Thursday 15th November
2018
An
Israel undercover commando unit killed a Hamas leader and six others inside
Gaza near Khan Younis. Israel launched air attacks to provide cover for the
retreat of the commandos. An Israeli officer was killed and one wounded. The
Israeli incursion and air attacks drew rocket fire from the Hamas-controlled
enclave threatening an escalation of violence in the region.
- O Lord, our Shepherd and our
Rock, we pray to you at this time of violence in and around Gaza. Please
strengthen those in Gaza who are committed to nonviolence and deliverance
for all those who continue to suffer. Lord in your mercy…hear our
prayer.
On
Thursday 8th November 2018, Israeli forces raided an elementary school in
Khirbet Ibziq in the Jordan Valley, disrupted classes, and dismantled a tent
used by teaching staff and students.
- Great Teacher, children need an
education to have the full and abundant life You came to give them. Bless
those who strive to provide an education under these extreme circumstances
— for this generation and generations to come.Lord in your mercy…hear
our prayer.
Israeli
forces detained 511 Palestinians during the month of October, including 74
minors and 15 women. This was confirmed last week in a joint statement by three
Palestinian prisoner’s advocacy groups.
- Lord, we continue to pray for
Palestinian prisoners, especially children. May your spirit give them
courage to stand steadfast and to depend on your justice. Lord in your
mercy…hear our prayer.
Benjamin
Netanyahu has approved the passing of a law, introduced by Avigdor Lieberman,
which will remove the strict conditions on capital punishment and will pave the
way for the death penalty to be carried out against Palestinians convicted of
murder whether in the Israeli Military or civilian court system.
- Lord of justice, Your Son
suffered execution at the hands of the state,but He did not let hatred overcome
Him. Help us to reach out to the Israeli decision makers so that they may
remember that ‘there is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to
save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbour?’ (James
4:12). Holy Spirit of God, You strengthen us in the struggle for
justice.Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.
Sabeel
is holding its annual Ecumenical Clergy Retreat this week Monday 12th to
Wednesday 14th of November. The retreat will take place at the Carmelite
Convent of Stella Maris on Mt. Carmel in Haifa. A number of distinguished
clergy and lay people will lead the sessions.
- We pray dear Lord for your
blessing on this Retreat and for the ecumenical spirit that prevails in
the Sabeel programs. Guide the speakers and the participants to be
nourished by this fellowship, and help them disseminate the right attitude
in their parishes so that the “Other” will be a Blessing. Lord in
your mercy…hear our prayer.
November
15 marks Palestinian Independence Day. Unfortunately, in the 30 years since the
state was declared, true independence is still not a reality.
- Lord, we offer thanks for all the
people and organizations working to bring about a just peace that will allow
Palestine to experience actual independence. We pray for transformation
and freedom in this land. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.
The
Kumi Now nonviolent initiative continues this week with MennoPIN and their
topic of House Demolitions. This week’s action asks you to contact the
international contractors involved in Palestinian house demolitions in order to
highlight the use of their machines in this illegal act. www.kuminow.com
- This is a prayer for the
steadfast, the ones who stand firm,the ones who say: you can
destroy my house, but you will never destroy my home.This is a prayer
for the ones who stand amidst the ruinsonce the soldiers have gone and
silently vow:demolish our houses again if you choose but we will never
leave.We will rebuild, we will replant, we will remain. Bless the Kumi
nonviolent action this week and give strength to those who stand in
solidarity. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.
On
November 1st, the Palestinian authority enforced the first comprehensive
social security system to cover all private sector workers. Thousands of
Palestinian workers continue to demonstrate against the law which they see as
unfair and have expressed their mistrust of the Palestinian authority and its
intentions.
- Lord, we pray for all the
Palestinian workers who are on the margins. We also give thanks for the
demonstrators who stand up for the rights of the people and express their
concerns with nonviolence and a creative call for justice. Grant the
Palestinian authority open ears to hear the concerns of the people and
humble hearts to serve the Palestinian people in a fair and transparent
way. Lord in your mercy…
- We join with the World Council of
Churches in their prayers for Aotearora New Zealand, and Australia. Lord
in your mercy…hear our prayer.
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