German Wave of Prayer, 21st-24th of October, 2024

Sabeel Wave of Prayer Every Thursday, the congregation in Jerusalem gathers for Holy Communion and prayer. A prayer that is prayed in this service is also sent to those praying all over the world, so that in every region at 12 o'clock the prayer is prayed so that a wave of prayer is created around the earth . 24. October 2024 Last week, Israel reported that it had killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar with a drone. Despite his death, Israeli leaders have vowed to continue the war against Gaza with no end in sight. In fact, since the news of his death, Jabalia and other areas in northern Gaza have been the subject of a campaign of mass destruction, in which thousands of civilians have been burned alive, starved and killed by snipers and drones. As the genocide in Gaza continues, it is hard to find you, Jesus, at this moment, in the midst of immeasurable suffering and death in Gaza. But we know that you are there, with those who are starving, buried, burned. God of justice, we ask for an end to all forms of oppression and for the courage to stand by those who suffer from it. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer Last week, an Israeli attack on the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Hospital complex in Deir el-Balah caused a tent where many people were taking shelter to go up in flames. Four people died, including Shaban-Al-Dalou, a nineteen-year-old engineering student who was on a drip at the time, as did his mother. Both burned alive. Shaban's father spoke these last words to his son: "Forgive me, my son, I could not save you." Jesus, today we share this deep sorrow as we mourn with Shaban's family for the terrible deaths in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. We are at a loss for words because there are no words that can do justice to this moment. Today we repeat the words of Lamentations: "I have almost wept my eyes out, my body aches, my heart is poured out to the earth over the misery..." (2:11). Like Shaban's father, we say, "Forgive us, for we have not yet been able to stop this genocide." Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer Last week, the United Nations reported that Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are facing increasing attacks by Israeli settlers and more violence by the Israeli army as the crucial olive harvest season begins. The organization has documented 32 attacks by settlers on Palestinians and their property in connection with the olive harvest since the beginning of October. According to the report, about 600 olive trees were destroyed, devastated or stolen by settlers. In addition, the army uses war-like tactics against Palestinian peasants. One of the most notable incidents occurred when Hanan Abd Rahman Abu Salameh, a 59-year-old woman, was killed by a soldier with ten bullets while harvesting olives near Jenin. Loving God, all creation longs for justice and liberation. We know that you take care of "even the sparrows". Yet, we continue to see the destruction of olive trees and land, as well as the violent death of those who care for your creation. We ask you to strengthen and protect the Palestinian farmers and all those who care for the land of Palestine, and that we have the courage to join them in their sumud. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer Last week, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the United States deployed the THAAD missile defense system and about 100 troops to Israel. Ironically, the increase in the U.S. troop presence comes at the same time that the Biden administration has verbally threatened to deny Israel military aid. U.S. troops will operate from Israeli military bases, deepening U.S. direct involvement in Israel's war and possible involvement in war crimes. Merciful Creator, we come before you with a heavy heart and mourn the deepening conflict and the risk of further suffering for all peoples in this region. Lord, we pray for all the people who are caught in the crossfire – those who live under occupation, those who fear for their lives, and those who struggle for hope in the midst of violence. We ask that your Spirit of peace dwell among us. Strengthen the voices calling for justice so that they can rise above the noise of war. Transform the hearts of soldiers, leaders, and all those in power to become instruments of peace instead of engaging in violence. May your will, which is peace for all people, be done on earth as it is in heaven. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer Last week, Sabeel received two delegations. They traveled through East Jerusalem and the West Bank and reported on the stories of the communities living under duress. They will return to their home countries this week with renewed commitment and advocacy. Gracious God, we thank you for the two delegations that Sabeel received. We are grateful for the stories they have heard, the connections they have made, and the courage they have shown in being with the people living under occupation. As these delegates prepare to return to their churches, we pray for their safety and for the Holy Spirit to bless them in their important work at home. May the experiences they have lived through take root deep in their hearts. We pray for the communities they leave behind, that they may feel strengthened by the presence of those who show solidarity with them. Strengthen Sabeel in our ongoing mission to advance hope, healing, and justice. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the people of Canada and the United States of America. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers