Last Friday, Sabeel held an ecumenical prayer service in solidarity with the people of Jordan following the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of nine people. The service was attended by church leaders, the Jerusalem community, scout groups and international diplomats representing several countries. Together, we prayed for an end to hatred, religious extremism, and all forms of violence, reaffirming the sanctity of human life and the importance of religious coexistence, justice, and peace. We stood in prayer with the martyrs and victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy.
Gracious God, we give thanks for all who joined us in prayer and solidarity with the people of Jordan. Bless the church leaders, clergy, diplomats, and friends who gathered as one in the face of violence and hatred. May their presence be a witness to our shared humanity. Strengthen all who work to build bridges of understanding and love among peoples and religions.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
Israeli elections were held last week. No clear winner has emerged from Israel’s election, with both major political blocs falling short of the 61 seats needed to form a government. Based on the vote count, Netanyahu and his allies stood on 53 seats, while former army chief Gadi Eisenkot’s bloc (representing the anti-Netanyahu) had 48. The Arab parties, made up of the Joint List and Ra’am, gained 19 seats because of record turnout from Palestinian citizens of Israel who broke a longstanding boycott of elections due to rising discrimination, insecurity and horror in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Holy God, we know that no system built on apartheid and racism will guarantee justice and dignity for all people. but we ask that you transform the hearts and minds of political leaders and hold accountable those who promote ideologies of hatred and division. Teach us to live according to your law, the law of love, where no one is superior or inferior. We pray for a just and lasting peace for all the people of your Holy Land.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
Last week, dockworkers in Europe and beyond conducted a labor strike as part of an international campaign against arms shipments and for better working conditions. Unions in France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey and Morocco issued a joint call for an end to wars in the Middle East, including the war in Gaza, and “an end to the militarization of ports.” In the join statement, the unions said “ports must not be used for the transport of weapons, ammunition, military equipment and troops.” Organizers said more than 100 ports across several countries had joined the protests and the flow of an estimated 40,000 containers was halted.
Holy God, we sanctify your name when by our own actions of solidarity, we help to build a more just and loving world, cutting off access to violence and the exploitation of others. Through the example of the dockworkers, encourage the rest of the world to stand up against systems that violate human dignity. Let us worship you by working for justice and freedom for all.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Israel is accelerating house demolitions in Silwan and other East Jerusalem neighborhoods. Earlier this month, 9 families (totaling 30 individuals) in the al-Bustan section of the Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem received warnings that their homes will be demolished within a month. Al-Bustan, a Palestinian neighborhood which is strategically close to the Old City of Jerusalem, has been targeted by the Jerusalem Municipality who is pushing Palestinian residents out to make way for a biblical theme park and settlement. The Jerusalem Municipality demolished 42 structures, including 28 homes, in al-Bustan in 2026 alone.
Redeemer Christ, we remember the people of Silwan, where you healed the blind man at the Pool of Siloam (John 9:1–41). We grieve the displacement, fear, and terror endured by its residents under occupation, and the injustice that threatens their homes and land. Lord, open the eyes of those blinded by hatred and racism. Help us to bring an end to the occupation and all forms of injustice.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
A new report from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the top investigate body on Palestine and Israel in the United Nations, concluded that Israeli authorities and forces have committed the crime against humanity of age-based persecution against Palestinian children. The report said Israeli forces had "deliberately killed and caused serious bodily and mental harm to Palestinian children on account of their status as Palestinian children". Between 7 October 2023 and 30 September 2026, Israeli forces killed 1,080 Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, among them at least 237 boys and seven girls, and wounded 10,940, according to UN figures cited in the report.
Good God, we know you hold the children close to you, for you have said: "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) Lord, we cry out to you for the oppressed children of our land. Help us with our faith, help us with our witness, that we may secure a future of life and dignity for all children.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Canada and the United States of America.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers
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