21/2/13 - English

Lord God, we come to you again today with concerns that pressed in upon us last week, last month, even last year. We know that you are at work around us, but we are tired. Please renew us with fresh hope for each day. We look around at all the nearby countries who continue to desire democracy, to face upheaval, and to experience various levels of violence. We pray especially for peace and equality in Egypt, Syria, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Pakistan. Please be with and protect all peace-seeking grassroots movements taking slow and uncertain steps towards a better future. Lord, in your mercy...

Here in Palestine, God, please bring about justice as well. It is hard to believe the tremendous suffering that hunger-striker Samer Issawi and his family have faced. It is hard to watch his health continue to deteriorate as the number of days he has been without food now surpasses 200. Lord please bring about his release immediately! Bring peace to the family, and protection as the Israeli military invaded their home this weekend, destroying things and arresting Samer’s brother. God, even this week, we hear of protestors arrested, another home demolished in Beit Hanina, friends evicted from their homes, and Palestinian land confiscated by Israel. Please, Lord, bring an end to this! Strengthen us for the work of nonviolent resistance and make us fruitful as we take action for peace! Lord, in your mercy...

We pray also for the political leaders and decision-makers. With Benjamin Netanyahu currently in process of forming a coalition for the third time, we pray desperately for the formation of a moderate, pro-peace government in Israel. God, please guide this process and work things out for the good of all people. Would you also work among those in the U.S. government who are not facilitating positive action toward peace. As President Obama visits Israel in March, please give him the audacity to speak out for the hope of the Palestinian people. Lord, in your mercy...

Here at Sabeel, we continue to ask for your guidance and blessing. Lord, would you make us faithful to the tasks you’ve given us and truthful in the way we represent you. We pray especially for Rev. Naim as he travels next week to speak to a Jordanian community desiring to learn about Palestinian Liberation Theology. Give him wisdom and strength of conviction. We also pray for the lecture on Jerusalem residency co-hosted this Friday by Sabeel, the Arab Orthodox Union Club Jerusalem, and St. Eve Catholic Center for Human Rights. Lord, in your mercy...

Finally, we pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of Italy, Malta, Portugal, and Spain. Lord, in your mercy...