English 13/10/2016

Wave of prayer

October 13, 2016

Israel demolished 22 Palestinian structures, half of them homes, in five West Bank communities. The demolitions left 56 Palestinians, including 30 minors, homeless. The authorities also demolished water cisterns, livestock pens, and part of a school. This is part of a massive demolition campaign to pressure Palestinians to leave Area C that has, since the beginning of 2016, left 1,010 people homeless, including 530 minors.

     Lord, to crush a home is to invite despair. We remember the people who are left homeless due to the evil measures of the occupation. Bulldozers can put us in a corner and demolish our homes, but with your help they will not be able to kill the life in us. Lord in your mercy…

Israeli forces continue to open fire at Palestinian farmers and shepherds along the borderline area to the east of Gaza city, as well as at fishermen sailing within Gaza waters to the south of the Strip, media sources said.

·        Lord, fishermen and shepherds in Gaza risk their life for no more than their daily bread. Lord, as you have welcomed the shepherds of Bethlehem and you have cared for the fishermen at the Sea of Galilee inspire the world to stand for our people on the margins. Lord in your mercy…

The Sabeel Nazareth office theatrical production (Between two Times) accomplished outstanding results. In addition to the two scheduled performances, the community has requested a third performance this week. All tickets were sold out. A friend who has attended a performance said: “a fascinating play about the last 250 years of Arab presence in Nazareth… the message was clear. These stones and these buildings bear witness to our presence in this land.”

·        Lord, we give thanks to the Leadership of Sabeel Nazareth office, the hard working staff and the creativity of the youth who developed and performed the play. We are also grateful for all who have volunteered day and night to make this play a success. We also give thanks to our partners from the Mennonite Central Committee who have generously funded this initiative. Lord in your mercy continue to bless our work...

A well known Palestinian activist and community organizer, Musbah Abu Sbieh, launched a shooting spree in Jerusalem Sunday, killing two people and wounding five others before being shot dead.

·        Lord, you have taught us not to condone nor justify violence. We remember all innocent victims and their families. Bloodshed breaks the heart of the righteous. We also remember the family of Abu Sbieh, as they will also pay the price for this attack by having their home demolished. We also pray for our people to not lose hope in nonviolence, nor to resist evil by evil methods. Lord in your mercy… 

The White House and State Department last week criticized the Israeli government for approving plans to create a new Jewish settlement, with up to 300 new houses in the occupied West Bank. Israel broke its commitment to the US and announced the building of settlements shortly after it received the 38 billion USD of military aid.

·        Lord, empower us to have hope in the midst of hopelessness. Grant us the courage needed to continue to speak truth to power. Enlighten us God with new actions that will open the eyes of the greedy oppressors of our humanity. Have mercy on us lord as our neighbors continue to confiscate our land, demolish our homes, erase our history and build their settlements. Lord in your mercy…  

·        We join the World Council of Churches by praying for the countries of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. Lord in your mercy…