Barak Obama told Israel it cannot permanently occupy
and settle on Palestinian land in a speech to the United Nations. John Kerry,
in a closed meeting in New York, accused Israel of breaking its promises and
warned the status quo is unsustainable.
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Lord, Pontius Pilate knowing of your innocence sentenced you to death
unjustly. Dear God, we suffer under military occupation by the powerful who
know what is just but lack the will to act. We continue to pray for the people
of conscience to keep exerting pressure on the rulers of this world to bow down
to your will of justice. Lord in your mercy…
An Arabic film on bedouin women takes Israel’s top
prize, en route to Oscars. Sand Storm, is the first all-Arabic language film to
be Israel’s submission for the Oscar’s foreign film category. The film is a
family drama set in the Bedouin community — a largely poor and marginalized
Arab community inside the Israeli population.
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Lord, you always lift up the humble and for this we follow you. We pray
for all the voices that bring attention to your children who are on the
margins. May the film open the eyes of the decision-makers in Israel to treat
its citizens with respect and equality. Lord in your mercy…
The Sabeel office in Nazareth is organizing a
theatrical play that focuses on Palestinian heritage and identity. The play
aims to strengthen the Palestinian narrative and deepen our roots in the land.
The play comes at a time the Israeli government is trying to redefine our own
identity.
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Lord, bless the work of Sabeel locally and internationally. We ask you
to be with the young people on stage as they challenge the narrative of the
Israeli state by being who they are. Lord in your mercy…
Sabeel continues to organize local Bible Study groups
in the community to come together and reflect on the parables of Christ. This
week, one participant shared the following “Reading the parables of Jesus
through Palestinian eyes, makes Jesus relevant in my Palestinian life”.
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Lord, your words are life and light. We give thanks to all the lay
leaders who help organize the Bible Study groups and prepare the material.
Accept our prayers as incense offered to you, and our upraised hands as an
evening offering (Psalm 141). Lord in your
mercy….
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We join the World Council of Churches in prayer for the countries of
Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine. Lord in your mercy…