11/4/13 - English

Loving God, we once again find ourselves discouraged at the situation around us: continuing violence and racism, ever-increasing settlements, and a “peace process” that has gone completely stale. Even so, we have hope that a new window of opportunity might open to bring the two sides together. Lord, would you give our leaders the wisdom to abide by international law and the strength to forge a path towards peace and true justice. Lord, in your mercy...

As we strive, through our interfaith ministry here at Sabeel, toward a shared journey of life between Christians and Muslims, we are troubled by recent outbreaks of sectarian violence in Egypt. After an unprecedented attack last weekend on the cathedral of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Cairo, and after clashes between Christians and Muslims outside of Cairo led to the deaths of five, the wounding of eight, and the burning of an Egyptian Christian’s home, we cry out for an end. Lord, whether in Egypt, in Palestine and Israel, or anywhere in the world, may religion never be a justification for violence. Lead us into understanding, mutual respect, and love. Lord, in your mercy...

Here at Sabeel, we pray for all who will attend the interfaith conference on nonviolence to be held April 20^th, for Rev. Naim’s visit to Ireland this week, and for all the international friends of Sabeel and visiting groups steadily streaming through our office. We continue to plan for the upcoming Global Young Adult Festival in July and the 9^th International Sabeel Conference to be held in November, and we ask that you would bless our busy preparations with good attendance, mutual encouragement, and fruitful learning experiences. Lord, in your mercy...

Finally, we pray in unity with the World Council of Churches for the people of East Timor, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Lord, in your mercy...