English 23/3/2017

Sabeel Wave of Prayer
March 23^rd, 2017

Tamir Pardo, Israel’s ex-Mossad chief said publicly that the Israeli occupation is Israel's only existential threat. Pardo said that Israel is sticking its head in the sand regarding the conflict with the Palestinians: 'the conflict won't resolve itself'

·         Lord, we give thanks to all voices that continue to speak the unpopular truth. God, grant the needed courage for Israeli leaders of conscience who are still in power to set the Palestinian people free.

Leader: Lord in your mercy…

People: Hear our prayer

The USA is planning to boycott the United Nations meeting to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. US Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said the US will vote against any item the Human Rights Council puts forth on Israel.

·         Lord, we give thanks for all the people who continue to work to bring forward the plight of the Palestinian people on the agenda of the world. We pray for an end to the arrogance of the United States administration that continues to be a stumbling block to peace in the land we call holy.
Lord in your mercy…

Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister, Gilad Erdan, wants to set up a database of Israeli citizens who are involved in promoting and supporting boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel or the illegal Israeli settlements.

·         Lord, during this blessed season of Lent we are free to prohibit ourselves from many material needs and privileges. We pray for the safety of Israelis who take the ethical stand to fast from products and services that benefit from the suffering of the Palestinian people. 
Lord in your mercy…

Rima Khalaf, head of a Lebanon-based United Nations agency that promotes development in Arab countries has resigned. Khalaf submitted her resignation after refusing to withdraw a United Nations report that concluded that Israel has established an "apartheid regime."

·         Lord, we continue to hear loudly the voices of truth that break the silence demanded by the powerful of this world. We give thanks for all the people who make a firm stand with our just cause with no turning back.
Lord in your mercy…

Fr. Michael Lapsley from South Africa, freedom fighter to healer, is launching his new book in Palestine this weekend. The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem, the Tantur Ecumenical Institute and Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre in Jerusalem are planning a joint event this Saturday at the Church of the Redeemer to launch the book in Jerusalem. Sabeel Nazareth will also be launching the book this Sunday.

·         Lord, we pray for our friends in South Africa who continue to show solidarity with our Palestinian people. We pray for all people who continue to work against all the odds to keep hope alive and the light of your good message shining.
Lord in your mercy…

·         We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Lord in your mercy…