Lord God, you alone are sovereign
over the nations; you see both the good and the evil committed by individuals
and governments. On occasion of the beginning of U.S. President Barak Obama’s
second term in office, we pray that you would guide him into leading the
country in making long-awaited decisions for peace and justice, especially with
regard to Israel and Palestine. Lord would you help him to utilize this term to
work towards ending the unremitting building of settlements, the 45 year long
occupation, and the continuing violence against those who do not deserve it.
May the USA and all the international community recognize the role they can and
must play in this conflict – to put pressure on the government of Israel to end
its abusive policies. Lord, in your mercy...
As we pray against injustices
from occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, we pray also for the Arab citizens
of Israel. Lord, would you hold Israel accountable to its claim of democracy.
Raise up leaders, whether governmental or grassroots, who would lead the way to
fair treatment and equality for all citizens. We especially pray against the
mistreatment of Bedouin Israeli citizens, the demolishing of their villages,
and their forced relocation. Please deliver these people from injustice. Lord,
in your mercy...
Father in heaven, after another
week of violence in Syria, we come to lay our burdens before you. Lord, our
hearts break for all the families facing the pervasive violence, shelling, and
unpredictable bombing. We especially lift up all those caught in the explosion
at Aleppo University last week, which left over 80 people dead and over 160
wounded. We also pray for the many missing persons, like Sister Rima Nasri, who
was last seen before the blasts and is still missing. Lord, in your mercy,
please give our Syrian neighbors a reprieve and bring about peace as soon as
possible. Lord, in your mercy...
We also pray for the work of
Sabeel – Lord, please refine our efforts so that we would be always fruitful,
relevant, full of salt and light for the world. We pray for the various
international groups that continue to visit our office to learn about
liberation theology and the situation in Israel and Palestine. Please raise up
long-term workers for peace from among these visitors. Lord, in your mercy...
Finally, we pray in unity with
the World Council of Churches for the countries of Algeria, Libya, Morocco,
Tunisia, and for the people of Western Sahara. Lord, in your mercy...
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