English September 19-2019

Sabeel Wave of Prayer

19^th September 2019

On the 74^th Friday of the ‘Great March of Return’, 75 civilians were injured as a result of the Israeli military’s continued use of excessive force against mostly peaceful protests along the Gaza Strip’s eastern border; 34 children, and 1 journalist were among those injured in another clear violation of international law.

·         God of all comfort, we pray for all who were injured as they peacefully protested this week in Gaza; the thousands still recovering from injury and trauma; the thousands more mourning the unrecoverable loss of a sibling, parent, friend, or child. We pray too for an end to the unjust and ongoing military blockade of Gaza. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

This week’s Kumi Now initiative invites you to consider planning a Kumi City March to advocate for justice and peace in Palestine/Israel. It gives advice on how to organise a march and how to encourage others to attend.

·         Lord, we thank you for those prepared to nonviolently act against the occupation of Palestine by organising peaceful protests where they live. We pray that more people around the world will become aware of the injustice faced by Palestinians in their homeland. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

Elections will be held in Israel on Tuesday, 17th September, for the second time in less than six months after efforts failed to form a government after the election in April this year. Candidates are being fielded by 31 parties, but the two most popular parties are Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party and the more centrist Kahol Lavan (Blue and White) party led by Benny Gantz, a former army chief together with Yair Lapid.

·         We pray, Lord, that voters may elect a government committed to supporting and protecting the rights of all the people living in the Holy Land. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

On Tuesday, the 10th of September, Benjamin Netanyahu promised to annex the Jordan Valley, which makes up a third of the West Bank, if he were to be re-elected. This announcement was condemned by the Palestinians, Arab countries, the European Union and the United Nations.

·         Lord, you are our stronghold and our rock of refuge, (Psalm 94:22). Help us to stand on your promises, Lord, and trust in your consolation when the outlook appears bleak. We pray that lawmakers and governments around the world will bring pressure to bear on Israel, if further violations of international law are put into force. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

In the warm September sunshine thousands of visitors attended the fifteenth Taybeh Oktoberfest. The Taybeh Brewing Company was founded in 1994 by Nadim Khoury and his family, shortly after the signing of the Oslo Accords. It produces beers and wines; all beers are certified kosher for the Israeli market and they also produce non-alcoholic beer for customers requiring halal drinks.

·         Lord, we give thanks for an enterprise which is giving work and skills to people living in an area of high unemployment. We give thanks to the ingenuity of the Khoury family and all Palestinians who use their talents and skills to improve their lives, the lives of others, and the economy of Palestine. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

The Church of Sweden and Friends of Sabeel Sweden are holding conferences this week attended by Sabeel Jerusalem.

·         Lord, bless the Church of Sweden and Friends of Sabeel Sweden as they meet in this week. May these meetings act as encouragement to those attending and enable them to learn more about the realities on the ground in Palestine and Israel. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

The United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel, (UNJPPI) gathered together in Ottawa at the weekend beginning the 13th of September. The focus of the UNJPPI conference was to urge the Canadian government to hold Israel accountable for the way it contravenes international humanitarian law in Palestine.

·         Lord, we thank you for the work of the UNJPPI network in Canada to call for a just peace in Palestine/ Israel and for equal rights for all living in Palestine/Israel. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

From the 15^th to the 21^st September the World Council of Churches (WCC) encourages all churches to take part in the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel. They are asked to bear a common witness by participating in worship services, educational events, and acts of support in favour of peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians.

·         We cry to you in prayer, Lord, for all in Palestine and Israel who are paralysed by injustice, fear, and violence. For those who live with suspicion instead of hope and uncertainty instead of security. Bless those taking part in the World Week for Peace and grant that their message falls on receptive ears. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.

·         We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.