•
Lord, this past Saturday, Manger Square in Bethlehem was filled with the
Spirit of Christmas as locals and internationals came together to witness the
annual lighting of the Christmas tree. At the same time, churches in Palestine
and around the world joined in solidarity with Bethlehem, ringing bells as a
prayer for peace, justice and dignity
for all people. We at Sabeel join in
this prayer as we look forward to celebrating the birth of the Prince of
Peace. Come, Lord Jesus, and fill our
world with your peace.
Lord, in your mercy...........
•
God of Mercy, while we in Jerusalem and the West Bank are
focused on daily reports of local unrest and violence, let us not forget the
people of Gaza who continue to be held prisoner by the ongoing closure and
siege. On the southern border, Rafah,
the only hope of exit and entry for thousands of Gazans, is caught up in
internal and external policies which make it impossible for people to move in
and out freely. At this time when we
celebrate the coming into the world of a message of Good News for all people,
may that good news include the ending of the siege and the restoration of
freedom and hope for all the people of Gaza.
Lord, in your mercy...........
•
Lord, everyday we read
of another tragedy here. Another house demolition in Shufat Refugee
Camp last week, more killings of young Palestinians, the withholding of the
bodies of those who have been killed, making it impossible for families to
properly grieve. Innocent people being
punished for the alleged acts of others.
When will people understand that violent acts of retribution only lead
to more violent acts, intensifying despair and anger? Lord, we pray for an end to this cycle of
violence. Help us to act in ways that
lead to hope and a just peace.
Lord,
in your mercy………….
• • Lord Jesus, next week both
Sabeel Nazareth and Sabeel Jerusalem celebrate your coming with special
festivities. On Thursday, Dec. 17, Nazareth will be presenting an original musical drama and on Saturday, Dec. 19,
Sabeel Jerusalem will host their annual ecumenical Christmas dinner. We pray that all who attend will be filled
with the joy and hope that this holy Season brings.
Lord in your mercy.............
• We pray alongside the World Council
of Churches for the countries of Cape
Verde, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal.
Lord, in your mercy...........
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