English 1/12/2016

Strong winds and dry weather have fuelled hundreds of fires across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory last week. Tens of thousands of residents were evacuated from their homes. Major fires in Israel and Palestine are now under control.

·      We pray for all those affected by the fires that raged for days last week in Israel and Palestine. We especially pray for those who lost their homes, and for the rejuvenation of the destroyed land. We give thanks for those who worked hard to keep the fire at bay and for the many countries, near and far, who responded to the call for help to subdue the blaze. Lord in your mercy…

November 25th marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. According to statistics, the number of Arab women murdered in 2016 by family members and spouses has increased since 2015. On this occasion, Sixteen days of global activism kicked off.

·        Lord, as women across the globe face discrimination and violence, we pray for legal and societal changes which will curb the tide of violence against women. May we always be reminded of the daily struggle for justice that the majority of women around the world go through. We pray that perpetrators of violence against women will be held accountable for their actions. Lord in your mercy…

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    We pray that our new Sabeel edition of the Cornerstone, titled “Increase our Faith” which addresses the Issue of forgiveness will reach many people around the world. May justice prevail in our troubled land in order to achieve true peace and reconciliation. Lord, in your mercy…

November 29 was observed by the United Nations as International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people.

·   Lord, 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…

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    We join the World Council of Churches by praying for the countries of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger. Lord in your mercy…

This prayer ministry enables local and international friends of Sabeel to pray over regional concerns on a weekly basis. Sent to Sabeel’s network of supporters, the prayer is used in services around the world and during Sabeel’s Thursday Communion service; as each community in its respective time zone lifts these concerns in prayer at noon every Thursday, this “wave of prayer” washes over the world.