Thursday, December 15, 2011

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…

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