Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Dec. 2, 2024
Palestinian detainees are facing alarming conditions in Israeli prisons. Recent visitations to the al-Naqab and Megiddo prisons by The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs revealed that detainees were facing extreme weight loss, malnutrition, and punitive measures. Many who are detained are on administrative detention, meaning they are held without charge or trial, including around 29 Palestinian women and 270 Palestinian children. Some are battling scabies on top of suffering health conditions due to torture and beatings by prison guards.
Emmanuel, you are the Word made flesh, God who is with us. We know you are present now with the captives and the oppressed. God of the captives, liberate all those imprisoned and have mercy on them and their families as they endure brutal punishment and torture. We pray especially for the situation at al-Naqab and Megiddo prisons.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Last week, ceasefire talks around Gaza finally resumed in Cairo, after Qatar announced a pause to ceasefire discussions in early November. The announcement comes two days after the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel took effect.
Sovereign God, you are the peace of the world. Even when the world seems filled with conflict and despair, we trust that you are at work, bringing hope and restoration. We continue to pray for a ceasefire in Gaza and for your justice to come to the whole world. Lord, we long for a day where all theologies of empire are replaced with the theologies of your inclusive, everlasting love. Until this day comes, strengthen our faith in your promises and to walk in your ways.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
As winter season approaches bringing in extreme cold, Palestinians in Gaza are facing horrendous conditions. In North Gaza, Israel targeted medical staff and patients, bombed homes, and abducted dozens of men from school shelters while pushing women and children out. In Central Gaza, bakeries were recently announced non-operational amid rampant starvation due to blockade. In South Gaza, two children were killed when a missile hit a tent encampment in Khan Younis, and four people were killed during a strike on Rafah.
In this season of expectation, we await the Prince of Peace, yet our hearts are burdened by the cries of those who know no peace. Holy God, as we enter Advent, we remember the cries of the innocent. Just as the children were massacred during the reign of King Herod, the children of today are also perishing amidst violence. Come, Emmanuel, and abide with those who wait in death and despair. Bring warmth to the winter, bread to the hungry, and peace to the world and especially the land of your birth.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
As part of its ecumenical ministry, Sabeel hosted its annual clergy retreat on the 25th and 26th of November. Clergy and individuals from different Christian churches in the Holy Land gathered in Jericho to foster ecumenicism and collaboration.
Dear Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to gather and work for ecumenicism, justice, and peace in the Holy Land. Holy Spirit, continue to give all who participated wisdom, renewed faith, and protection as they return to lead their communities. Be with all staff at Sabeel working tirelessly as agents of your love.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
This advent, Churches for Middle East Peace and friends are launching the “Advent not Arms” campaign in both the U.S. and UK. The campaign seeks to call on governments to halt weapons transfers to Israel, to reaffirm belief in the sanctity of life, and to push for a ceasefire and just peace in Palestine and Israel. Those interested can participate in upcoming prayer vigils, events, and actions.
O God, who hears the cries of the oppressed, kindle in us the light of your love this Advent season. As we journey through Advent, we remember the promise of Your Son, the Prince of Peace. In this season of waiting, may we be bold in action and sumud, lifting up the sanctity of every life you have created. Holy Spirit, help us be vessels of hope and instruments of peace in the face of such devastation.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Myanmar and Thailand.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer