Ash
Wednesday is this week and marks the beginning of the Lenten season.
God
of mercy, be with us as we enter this season of reflection and repentance. Give
us the strength to look into our hearts and souls and find those areas in which
we desperately need your help and guidance. Grant us also the hope that comes
with the good news of your son’s resurrection, and let it stir life within us
as we look towards an end to the suffering all around.
Lord,
in your mercy…
Three
Arab members of the Israeli Parliament - the Knesset - have been suspended for
several months after visiting families of individuals who carried out attacks
on Israelis. The Arab MKs were intervening as a humanitarian act, on behalf of
the bereaved families, so as to get their children’s bodies returned for burial
which are currently being held by Israeli authorities. These families usually
have no prior knowledge of their children’s intentions, but are still subjected
to collective punishment like having their homes demolished.
God,
we weep at the current political situation here, where parents on both sides
mourn the loss of their children. We beg you God, calm the fear that causes us
to dehumanize the other, and allow people to view all life as precious, and the
ending of all life as a loss.
Lord,
in your mercy…
Leaders
of both political parties, Hamas and Fatah, met Sunday to reestablish ties
between the West Bank and Gaza. The unification of these two factions would
support peace efforts in the region, and relieve much suffering for those
trapped within the Gaza strip.
Lord,
we ask that you make the similarities between these two parties shine out
stronger than their differences, and allow the goals of peace and an end of
suffering for their people to become the focal point for both governments.
Lord,
in your mercy…
Last
week Sabeel’s friend and partner, the director of the al-Liqa center in
Bethlehem, Dr. Geries Khoury, died while leading a delegation to the Vatican to
speak to the Pope. Dr. Khoury was one of the first theologians to view theology
through a local, Palestinian lens, and did much to further interfaith ministry
within Palestine.
Lord
of all, we lift up to you Dr. Geries Khoury, and ask that you be with his
family and friends as they mourn his passing. Send your spirit to fill the gap
that the loss of his ministry has created, and allow his work to continue on in
the lives of those he touched and mentored.
Lord,
in your mercy…
We
pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of Ireland,
United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
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