Last week, Israeli forces stormed
Birzeit University, using live ammunition and teargas at students and
teachers and trapping at least 8,000 students inside. Over forty
people, mostly students, were injured. The raid came after
students organized a solidarity event for Palestinian prisoners in
Israeli detention. Education throughout Palestine has been facing
increased repression and attacks, with Birzeit University being one of
the most targeted. More than 150 Birzeit University students are
currently held in Israeli prisons, while the campus continues to face
repeated military raids.
Holy
God, although the powers of empire may kill, imprison, assault, and
silence, we declare that you are sovereign and that your righteousness
and love for humanity conquers all. We pray for the students of Birzeit
and all students and educators who bear witness to injustice. Hold all
partakers and enablers of injustice accountable. Help us to build a
world where everyone has the right to learn in dignity and freedom.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Israel
resumed airstrikes on Gaza, bombing a tent in Khan Yunis. While the
military said it was targeting an "imminent threat,” the
airstrikes killed a 5-year-old girl and her uncle and wounded two other
children. The death toll from the airstrikes was at least 7 people.
Loving
God, we put our faith that you dwell with all who
are targeted by weapons and bombs. Lord, our shelter in the storm, hear
the cries of the oppressed suffering from the cold, from
massacres, and from aid blockades. Lord, help us
to remember the oppressed and bear witness to their loss.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Many communities are suffering
state and military violence throughout the world, from the United
States to the United Kingdom to Palestine to Iran to Lebanon
to Venezuela. International law continues to be ignored and discarded,
with the United States recently dropping from several international
bodies, including UNESCO, the WHO, the UN Human Rights Council, and the
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Holy
God, in the face of militaries and states who legitimize themselves
through violence, we declare that you are the Prince of Peace. Have
mercy on the powerful who dehumanize themselves through their cruelty.
Until the day all is restored, help us to reclaim sanctity and holiness
through ending oppression in all its forms and standing in solidarity
with the marginalized.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
The Israeli Knesset gave final approval to legislation that will cut
electricity and water supplies to the offices of the United Nations
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Jerusalem,
with the law entering into force immediately. UNRWA provides services to
more than 110,000 refugees in Jerusalem alone. The attacks on UNRWA
will thus continue to have devastating effects on
communities already marginalized. UNRWA and UN officials
condemned Israel's decision, noting it as a violation of the UN Charter,
international law, and international norms and agreements.
Good
God, protect all the people of this land as they face more uncertainty
and oppression. We feel unable to do anything in the face of an
empire that discards all the pretenses of human rights and international
law. Answer our feeling of powerlessness with the courage of the Holy
Spirit which reminds us that if only we have “faith the size of a
mustard seed,” we can do much. (Matthew 17:20) Help us be better
witnesses to the many refugees who suffer displacement and neglect.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Christmas
season in Palestine and Israel continues, with Orthodox Christians
celebrating last week on 7 January. On the 19th of January, Armenians in
Jerusalem will celebrate Christmas. While Armenians around the world
celebrate Christmas on 6th of January, Armenians in the Holy Land are
the only group to mark the holiday on the 18th and 19th of the month,
according to the Julian calendar. As the Armenian community in
Jerusalem celebrates Christmas, efforts to defend and preserve their
land in the Old City continue through Save the ArQ.
Emmanuel,
the third Christmas in Palestine bears witness to the diversity of your
church and the beautiful mosaic of Jerusalem. We pray for a
revolutionary and hopeful Christmas to our Armenian siblings. As we
welcome your incarnation in our midst, we ask that you provide
the community with continued steadfastness, hope, and courage to pursue
peace in the Holy Land and beyond.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Both Jewish
Israeli and Palestinian activists recently marched together in
Jerusalem, to protest the Israeli government’s neglect of organized
crime-related violence in Israel’s Palestinian-majority cities. Since
the start of this year, 16 people have been killed in organized
crime-related violence in Palestinian towns and cities, including most
recently a 15-year-old boy by gunfire in Nazareth.
The situation is spiraling due to years of neglect, racism, and
inaction by the Israeli government, leaving Palestinian citizens of
Israel without adequate policing, resources, or protection.
Loving
God, in times when the injustices feel great and
overwhelming, you remind us that our collective pursuit for freedom is
greater than fear. We worship you whenever we work together to restore
dignity to the oppressed and victims of violence. Strengthen us to build
and sustain this movement until justice belongs to all.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We join the Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers
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