Hunter
Farrell, Ben Hartley, and Al Tizon—who traveled to Jerusalem with
Sabeel- will host a panel featuring Palestinian Christian theologian Dr.
Tony Deik. The panel will be centered around questions about church
complicity and Christian accompaniment in the Holy Land.
God
of love, we give thanks to all who have broken bread and accompanied us
in our suffering and oppression. We pray that their continued prophetic
witness will inspire the church to be closer to justice, inclusivity,
and peace. Embolden us that we may live out the words of Prophet Isaiah:
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to
the fatherless, and please the widow's cause.” (Isaiah 1:17)
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Four
demonstrators with the group Palestine Action were sentenced as
terrorists after being convicted for causing damage at an Israeli
weapons factory in 2024 to protest the genocide in Gaza. Although three
of the four had only been convicted of property damage, the judge
pursued a legal first for Britain by sentencing the four defendants as
terrorists. During the trial, the defendants were not allowed to explain
the reason for their actions as part of the trial, nor were jurors
informed that the defendants could later receive sentences for
terrorism. The terrorism designation means that defendants will have to
serve a minimum of two-thirds of their sentences in prison and will be
required to register as terrorists with the police for the next 15
years.
Liberator
Christ, you know what it is like to face the injustice of empire. In
our despair at a system that benefits from war and punishes those who
speak out against war, we remember that you are a God who loves justice,
who “reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into
the light.” (Job 12:22) Be with those who are imprisoned and those
who protest, and let their examples encourage others to speak louder
against injustice.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
The
FIFA World Cup is taking place this month in North America. At a moment
that should celebrate unity and fraternity through sport, it also
highlights global inequalities, as people holding weaker passports
continue to face barriers to entering the United States and many,
including people affiliated with FIFA, have been denied entry into the
country. Palestinian athletes have not been spared from the nearly
two-year-long war in Gaza. 672 Palestinian athletes have been killed by
Israeli forces, including 324 affiliated with the Palestinian Football
Association.
Holy
God, illuminate to the world that the structural injustices and racism
of our systems run counter to your truth that all human life is
precious, and every life is a universe. Help us to live this truth daily
by being witnesses and prophetic voices against injustice.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
The
Israeli military plans to establish a permanent military base in Jenin
in the occupied West Bank. It would be the first permanent military base
since the Oslo Accords and will be built in Area A, territory that,
under the Oslo framework, falls under Palestinian civil and
security jurisdiction. Israeli occupation authorities claim the new site
is intended to replace the military’s current practice of operating
from Palestinian homes and to facilitate what they described as a
long-term operational presence in the area. Since the beginning of
Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank, more than 33,000
Palestinians have been displaced from their homes.
Divine
Creator, we come to you afraid and broken. We ask you to make your
presence known to the 33,000 Palestinians who have been stripped of
their homes. We ask you to protect the most vulnerable among us who
suffer from daily military assaults, airstrikes, and violence. As we
bring our deep fears and anxieties to you, we ask the Spirit to fill us
with resolute faith and steadfastness so that we may be seekers of your
goodness, justice, and liberation at all times.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
No comments:
Post a Comment