Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Sept. 27, 2016
Wave of Prayer: This prayer ministry enables local and international friends of Sabeel to pray over regional concerns on a weekly basis. Sent to Sabeel’s network of supporters, the prayer is used in services around the world and during Sabeel’s Thursday Communion service; as each community in its respective time zone lifts these concerns in prayer at noon every Thursday, this “wave of prayer” washes over the world.
Barack Obama told Israel it cannot permanently occupy and settle on Palestinian land in a speech to the United Nations. John Kerry, in a closed meeting in New York, accused Israel of breaking its promises and warned the status quo is unsustainable.
Lord, Pontius Pilate knowing of your innocence sentenced you to death unjustly. Dear God, we suffer under military occupation by the powerful who know what is just but lack the will to act. We continue to pray for the people of conscience to keep exerting pressure on the rulers of this world to bow down to your will of justice. Lord in your mercy…
An Arabic film on bedouin women takes Israel’s top prize, en route to Oscars. Sand Storm, is the first all-Arabic language film to be Israel’s submission for the Oscar’s foreign film category. The film is a family drama set in the Bedouin community — a largely poor and marginalized Arab community inside the Israeli population.
Lord, you always lift up the humble and for this we follow you. We pray for all the voices that bring attention to your children who are on the margins. May the film open the eyes of the decision-makers in Israel to treat its citizens with respect and equality. Lord in your mercy…
The Sabeel office in Nazareth is organizing a theatrical play that focuses on Palestinian heritage and identity. The play aims to strengthen the Palestinian narrative and deepen our roots in the land. The play comes at a time the Israeli government is trying to redefine our own identity.
Lord, bless the work of Sabeel locally and internationally. We ask you to be with the young people on stage as they challenge the narrative of the Israeli state by being who they are. Lord in your mercy…
Sabeel continues to organize local Bible Study groups in the community to come together and reflect on the parables of Christ. This week, one participant shared the following “Reading the parables of Jesus through Palestinian eyes, makes Jesus relevant in my Palestinian life”.
Lord, your words are life and light. We give thanks to all the lay leaders who help organize the Bible Study groups and prepare the material. Accept our prayers as incense offered to you, and our upraised hands as an evening offering (Psalm 141). Lord in your mercy….
We join the World Council of Churches in prayer for the countries of Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine. Lord in your mercy…