the rest of the city. Access to Jerusalem from Shu’afat camp is restricted to one entry and exit checkpoint, controlled by the Israeli Defense Force.  We are discouraged by the wall’s existence, and furthermore frustrated about its path through the town.  So long as the wall exists peace will continue to be elusive. We pray that the wall will be dismantled. Lord in your mercy…

This week, the city of Bethlehem prepares to welcome Christmas pilgrims from all over the world. We pray that each pilgrim will be deeply affected by their visit.  We pray that their firsthand experience of the land of the Holy One will compel them to work for an end to the imperial occupation of this place. Lord in your mercy…

With the World Council of Churches we pray for Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo. Lord in your mercy…

Japanese 8/12/2011

「知恵は巷に呼ばわり、広場に声をあげる。」(*1)私たちは、彼女（知恵）と共に、女性の身体を持つものに対する性的嫌がらせ、性暴力が続いていることを嘆き悲しみます。今週、レバノン、アフガニスタン、パレスチナで、耳目を集める強姦事件や殺害事件が幾つも表面化して、世界中の女性たちの多くが正義と発言権を求めて日々闘い続けていることを思い起こさせられました。女性に対して暴力を犯した者たちが、その行動の責任を問われますように。主よ、御憐れみによって、この祈りをかなえてください。

今週、パレスチナで、そして世界各地で式典が開催され、しょうがい者の賜物や才能に光が当てられました(*2)。パレスチナのしょうがい者の権利と諸問題に焦点を当てるために、またしょうがい者が共同体生活のすべての側面で統合されることで得られるものを増すために、身体的・精神的にしょうがいを負う活動家たちが組織した文化的イベントや政治行動に感謝します。社会がしょうがい者に対して敵対的でなくなるように、私たちは神の助けを求めます。私たちはかれらがしょうがいを負った状況に痛みを覚えます。第一次インティファーダに対するイスラエル軍の応答やガザでの「鉛の棺作戦」によって記録的な数のパレスチナ人が身体の麻痺を負ったのです。すべての市民が大切にされ、社会の障害がなくなりますように。主よ、御憐れみによって、この祈りをかなえてください。

今年も降臨節を迎え、イエス・キリストの来臨を祝うことができることを感謝します。今週わたしたちが発表したクリスマス・メッセージが、この休暇の季節に世界中で行動と対話を引き起こしますように(*3)。主よ、御憐れみによって、この祈りをかなえてください。

待つことは人と共にすることで楽になります。この降臨節にサビールのプログラムは共同で取り組まれます。エリコで開催される女性と聖職者のプログラムのため、またナザレでの女性の会合のために祈ります。参加者一人ひとりの信仰が共に旅する者によって励まされますように。主よ、御憐れみによって、この祈りをかなえてください。

8/12/11 - English

“Wisdom calls aloud in the street, raising her voice in the public squares…” We cry out with lady Wisdom today as we mourn the ongoing sexual harassment and violation of female-bodied people.  Several high profile rape and murder cases in Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Palestine surfaced this week, reminding us of the daily struggle for justice and voice that the majority of women around the world endure.  We pray that perpetrators of violence against women will be held accountable for their actions.  Lord in your mercy…

Celebrations in Palestine and around the world this week affirmed the gifts and talents of differently-abled people.  We are grateful for the cultural events and political actions that physically and mentally challenged activists organized, to focus on the issues and rights of differently-abled Palestinians, and promote gains to be derived from their integration in every aspect of community life.  We seek God’s help to make society more amicable to them, and we feel the pain of the situation surrounding their disablement (as the Israeli army’s reaction to the first intifada, and its Cast Lead operations left record numbers of Palestinians paralyzed).  We pray for affirmation and access for all citizens.  Lord in your mercy…

We are grateful to have the chance to experience another Advent, and celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ into the world.  We pray that the Christmas Message we published this week will inspire action and conversations around the world this holiday season. (Available at http://sabeel.org/events.php?eventid=237) Lord in your mercy…

Waiting is easier in company, and Sabeel’s programs have joined their efforts during Advent. We pray for the upcoming women and clergy program in Jericho, and the Sabeel women’s meeting in Nazareth.  May the faith of each of the participants be encouraged by their fellow travelers.  Lord in your mercy…

With the World Council of Churches we pray for Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal. Lord in your mercy…

1/12/11 - Français

Prions pour les Églises de Syrie et d’Égypte au moment de changements considérables dans leurs pays. Prions pour qu’elles soient des références d’espérance et d’amour, au milieu de la confusion politique et de conflits violents. Prions pour que leurs célébrations et leur recherche d’une solidarité commune témoignent de l’importance de la réconciliation et de la tolérance. Seigneur, dans Ta miséricorde, entends notre prière.

Tout comme Dieu a donné la manne tombée du ciel, nous avons confiance qu’il nous donnera ce dont nous avons besoin pour vivre. Nous présentons à Dieu ceux qui ne recevront pas leur salaire ce mois-ci en raison du manque de liquidités de l’Autorité Palestinienne, un manque du à la retenue injuste par Israël du produit des taxes palestiniennes sur le revenu et les échanges commerciaux, en guise de punition pour notre candidature à la reconnaissance en tant qu’état aux Nations Unies. Alors que le taux de chômage augmente en Cisjordanie, nous nous accrochons fermement à l’invitation de Dieu de ne pas être inquiets, mais nous demeurons fidèles et positifs au milieu des difficultés croissantes de la vie. Prions pour que ces travailleurs reçoivent bientôt leurs salaires. Seigneur, dans Ta miséricorde, entends notre prière.

Il arrive qu’en plein milieu du temps ordinaire (kronos), un temps extraordinaire (kairos) survienne. Souvenons-nous cette semaine de ce temps exceptionnel  que nous avons connu il a deux ans lorsque des chrétiens palestiniens se sont rassemblés pour rédiger le document “Kairos pour la Palestine”. Prions pour la prochaine rencontre de planification stratégique qui va se tenir à Bethléem afin que le processus Kairos continue à porter des fruits localement et partout dans le monde. Seigneur, dans Ta miséricorde, entends notre prière.

Aujourd’hui, de jeunes adultes vont se rassembler à Nazareth pour leur rencontre mensuelle et plus de 120 membres du clergé musulmans et chrétiens vont se réunir à Beit Sahour. Réjouissons-nous de voir tant de gens de tous âges, de toutes religions et vocations reconnaître le besoin absolu de la soliadarité et du dialogue les uns avec les autres. Prions pour la sécurité des déplacements des jeunes et des membres du clergé, pour des échanges fructueux, une confiance renouvelée en Dieu et une nouvelle perspective pour le peuple de Dieu. Seigneur, dans Ta miséricorde, entends notre prière.

      

1/12/11 - English

We pray for the churches in Syria and Egypt at this time of dramatic change in their countries.  We pray that they would be beacons of hope and love, in the midst of political confusion and violent conflict. We pray that their practices of worship and seeking the common good will witness to the importance of reconciliation and tolerance. Lord in your mercy…

Just as God provided manna from the heavens, we trust in God’s provision for the needs of our lives.  We hold up to God those who will not receive their salaries this month because of shortages of money in the Palestinian Authority, a shortfall due to Israel’s unjust withholding of Palestinian tax income and trade revenue, as punishment for our bid for statehood at the United Nations.  As the unemployment rate in the West Bank rises, we grip tightly to God’s invitation not to worry, but remain faithful and positive through the increasing difficulties of life. We pray that the workers will soon receive their wages. Lord in your mercy…

In the midst of ordinary time (kronos), extraordinary time (kairos) can happen. We are reminded this week of the fullness of time that came two years ago when Palestinian Christians gathered to write the “Kairos for Palestine” document.  We pray for the upcoming strategic planning meeting in Bethlehem, that the Kairos process will continue to bear fruit locally and around the world. Lord in your mercy…

Today, young adults will gather in Nazareth for their monthly meeting and over 120 Muslim and Christian clergy will gather for an encounter in Beit Sahour.  We rejoice that so many people of all ages, faiths, and vocations recognize the absolute need for solidarity and dialogue with one another.  We pray for the safety of the clergy and youth in travel, for excellent discussion, and a renewed sense of commitment to God and vision for God’s people.  Lord in your mercy…

With the World Council of Churches we pray for Liberia and Sierra Leone. We trust that God knows their needs and gifts.  We pray they feel a sense of God’s presence, and support from the global Christian family this week. Lord in your mercy…

24/11/11 - Français

Dieu éternel, dans le royaume de qui on ne tire pas l’épée si ce n’est l’épée de la vertu, dans lequel on ne connait d’autre force que la force de l’amour : répands donc avec puissance ton esprit à tout vent, afin que tous les peuples puissent se rassembler et se réconcilier. Nous te prions d’accorder la justice aux peuples de Syrie et d’Égypte. Espérons la pureté d’intention et la sagesse des prises de décision qui vont faire suite aux soulèvements syrien et égyptien. Seigneur, dans Ta miséricorde, entends notre prière.

Nous célébrons l’élection heureuse des membres du nouveau bureau de Sabeel. Prions pour qu’ils servent de tout leur cœur l’organisation. Nous sommes reconnaissants aux membres de l’organisation qui sont arivés au terme de leur mandat et qui ont tant donné à Sabeel ces dernières années. Prions pour le bureau et les dirigeants en ce temps de transition. Seigneur, dans Ta miséricorde, entends notre prière.

 Isaïe, au chapitre 55, 12, proclame la promesse que “c’est dans la jubilation que vous sortirez et dans la paix que vous serez entraînés. Sur votre passage, montagnes et collines exploseront en acclamations, et tous les arbres de la campagne battront des mains !” Mais si les arbres sont déracinés, comment pourront-ils battre des mains ? Si les sommets des montagnes sont occupés par des colonies illégales, comment pourront-ils exploser en acclamations ? Prions pour le programme de Sabeel à l’intention des jeunes qui vont planter des arbres ce week-end sur le sommet de la montagne de la Tente des Nations, qui est une Ferme Palestinienne pour l’Environnement et l’Éducation. Prions pour qu’ils fassent une expérience enrichissante et pour le ministère exercé par la Tente des Nations et aussi pour les programmes de Sabeel à Nazareth cette semaine. Seigneur, dans Ta miséricorde, entends notre prière.

Le 1^er décembre, des religieux chrétiens et musulmans vont se rencontrer à Beit Sahour. Ils vont parler du vivre ensemble en peuples de religions différentes, sous une même occupation. Offrons le travail de l’équipe Sabeel pour cet évènement. Prions pour les intervenants principaux  - le Grand Mufti de Jérusalem et le Patriarche Latin émérite – afin que leurs messages soient un encouragement et un stimulant pour une plus grande unité chez les responsables religieux de Palestine. Seigneur, dans Ta miséricorde, entends notre prière.  

24/11/11 - English

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: so mightily spread abroad your spirit, that all peoples may be gathered and reconciled.  We pray for justice for the people of Syria and Egypt. We hope for pure intentions and wisdom in the decision-making that will affect the outcome of the Syrian and Egyptian uprisings. Lord in your mercy…

We celebrate the successful election of the new Sabeel board.  We pray that their hearts will be for the organization.  We are grateful for the members of the board who completed their terms, who gave so much to Sabeel in the last number of years.  We pray for the board and leadership in this time of transition.  Lord in your mercy…

Isaiah chapter 55 proclaims the promise that “we shall go out with joy and be led forth in peace. The mountains and the hills will burst into song, and the trees of the fields will clap their hands!” But if the trees are uprooted how can they clap? If the mountaintops are occupied by illegal settlements, how can they sing? We pray for the Sabeel youth program as they plant trees this weekend on the mountaintop at Tent of Nations, which is a Palestinian Environmental and Educational Farm.  We pray that they will have an enriching experience, for the ongoing ministry of the Tent of Nations, as well as for the Sabeel programs in Nazareth this week. Lord in your mercy…

On December 1^st, Muslim and Christian clergy will meet in Beit Sahour.  They will discuss life together as people of different faiths, under similar occupation.  We lift up the Sabeel staff working on this event.  We pray for the keynote speakers—the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarch Emeritus—that their messages may be encouraging and foster greater unity among religious leaders in Palestine.  Lord in your mercy…

With the World Council of Churches we pray for Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. We trust that God knows their needs and gifts.  We pray they feel a sense of God’s presence, and support from the global Christian family this week. Lord in your mercy…