On
Saturday, Sabeel held an interfaith service that
brought Jewish, Muslim and Christian voices from the Holy Land and
beyond. The service was a time of reflection and prayer as more than
220 people joined to listen and recommit themselves to pursuing peace
rooted in justice. Sabeel also released a statement in response to the
ongoing and escalating war in our region, viewable on our website.
Holy
God, during times of despair, we thank you for the beautiful presence
of your Holy Spirit through this community gathering of prayer and
hope. Continue to unite us as one global and inclusive movement for
liberation. Lord, help us practice love and solidarity in ways that
devastate the violence of empire.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
The number of people that have been displaced in
Lebanon has risen to over 700,000 as Israel bombs neighborhoods and
cities in Lebanon, with many displaced families turning their vehicles
into makeshift shelters, covering them with tarp to shield themselves
from the rain after failing to find space in local schools. At least
2,000 people have been killed across the Middle East since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.
God
of the oppressed, you know what it is like to seek refuge from the
violence and power of empire. We ask you to protect all enduring
displacement, killing, and torture. Ensure the oppressed of your love,
for “he will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) We pray
for deliverance from the yoke of oppression.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
At
least 12 Palestinians, including two boys, a pregnant woman and eight
police officers, were killed Sunday by Israeli airstrikes in
Gaza. Despite the so-called ceasefire several months ago, killings have
been committed every day by the Israeli military. However, Israel did
announce it will allow the reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt
starting Wednesday after more than two-week hiatus.
God
of Justice, while we are grateful that the opening of the Rafah
crossing will give the people of Gaza a reprieve from this nightmare, we
grieve the continued loss of life. As you bring comfort to the families
and souls who have died, we ask you to re-center our witness so that we
may be effective and creative in our solidarity. We pray for
accountability, a true and lasting ceasefire, and a permanent end to
occupation.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Israeli forces killed a
Palestinian father, mother and two of their children as they drove in
the occupied West Bank on Sunday. Ali Khaled Bani Odeh, 37, his
35-year-old wife, Waad, and two of their children, Mohammad and Othman,
ages 5 and 7, were each shot in the head in the village of Tammun, while
two of their other children sustained injuries.
Divine
Creator, we cry out for Ali, Qaad, Mohammed, and Othman, whose lives
were taken away carelessly and cruelly. Bring your loving and healing
presence to their family, especially their two children who remain. We
pray for the repentance of those who murder and oppress, but until they
seek repentance, help us to pursue accountability and justice.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
The
end of this week will be Eid Al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan for
Muslims around the world. Throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims in
Palestine have experienced many restrictions to worshipping in Al Aqsa
and other holy sites. In Gaza, many Muslims broke fast under continued
blockade and starvation.
God
of peace, we pray for a peaceful Eid for our Muslim siblings especially
in our region who have experienced many hardships during the holy month
of Ramadan. Help us this Eid to recommit ourselves to inclusivity and
community.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We
join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of
Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers
No comments:
Post a Comment