‘The
Board of Peace’ held its first meeting to unveil
its multi-billion-dollar colonial plan for Gaza, drawing criticism
from human rights organizations and church leaders such
as Latin Patriarchate of
Jerusalem. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa openly said that “[The Board of Peace] is a colonialist operation: others deciding for the Palestinians.”
Holy
God, we grieve this colonialism and the deceit of empire. In this
season of lament and fasting, liberate us from the human sins of greed
and domination. Help us be the prophetic and truthful witnesses to the
injustices happening in Gaza and to all people around the world.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Orthodox
Lent started on Feb 23, and Sabeel hosted its first worship service for
Lent last Thursday, with Lamma Mansour as guest speaker and Rev.
Naim Ateek as host. Playbacks for all services can be found each week on
Sabeel’s newsletter, and you can sign up with this link:
tinyurl.com/sabeelnewsletter. Those looking to sign up for Thursday
services can sign up via this link: tinyurl.com/sabeelworship.
Emmanuel, in this
season of Lent, help us to remember that you did not shy away from our
human fragility. Instead, you walked the way of the cross in solidarity
with us, enduring persecution and crucifixion. Help us through our
fasting and meditation this season to remember the oppressed and to
practice true discipleship.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
A
recent peer-reviewed study published in The Lancet Global Health
estimates that more than 75,000 people in Gaza were killed during the
first 16 months of Israel’s genocidal assault, a figure that far exceeds
the death toll reported at the time by the strip’s health authorities.
The study’s authors found that there were 75,200 “violent deaths” in
Gaza between October 7, 2023 and January 5, 2025, with women, children,
and elderly Palestinians making up around 56% of the toll. Gaza health
officials put the current death toll from Israel’s assault at more than
72,000, a number Israeli authorities recently acknowledged
is accurate after more than two years of denial.
Divine
Creator, you created all of us in your image and sustain us with
your love. We pray for the souls taken violently in Gaza and for their
families and loved ones as they continue to grieve. Help us to be
better witnesses to the agony in Gaza and in doing so, pursue
accountability and justice for the oppressed.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
FOSNA
Executive Director Jonathan Kuttab will be the keynote speaker for the
25th Annual Bishop Maurice J. Dingman Peace Award Celebration, held on
March 7 at 6:00pm at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Iowa. The 2026
Bishop Dingman Award will be going to the Humanitarian Operations and
Public Education Foundation (H.O.P.E.). This Iowa-based non-profit
focuses on human rights and human services to alleviate the suffering of
people in Gaza.
Loving
God, we worship you faithfully when we act as agents of your peace and
justice. Help us, through the witness of H.O.P.E., FOSNA, and other
prophetic groups, to cultivate a movement that stands for truth and
dignity for all people.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
This
year, Israel has severely restricted West Bank Palestinians’ access to
the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem for Friday
prayers of Ramadan, only allowing no more than 10,000
Palestinians from the occupied West Bank into Al Aqsa; this is a
fraction of the number who have visited to mark the occasion in previous
years. Israel has also banned Ramadan decorations in the Old City of
Jerusalem.
Holy God,
we reject the hatred, exclusivity, and racism that prevents our
Palestinian Muslim siblings their right to worship. Just as you wept
over Jerusalem, we echo our cry with you for a Jerusalem free from
intolerance and hate. Protect and heal the dignity of Muslim worshippers
as they are harassed and attacked by settlers and authorities.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of France, Germany, and Monaco.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers
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