Amidst rising settler violence and expansion of settlement outposts in the West Bank, Pope Leo XIV recently called for an end to violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and for the international community to take action for a fair and lasting peace.
God of truth, we give thanks for all church and faith leaders who courageously stand for peace, justice, and what is right. Give courage to all faith leaders to stand together against injustice and to be peacemakers. Transform us not only through our words, but through our actions, so that we may faithfully pursue peace and liberation for all.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
Israel’s attacks in South Lebanon continue, with horrific consequences for civilians and residents of the area. Last week, Israeli strikes in one day killed 11 people. The strikes were among the deadliest in the weeks since Lebanon agreed to a U.S.-mediated peace framework with Israel. The deal leaves Israeli troops inside occupied southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed and the Lebanese army takes control.
God of the oppressed, we know that the earth is full of your steadfast love. Yet, as we witness injustice and death in South Lebanon and beyond, we feel only the despair of the Psalmist, asking: “Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?” (Psalm 44:24) Remind us that we walk by faith and not by sight, and help us bring your presence to the oppressed through our own witness. We pray for an end to violence in our region.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Last week, the Trump administration met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to push a U.S. led peace plan for Gaza that Israel has rejected. Under the U.S. plan, Hamas would relinquish all governing authority and to a new National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Despite the many flaws in the plan, including little input from Gaza civilians and Palestinians, Hamas agreed to the roadmap. However, Israel has rejected the plan, continuing to conduct airstrikes and military operations in Gaza despite a ceasefire.
God of peace and justice, we are tired of the deceiving actions of empires who, while preaching peace, have “eyes and heart [...] only on [their] dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence.” (Jeremiah 22:17) We pray that the leaders of our time may repent and that all hearts may be transformed to pursue just and lasting peace. Comfort those who mourn, heal the wounded, feed the hungry, protect the vulnerable, and bring freedom to those held captive. May those who have been displaced go back to their home, and may all people live with dignity and freedom. Help us increase our faith that we may courageously work towards that reality.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
Last week, an American interfaith delegation organized by Sabeel was denied entry at the Jordan River Crossing with no clear reason despite having followed all requirements for entry. All thirteen members of the delegation were U.S. citizens representing a diverse interfaith community, including Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and individuals from a variety of ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds. Under the visa waiver program with the United States, Israel is required to commit to equal treatment of U.S. citizens regardless of ethnicity, religion, background, or peaceful expression. This denial of entry comes in light of reports that Israel is withdrawing travel authorizations of Jewish Americans who are non-violently volunteering or accompanying Palestinian farmers in the West Bank. The delegation released an open petition to seek accountability and affirm that access to the Holy Land and its sacred sites should be available without discrimination, which can be accessed here (https://fosna.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/petition/sign?sid=1)
Divine Creator, we are your pilgrims and are always journeying to seek you. Despite this sad news, we put our faith that our witness is never in vain and that this experience will raise awareness of the unjust systems of borders and privilege that divide our world. Lord, help us to illuminate the “Sabeel” (Arabic for the way) towards a more just and liberated reality, where the Holy Land welcomes all.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers
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