English Wave of prayer Mar 2nd - 6th

Over the weekend, Israel and the United States launched a war on Iran. At least one strike killed 85 children at an elementary school in Iran. Iran retaliated with strikes towards US bases and military assets throughout the region. Everyone is living in fear of an escalating regional war as deaths and injuries are rising. 

God of Justice, we continue to pray for an end to the violence, destruction, and fear we are facing. We feel during these times the cry of the Psalmist: “O Lord, how long shall the wicked,  how long shall the wicked exult?” (Psalm 94: 3) Hear the cries of the most vulnerable as they suffer and deliver us from modern day pharaohs and evildoers. In the face of overwhelming injustice, we pray for your justice and righteousness to reign. 

Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer 

Last week marked two years since the self-immolation of Aaron Bushell. Two years ago, Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old serviceman of the United States Air Force, died after setting himself on fire outside the front gate of the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C. in protest against U.S. actions in Gaza, stating that he refused to be complicit in genocide. Unfortunately, two years after his death, the status quo of war crimes, starvation, and oppression continue not just in Palestine but in many areas of the world. 

Holy God, in this season of ashes, we are reminded of our mortality more than ever. Help us in our humility to remember those who have died speaking truth to power and the many who are turned to dust by empire’s weapons and bombs. In doing so, guide us in our witness, that we may not fear death, but await the death of despair, oppression, and suffering. 

Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer  

Last week, amidst the ruins in Gaza, Palestinians took a respite from hardship with a communal iftar organized last week in Gaza’s Khan Younis for hundreds of orphans. Many of the children who attended have been displaced multiple times and are living in tents, damaged buildings, or crowded shelters. 

Loving Christ,  we remember your words: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10) We lift up the children who have lost homes, families, and childhoods in Gaza and we ask that you provide them with your love and protection. Embolden us to build a world where children can live in freedom, joy, and dignity.  

Lord in your mercy...hear  

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has announced that it will offer consular services in Efrat, a fast-growing Jewish settlement. The embassy plans to do the same in Beitar Illit, an ultra-Orthodox settlement, in the coming months. This is the first time U.S. consular services is offering embassy services in a West Bank Israeli settlement, widely seen as a move towards further legitimizing settlements. 

Righteous God, we cry out against the powers and principalities that maintain a status quo of injustice and suffering. Liberate the hearts and minds of those who are still captive to the sins of apartheid and racism; help all of us to rise against complicity. We ask for the Holy Spirit to rekindle in us a creative commitment to confront these unjust systems and pursue accountability. 

Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer  

Sabeel is saddened to hear about the recent passing of Inger Styrbjörn. Inger was a longtime friend and supporter of Sabeel, a frequent participant in many of Sabeel’s weekly programs, and activist who engaged in protective presence in Palestine. 

Holy God, we thank you for the life and witness of Inger Styrbjörn. As you bring her into your eternal embrace, we ask you to bring comfort and healing to her loved ones. Help us to carry Inger’s legacy through practicing courage, compassion, and creativity in our quest for justice and peace. 

Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer 

We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. 

Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers 

Join us for a special set of prayers on Sabeel’s online Thursday Service as we pray for victims and all who are living through the regional escalation in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and elsewhere.