English Wave of prayer Nov. 10th - 14th

The United Nations reported that Israel rejected 107 requests for entry of aid into Gaza since the ceasefire began, including blankets, winter cloths, sanitation, and hygiene services.  
 
God of Justice, we bring the people of Gaza to you as they continue to suffer an assault on their dignity. We pray for the ceasefire to actually be implemented and for an end to blockade that for so long has denied the people of Gaza their basic rights and humanity. Increase our commitment to action so that justice and accountability may soon come. 

Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer 

Last week, Jewish volunteers from Rabbis for Human Rights and Achvat Amim who arrived in the village of Burin to accompany and show solidarity to Palestinian farmers during their olive harvest were detained and arrested by the Israeli military. Two Jewish American participants who were volunteering with the group were informed that they were facing deportation. Unfortunately, this is not new; the Israeli military has increasingly targeted non-Israeli citizenship holders who are volunteering in the West Bank. Meanwhile, settlers, who are illegally residing in the West Bank and committing violence against Palestinian communities, receive little to no consequences. 

Holy God, we grieve a system that allows settler violence to take place while obstructing those who work for peace and nonviolence. Amidst unbearable state violence, be with Palestinian farmers and those who accompany them. We pray that the international community will challenge Israel’s impunity through real action to end the occupation. 

Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer  

Sabeel is planning an ecumenical clergy retreat 17-19 November in Jericho, bringing around 50 clergy and their spouses together. The theme of the retreat will be focused on hope and resurrection amidst the many challenges facing the church and the people.  

Loving God, we give thanks for all those involved in the upcoming clergy retreat. We pray for the courage, creativity, and wisdom of the Holy Spirit to accompany them during the retreat. May this gathering in Jericho be a source of renewed hope and commitment for the church in the Holy Land.  

Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer 

We lift up in our prayers this week the case of Mohammed Ibrahim, a 16-year-old Palestinian-American boy who was violently arrested by Israeli soldiers in February 2025 after being accused of throwing rocks at Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. At his court hearing on 9 November, an Israeli military court postponed proceedings, effectively extending his imprisonment until at least 15 December. Mohammed is one of hundreds of Palestinian children in Israeli detention. Mohammed has lost a quarter of his weight and contracted scabies after being beaten and tortured in prison. 

Good God, we cry to you in deep despair and lament. We cannot fathom the cruelty of a system that deprives children of their childhood. We pray for the liberation and full healing of Mohammed and all children suffering in prisons. Lord, help us dismantle all systems of oppression and build a world where every child is safe to live and thrive. 

Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer 

During Sabeel’s worship service two weeks ago, theologian and friend of Sabeel Ched Myers gave a reflection to conclude his series on Luke this year, from his new book Healing Affluenza. The reflection covered the story of Zaccheus, a story which has been trivialized and marginalized by churches. Ched called on the Sabeel community to study and decolonize the text, reading the story of Zaccheus instead as a story of political and economic reparations for the transformation and healing of the world. Sabeel invites all to join our Thursday worship services by registering at tinyurl.com/sabeelworship. 

Redeemer Christ, teach us to follow the path of Zaccheus, who in breaking out of his comfort and committing to reparations towards those he oppressed, restored his full humanity. Help us recognize the times we uphold unjust systems, and in doing so, guide us to repentance and to a true discipleship of the cross. 

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 Oceania. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers