English 08/06/2017

Sabeel Wave of Prayer
June 8^th, 2017

2017 marks many anniversaries in the history of Palestine. This week marks the 50^th anniversary of the beginning of Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.

·         Lord, this week we lament 50 years of occupation, which gave birth to so much injustice, suffering, and dispossession for the Palestinian people. We pray that 2017, this fiftieth year, will be a biblical year of Jubilee, a year in which we proclaim liberty to our land and all its inhabitants. Lord, we cry out to you that this year will be a time to speak truth to power, a time to break the silence surrounding injustice, a year for peace, a year for Palestine.

 Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer…

Last week, 15-year-old Nouf Iqab Infeiat was shot by Israeli soldiers who alleged that she was holding a knife, although the videos don’t show that. She died a few hours later. As she laid bleeding on the street, the soldiers stood around her and shouted insults at her rather than getting her medical help.

·         Lord, the Israeli occupation continues to thrive on hate, violence, and fear while the children continue to pay the price. We ask you to comfort Nouf’s family as they grieve the loss of their beloved daughter. We pray for an end to the occupation that devours children and the humanity of the occupiers.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer…

Last Sunday, churches around the world celebrated Pentecost and remembered the beginning of the church in Jerusalem. Now, as then, the church here lives in a context of occupation and seeks to show an alternate Way in a world enamored with empire.

·         Blessed Redeemer of all the earth, this week we pray especially for your church in the Middle East. Stand with the women, men, and children who are your body in the Middle East and send your Holy Spirit to them. Protect your church from all evil and let it shine with the light of your love, truth, grace, and goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer…

For their 2017 Conference, Friends of Sabeel – UK is holding a series of events around the UK during the first two weeks of June. These events will allow people in the UK to  learn about the work of Sabeel Jerusalem and to focus on areas of advocacy that they can support, providing an opportunity for as many people as possible to hear the Palestinian Christian story.

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  God, we lift this conference up to you. Send your Spirit on the speakers, especially Omar from Jerusalem. Grant the participants ears to hear, and hearts that are willing to connect with their brothers and sisters living here in Palestine. We pray that each person involved in the conference will grow in faith and knowledge.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer…

We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland.

·         Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer…