26/11/2015 English

•  Lord, how ironic it seems that whenever the United States engages in its “shuttle diplomacy” another announcement is made by the Israeli government that sabotages the creation of a Palestinian State.  This week sees another visit from Secretary of State, John Kerry, while at the same time Israel announces the approval of the construction of 454 new settler homes in occupied East Jerusalem .  We pray that this time there might be more than just rhetoric that goes nowhere; we pray that Kerry comes as an “honest  broker” who is willing to go to the root of the problems here and to see more than just surface issues.                                                                                                                           Lord, in your mercy...........

•  Lord, we’ve read this week that nearly 400 children are being held in Israeli jails.  Children as young as 6 years old have been detained by Israeli forces who have come under repeated criticism for their treatment of Palestinian children.   We are witnessing the anger and hopelessness of teens who, from childhood, have been denied basic human rights that have been recognized for all the world’s children.  We pray your protection on all who are vulnerable, but especially our children and our youth.                                

Lord, in your mercy...........

•  Lord, Sunday, November 29 will be observed by the United Nations as International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people.  Our hearts are united with all people everywhere who say “enough” to the ongoing occupation and the violence and oppression that has kept its hold on this land for too long.  May this day not just heighten the world’s awareness of the injustice that is part of daily life in Palestine but also give those in positions of leadership the will and courage to act in ways that lead to a just peace.                                                                                                                           Lord, in your mercy………….

• Lord, as we prepare for the next issue of Cornerstone which will be highlighting the work of Friends of Sabeel around the world, we give thanks for these friends and their commitment  to peace and justice.                                                                                                                                                       Lord, in your mercy...........

• We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of  Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger .                                                                                                                               Lord, in your mercy...........