The
UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied
Palestinian Territory officially confirmed that Israel is committing
genocide in Gaza. The Commision found that Israel carried out 4 out of 5
acts of genocide as defined under international law. This finding is
significant because it confirms that all states must use all means to
prevent and punish the crime of genocide. While this is the first time a
UN body has concluded these findings, human rights organizations and
genocide experts have already declared for many months that Israel was
committing genocide in Gaza.
Holy
God, we cannot fathom the magnitude of what has been lost due to
this genocide. We grieve the heinous acts of violence that defile the
sanctity of your creation. It is hard to find your presence when such
darkness consumes us. Yet, we have no choice but to turn to you, our
only refuge and strength. Holy Spirit, help us find hope where there is
no more hope, light where there is no light. We pray that the world may
wake up to stop this genocide and that justice and accountability will
soon come to all the people.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Over
the past few months, attacks on Palestinian culture and civil society
in Jerusalem continue and have been intensified. The Gateway café in the
Old City was forced to remove books on Palestinian culture and history
after facing intimidation and harassment from Israeli authorities.
Holy
God, we grieve acts that seek to erase the freedom of speech and
expression. We pray for the safety of vulnerable communities and for the
peace of Jerusalem. May we act to speak truth to power and preserve the
voices and stories of communities under threat in the Holy Land.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
The
International Day of Peace, also officially known as World Peace Day,
is observed annually on 21 September. Many groups organized actions
around World Peace Day to call for an end to genocide in Gaza and for
peace and justice in Palestine and Israel.
God
of Justice, peace seems far away and the darkness is overwhelming. Yet,
even when hope is low, we hold onto your call to resist the temptations
of evil and domination. Forgive us for our complicity in systems of
oppression that are obstacles to the peace you envision for us. Holy
Spirit, give us the strength and courage to practice truth, fairness,
and equality to all people. We pray for an end to all forms of hatred
and violence and for a just peace to take root.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
This
year, Rosh Hashanah will be observed from the evening of September 22
to the evening of September 24. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year,
commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of Days
of Awe—the period of introspection and repentance that culminates with
Yom Kippur. It is a time for reflecting on the past year and looking
forward with hope to the year ahead. The West Bank will go under
military closure during the Jewish holidays.
Holy
God, we pray for our Jewish siblings during this holy time. May the
sacred time of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur help all of us recommit to
the work of tikkun olam, repairing the world.
Lord in your mercy...hear our mercy
Sabeel
Kairos in the UK is hosting an in-person conference at St. John’s
Church in London on 17th October. The conference will feature
Palestinian human rights lawyer Sahar Francis, Reverend Ashraf Tannous
from Beit Sahour, and journalist Owen Jones. Reflecting on the theme
“From Lament to Liberation,” the conference will include talks, a panel,
and the chance in the afternoon to take part in an act of public
witness. To register, visit sabeel-kairos.org.uk
God
of Liberation, in times of deep lament, we thank you for friends around
the world who remind us that your Holy Spirit is present with the
suffering. With this conference, remind us that you “did not give us a
spirit of fear but rather a spirit of power and of love.” (2 Timothy
1:7) We pray for the speakers and participants of the conference
that they may find new and creative ways to be agents of your love in a
world in dire need of it.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Sabeel’s
Old City Hub continues to plan local activities to support the
community. This Friday 26 September, the Old City Hub is hosting a
second-hand bazaar for charity. Vendors can rent a table to sell their
items and donations for gently used items are welcome. More details can
be found on Instagram @theold_cityhub.
Holy
God, we thank you for all those involved in the bazaar and for the
events that continue to uplift and strengthen our community. May this
gathering be a source of joy, fellowship, and care for those in need.
Guide us to share generously, work together in harmony, and build a
spirit of love and compassion.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We
invite all people of conscience to join us in praying for an end to
famine in Gaza and Sudan, and for the cessation of wars everywhere.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers
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