The U.S. recently announced the launch of phase two of the plan to end the war in Gaza. However, most of the goals in Trump's 20-point plan has not been delivered, including a halt on attacks, Israeli withdrawal, full humanitarian aid, and opening of the Rafah crossing. In fact, since the ceasefire was announced, Israeli attacks killed 449 Palestinians and injured 1246 others. The restriction of aid and ban of international organizations has resulted in deaths caused by starvation, the cold, or damaged infrastructure.
God of justice, amidst empire’s schemes and false promises, may we not forget and ignore the people in Gaza who suffer violence in its many forms. Deliver us from modern-day pharaohs and hear our cry for liberation. As we witness evil being committed, help us to pursue healing through ending occupation, starvation, and oppression.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Three detained British activists who spent weeks refusing food have ended their hunger strike, after their demand of ending government contracts with Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons manufacturer was accomplished. For years, Palestinian rights activists have called on countries to divest from Elbit Systems over its role in supplying the Israeli military with weapons used in alleged war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Liberator Christ, you sacrificed your own human body, being maimed, tortured, and crucified for the salvation of the world. We know that you are with the hunger strikers in their quest for justice. Bring them healing as they end their strike. Lord, help us to embody the courage of those who prophetically and boldly confront structural sins.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Last week, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem issued a statement rejecting Christian Zionism. The statement also called for an “urgent need to protect Christian communities and places of worship extend throughout the West Bank, where settler attacks increasingly target our churches, people and properties.”
Loving God, we are encouraged by the unity of church leaders that speak truth to power. We pray for the unity, fellowship, and courage of the Holy Spirit as we work together as one Body in Christ to confront all theologies of injustice.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
The violence in the West Bank is escalating. Last week alone, the Israeli military launched raids and interrogations arresting more than 80 people across the occupied West Bank, wounding at least one man and demolishing the home of another. Dozens of settlers also burnt cars and homes and attacked Palestinians in a village north of Jerusalem.
God of justice, we grieve this unending news. In our despair, we echo the prayer of the Psalmist: “From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2) Lord, our rock and our strength, we know you dwell with those suffering from oppression and see all evil acts whether they are committed in the day or night. We pray for accountability and justice. Help us bear witness to our siblings in the West Bank.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
A longtime friend of Sabeel, Samia Taktak Zaru, recently passed away. Samia Taktak Zaru was a Palestinian multimedia artist, designer, painter and sculptor. In the 1980s, she was the first artist in Jordan to create installations for public spaces. In the early years of Sabeel, Samia gifted the organization tapestries that are still present on Sabeel’s office walls.
Holy God, we give gratitude to the life of Samia Taktak Zaru and the art that she gifted the world. Embrace Samia with your love and grant her eternal rest. As long as we live, help us to remember her legacy by bearing creative witness to the oppressed.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers
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