English 27/7/2017

Sabeel Wave of Prayer

July 27^th, 2017

Since last Friday, there have been mainly nonviolent protests in Jerusalem as a result of Israel’s decision to impose new security measures on worshippers entering Al-Aqsa mosque, changing the status quo of the site. Palestinian Muslims have refused to enter the mosque and are nonviolently praying in the surrounding streets. Israeli police have responded violently, injuring at least 300 Palestinian protesters and killing three. Some protests have also turned violent. One Palestinian was shot by a settler and three Israelis were killed in their home.

·         Lord, we thank you that the majority of the protests were nonviolent, and we are grateful for our brothers and sisters in the Muslim community who are using the power of prayer to protest injustice. We mourn for all people who have been killed or hurt. Although it is often difficult to act with nonviolence in the face of injustice, we pray that the protesters will have the courage to continue in prayer and nonviolence rather than returning evil for evil.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer…

Palestinian Christians have been joining in protests by praying with Muslims in the streets of East Jerusalem. There was also an interfaith protest in front of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.  Participants emphasized that they are protesting increased Israeli control which is meant to assert Israel’s sovereignty over occupied East Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa mosque, something that concerns all Palestinians and which is not primarily a religious conflict.

·         God, we thank you for interfaith protests and prayers that resist attempts to divide Palestinians along religious lines. We pray for an end to the occupation which affects all Palestinians regardless of religion.

Lord, in your mercy…

Palestinian  political factions, including Fatah and Hamas, have agreed to join together in creating a Palestinian unity government shortly after both parties called for unity in response to increased Israeli control of Al-Aqsa. There have been other actions of solidarity around the world, including protests in Jordan and Lebanon, and prayers in the United Kingdom.

·         Lord, we thank you for actions of unity and solidarity. We pray that the unity government devotes itself to helping the oppressed and working against injustice rather than using power for personal gain.

Lord, in your mercy…

Over 20 million people in Yemen are in need of humanitarian assistance, according to UN estimates, and many do not know where their next meal will come from. Additionally, over 800,000 people have been affected by cholera, and almost 2,000 have died.

·         God of all people, especially people in need, we mourn for the people who have died in this epidemic. We pray that the epidemic will end and that people will be able to get the food and medicine they need. Comfort the people who have lost loved ones and help the government of Yemen and the international community respond to this great need so that people do not die because they lack resources.

Lord, in your mercy…

We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.

·         Lord, in your mercy…