Last week, the Palestine marathon was held for the first time in three
years in Bethlehem and Gaza. The Palestine marathon is an annual event
for many Palestinians locally and around the world, and participants run
to tell a different story about Palestine as well as the effect of Israel’s
Occupation on Palestinians’ freedom of movement. This year’s marathon
was centered on hope. In Gaza, 2,523 people, including 15
amputees, participated in a 5K, determined to live and persevere despite
the devastation. In Bethlehem, over 10,000 people ran a 10K along
routes hemmed in by checkpoints and the apartheid wall.
Holy
God, we thank you for the resilience and efforts of organizers and
participants who work to recenter our community on hope and
steadfastness. Through this marathon, illuminate to the world our
struggle for freedom and liberation. Lord, help us to use our bodies and
voices to demand the freedom of all who suffer from injustice.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Thirteen
Israeli officials, including three ministers, have called on right wing
Israelis to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque in droves on Friday, May 15, to mark
the anniversary of Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem. The date also
coincides with the anniversary of the Nakba.
God
of Justice, we pray that you would embolden those who love peace in
Jerusalem and beyond to stand firm against all ideologies of violence
and racism. We pray for the day that all may have the right to worship
and live freely without dehumanization.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Since
March 2, at least 2,846 people have been killed across Lebanon. The
death toll includes more than 103 Lebanese medical workers killed and
230 injured in over 130 Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, more than 1.2
million people in Lebanon are expected to face acute hunger this year
due to conflict, displacement, and economic pressures amid the latest
war between Israel and Hezbollah, according to a United Nations‑backed
report.
God
of the oppressed, you understand the plea of the refugee; you know what
it is like to be persecuted by empire. Lord, we look for your presence
underneath the rubble and destruction in Lebanon and Gaza. We pray for
the healing of the millions displaced and thousands injured. As we
continue to cry for justice, help the world act to stop the violence and
bloodshed and make peace a reality in our region.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Last
week, FOSNA held its first organizing institute in the United States,
bringing together returned delegates from Sabeel’s “Come and See, Go and
Tell” delegations. Organizing Institutes (OIs) are daylong, in-person
gatherings in cities with high concentrations of returned delegates. OIs
create connections across delegations and provide space to practice
collectively our responsibility to 'Go and Tell’ and encourage movement
momentum. More organizing institutes are planned for the coming months.
Loving
Creator, we are reminded of the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit
whenever we gather in unity to organize and act in solidarity. Lord,
continue to give us strength and creativity as we continue the work for
peace and justice. We pray that these organizing institutes will bring
about hope and change to all who live in our Land.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Israel
deported Global Sumud Flotilla activists Saif Abukeshek and Thiago
Avila after being detained for a week for leading an aid
flotilla attempting to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza
Strip. They were initially intercepted near Greece waters along with
175 other activists who were sailing on civilian vessels but were the
only ones to be kidnapped and detained in Israel. No evidence was
provided by Israel, who accused Thiago and Saif of having ties to
terrorist organizations. Both Thiago and Saif reported abuse and torture
by Israeli soldiers while in detention.
Holy
God, we pray for the physical and spiritual healing of Saif and Thiago
as they return home to their families and continue their work for
freedom and peace. Help us to follow their steadfastness by being brave
and creative in our own witness to the people of Gaza.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers
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