Last
week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged a
“whole-of-government response” to weaken the International Criminal
Court (ICC). The Trump administration has repeatedly targeted the ICC,
imposing sanctions on prosecutors investigating alleged crimes by U.S.
and Israeli forces. At the same time, the U.S. House passed a $1.15
trillion defense bill that expands military cooperation with Israel,
including greater network integration and data sharing.
Redeemer
Christ, in the face of the actions of empires, remind us of your call
to not be afraid. Strengthen all who labor for justice and
accountability, even in the face of pressure and intimidation. Grant
wisdom to rulers and decision-makers, that they may recognize that
lasting peace can only be secured through justice, compassion, and
respect for the equal worth of every human being. Help us overcome the
structural sins of violence and hatred by acting as agents of your love
and peace.
Lord, in your mercy... hear our prayer.
Horrific
scenes are happening across the West Bank. Emboldened by years of
impunity, settlers last week under the protection of the Israeli
military targeted communities in Palestinian cities of Nablus, Tulkarm,
Ramallah, Hebron, Salfit, Qalqilya, Jericho and Jerusalem. In one
instance near Nablus, 4 Palestinians and 2 Israeli soldiers were killed
when Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian town of Tal. The killing
of Israeli soldiers prompted further crackdown on Palestinians, with the
Israeli military announcing “counterterrorism” operations and
ordering a curfew in the West Bank. As raids
continue, Netanyahu also announced that his government would be
accelerating the legalization of settler outposts and establishment of
new ones in the West Bank.
God
of Justice, in our sorrow, we echo only the words of the Psalmist: "My
heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me." (Psalm
55:4-5) We pray for an end to the Israeli military occupation and for a
just peace to take root in our land. While we feel a sense of
powerlessness, remind us that we can still be witnesses. Help us to bear
witness to Palestinian communities facing violence and displacement in
the West Bank
Lord, in your mercy... hear our prayer.
Friends
of Sabeel North America is launching their second Organizing Institute
in Pasadena, California, USA in August. Organizing Institutes (OIs) are
daylong, in-person gatherings for returned delegates from Sabeel
delegations that help delegates create connections across delegations
and provide space to practice collectively our responsibility to 'Go and
Tell.' Throughout 2026, FOSNA will host several other Organizing
Institutes and has committed to 3 new Organizing Institutes in 2027 to
continue the momentum for collective liberation.
Holy
God, we give you thanks because in moments of despair, you remind us of
your Holy Spirit which is present in all our movements for justice.
Empower returned delegates and the FOSNA team with wisdom and humility
as they gather to organize and work as agents of your liberating love.
Give us creative persistence, so that with faith the size of a mustard
seed, we may be like the persistent widow in front of the unjust judge
never ceasing to fight injustice.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Earlier this
month, the Church of England General Synod voted in favour of a
historic motion calling on the Church to “… Respond to the call of
Palestinian Christians to stand in solidarity with them and their fellow
Palestinians in non-violent resistance to the ongoing occupation” and
to hear the “Kairos II” document released by Palestinian Christians last
year. Sabeel-Kairos member Valerie Hallard was the original author of
this motion, and her work has been supported by other efforts of
Sabeel-Kairos.
Loving
Creator, we are thankful for the beautiful solidarity of our
friends who teach us what it means to bear creative witness. We pray
that you empower us as one movement and Church so that we become true
agents for justice and liberation. May the Church be a vessel to express
your love to the oppressed.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We
continue to lift up thousands of Palestinian prisoners held with no
charge or trial in Israeli prisons suffering under abusive conditions.
This week, we highlight Sama Safi, a 20 year-old Palestinian American
student who was abducted by Israeli forces on June 2nd and has been held
in a military prison since then without charge. She suffers from a
chronic illness that requires her to take medication to survive. She was
among 4 other young women from Birzeit University who were taken
illegally last month under administrative detention.
Holy
God, grant all Palestinian prisoners deliverance, justice, and
restoration of dignity. Bring hope and comfort to their families in
times of suffering. Lord, as the Israeli system systematically denies
justice for Palestinians, help us fight for Palestinian prisoners
creatively and persistently.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers
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