English June 13-2019

Sabeel Wave of Prayer

Thursday 13^th June 2019

The Great March of Return was replaced on Friday with prayers for Eid al-Fitr to celebrate the end of Ramadan. From 21^st May – 3^rd June 2019 a total of 234 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces. (OCHA/UN)

• Lord, our hearts are gladdened to hear that our Muslim brothers and sisters in Gaza were able to celebrate Eid al-Fitr despite the ongoing desperate situation. We pray that the Israeli administration come to realise that the people of Gaza cannot continue to be oppressed and that their legal right to return to their homes must be recognised. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 The Tawjihi (school leaver) exams began last week for students at Palestinian schools. In any context, exams are difficult and stressful enough without the ongoing issues of checkpoints, movement restrictions, and other problems caused by the ongoing Israeli occupation

• God, we lift up the many students finishing the school year and all of those taking the national Tawjihi exams. We pray for the coming summer months, and the few opportunities available to Palestinian youth. We ask that all young people would be able to enjoy a safe, fun, and productive summer. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.

The Kumi Now initiative this week concentrates on Christian Zionism and the work of Peacemaker Trust. We encourage all those engaging with this initiative to read the information on the growing problem Christian Zionism causes in Palestine and Israel and the work of the Peacemaker Trust.

• Lord, give strength and courage to those engaging with the Kumi Now initiative that they may engage fully with this week and the Kumi action. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.

Last Sunday, churches around the world celebrated Pentecost and remembered the beginning of the Church. Now, as then, the church here serves in a context of occupation and seeks to show an alternative way in a world driven by 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 upon them. Protect your children from all evil and let the flame of your love, truth, grace, and goodness burn within us all. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.

 The World Council of Churches (WCC) continues to have a presence in Palestine and Israel through the Ecumenical Accompaniment programme (EAPPI). These volunteers, stationed in various places throughout the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem act as a reminder to Israel that the international Christian community care deeply about the ongoing situation and are unwilling to just stand by.

• Gracious and protecting Lord, encourage and strengthen the leadership of the WCC as they look to the future of EAPPI and their presence here in the land of the Holy One. Open the eyes of those who engage as accompaniers to see the realities on the ground and grant them the grace to speak out, so that they may share what they have seen when they return to their homes. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer. 

Sabeel Jerusalem will host various groups this week, some for a talk about the realities on the ground and the work of Sabeel, some will join us for prayer, and one will take part in a tour.

• Lord, we are grateful for all of the groups who take time to come to Sabeel whether to find out about the realities on the ground or to hear about the work of Sabeel with the local community and beyond. Grant the staff and volunteers of Sabeel the strength and grace to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, and to share your liberating love with all who they come into contact with. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.
•  We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Botswana and Zimbabwe. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.