Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Nov. 4, 2024
Last week, Israel’s parliament voted to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). UNRWA has for decades provided important services for Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank including East Jerusalem in addition to neighboring Arab Countries.. The ban is expected to severely restrict UNRWA from operating to serve Palestinian refugees.
God of Refuge, we know you are present with the displaced and see the suffering of all. We thus come before you in sorrow as we witness mounting challenges and hardships facing those who have lost both home and homeland. Hear the voices of the Palestinian refugees who yearn for stability, who desire safety, who long for a future free from fear. We ask you to intervene for the protection of all UNRWA workers and the people they serve. We pray for a softening of hearts among those in power who make decisions affecting countless lives, the end to occupation, and the respect of international law. Lord, transform structures of oppression, and dismantle barriers to justice.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week was filled with non-stop massacres and carpet bombing in North Gaza. In one strike in Beith Lahiya alone, at least 93 Palestinians were killed or missing and dozens wounded. Meanwhile, Israeli troops raided Kamal Adwan hospital and assaulted patients and medical staff after bombing cuts oxygen supplies to vulnerable children. The people of North Gaza have received little to no aid, medicine, food and fuel since the blockade on the north began at the beginning of October.
God of Justice, in witnessing such death and violence on the innocent, we cry out with the Psalmist: “O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; and they say, ‘The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.’” (Psalm 94:3,6-7) Hear the cries of those in North Gaza, Lord, whose suffering is immense and whose pain goes unseen by many. Strengthen them in their despair and hold them close in their vulnerability. Let your justice shine forth so that no cry of the oppressed nor deed of the wrong doers goes unanswered.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Israeli forces arrested at least 10 Palestinians on Tuesday during dawn and morning raids across various provinces, including Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Jerusalem. The arrests have been characterized by widespread raids and violent treatment of detainees, including severe beatings and threats against both the arrested individuals and their families, along with destruction of property. Since October 2023, the total number of Palestinians detained by Israel in the West Bank has surpassed 11,500 with thousands held with no charge or trial.
Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We seek comfort in you as we pray for those kidnapped, detained, and abused. Holy Spirit, console the thousands of current detainees and console them and their families. Holy God, we ask you to break the bonds of violence and occupation and to let your love be known even in the depths of suffering.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, South Africa submitted over 700 pages documents of to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) offering “undeniable evidence” of acts of genocide committed in Gaza by the Israeli army and statements by authorities that carry genocidal intent. The evidence will show that undergirding Israel’s genocidal acts is the special intent to commit genocide, a failure by Israel to prevent incitement to genocide, to prevent genocide itself and its failure to punish those inciting and committing acts of genocide.
God of Truth, we pray for wisdom and strength for those seeking justice on behalf of the suffering. Guide the hearts and minds of those in power, that they may see clearly and act with fairness and compassion. May the truth bring healing, accountability, and the seeds of peace. We pray for an end to acts of harm and for a world that values each life.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, a coalition of Black faith leaders from across the United States held a press conference to share firsthand accounts following their FOSNA/Sabeel delegation visit to Palestine. Drawing on their historical fight against Jim Crow and racialized oppression, they speak to the parallels between these struggles and the racialized discrimination against Palestinians in a system of Jewish supremacy. The video is available to watch using this link.
God of Solidarity, we thank you for the voices that speak out against oppression and stand in unity with those who suffer. Bless these leaders and all who work to bridge divides with courage and empathy. May their witness inspire change and lead to a future where liberation belongs to all. Holy Spirit, we ask you to continue protecting the entire Sabeel community and to lead our hearts and minds so we can serve where we are most needed.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayer for the countries of Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer