Sabeel Wave of Prayer: week of Feb. 29, 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.
A teachers strike throughout the West Bank has caused schools to be closed for over two weeks now, affecting an estimated 1 million Palestinian children. The teachers are asking for regular salary increases that can keep up with the rising cost of living. The Palestinian Authority has been coming down harshly on protestors, and is refusing to cede to their demands.
God of all, we pray for perseverance for these teachers who are trying, peacefully, to have their voices be heard. We ask that you give their leaders ears to hear and hearts that will be open to understanding their struggles and concerns. God, be also with the children whose lives have been disrupted these past two weeks with no school, and allow their routines to return back to normal soon.
Lord, in your mercy…
Imprisoned Palestinian journalist Muhammad al-Qiq ended his 94-day hunger strike last week after a compromise was reached with the Israeli authorities. Al-Qiq will remain in custody until May 21 to finish his 6 months of administrative detention, a policy by which Israel imprisons individuals without trial or charge.
God of mercy, we rejoice that al-Qiq’s life has been saved while also recognizing that his battle for justice and freedom must still continue. We ask that you lay your healing hands upon him and his family, and also send strength and courage to all those who remain wrongly imprisoned without support or legal aid.
Lord, in your mercy…
Palestinian youth in Hebron held their 7th Annual Open Shuhada Street Campaign last week. The campaign included nonviolent demonstrations, art exhibitions, and cultural events to raise awareness of the 22 years of increasing restrictions on Palestinians living in Hebron and the human rights violations they suffer.
Lord, we cry out at the injustices experienced by those living in Hebron, particularly the economic and social violence caused by the sustained closing of Shuhada Street. We pray for healing of the land, and for peace to those who must currently live with so much fear and persecution.
Lord, in your mercy…
Sabeel is preparing for a two-day training this week for about 40 individual’s to come and learn how to be Bible study facilitators. The participants come from various churches and denominations within both Palestine and Israel, and will learn firsthand from biblical theologians in order to implement new Bible study programs within their local communities.
God, we thank you for community leaders who are hungry to learn more of you and who wish to spread what they know to others. Send your Spirit to guide this training, and allow it to be both educationally and spiritually fulfilling for those who attend.
Lord, in your mercy…
We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of France and Germany.