We pray for the millions affected by the typhoon
in the Philippines. On December 17th, 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…
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