Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Feb. 3, 2025
Every Thursday, Sabeel gathers our friends from around the world for our weekly online service. Led by Rev. Naim Ateek, the service includes the Wave of Prayer, readings of the upcoming week, and a time of group reflections. The gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday, to be reflected on at Sabeel’s Thursday service, is Luke 5:1-11.
Divine Teacher, just as you stood by the waters of Galilee and called Simon and his companions to cast their nets deep, we lift up those who labor in the ministries of justice and love in the Galilee, especially within your Church. Strengthen them when their efforts feel empty, and renew their courage to trust in your word. May their work bear fruit in abundance, and may they find joy and purpose in following you, casting wide the nets of hope, compassion, and peace.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
Last week, after Israel’s withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor, over 300,000 Palestinians returned to their lands in northern Gaza, walking hours on foot from the southern part of Gaza to the rubble of their homes. Many reunited with their friends and families for the first time in over a year.
Divine Creator, we give thanks for the return of the people of northern Gaza to their land after long months of displacement. As they stand among the ruins of their homes, grant them strength and resilience. Comfort those who grieve, sustain those who rebuild, and protect those who remain vulnerable. May their reunions kindle hope, and may justice and peace be restored to the land. We pray for the day when all Palestinian refugees can return to their villages and homes after nearly eight decades of displacement.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
Israeli authorities issued demolition orders last Sunday for all homes in the village of Khirbet al-Nu’man near Bethlehem. The orders, affecting 45 homes, were issued under the pretext of lacking permits, even though the village predates the Israeli occupation of 1967. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to annex the area into the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem. In addition to Khirbet al-Nu’man, the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem faces ongoing demolition threats. In 2024, Israeli authorities demolished 226 homes and structures in Jerusalem alone, resulting in the displacement of 621 Palestinians and impacting 40,767 others.
Dear God, we cry out for the people of Khirbet al-Nu’man, Silwan, and all communities facing the erasure of their homes and lives. In our despair of this unending injustice, help us remember that you are our stronghold, the rock of refuge (Psalm 94:22) amid the rubble of destruction. We ask you to stand with these communities in their struggle and comfort them in their sorrow. Holy Spirit, stir the hearts of the world to act until every family can dwell in safety and dignity.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Last week, Israeli forces shot and killed a two-year-old baby in Jenin. Laila Mohammad Ayman Khatib was in the living room with her mother, grandparents, and aunts when sudden Israeli gunfire erupted without warning. Israeli forces fired four bullets through the living room window, one of which struck Laila in the back of the head.
God of Mercy, we lift before you Laila Mohammad Ayman Khatib, a child whose life was stolen by violence. In our immense grief, our only comfort is in the words of the Psalmist: “He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence. Their blood will be precious in his sight.” (Psalms 72:14) You are the God who liberates, the God who weeps, the God who brings the mighty down from their thrones. Help us to dismantle the walls of oppression and to frustrate the plans of the unjust leaders.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.
The Palestine Justice Network (PJN) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is currently hosting Palestinian activist and educator Baha Hilo for a U.S. speaking tour until February 14. He is joined by PJN co-moderator Rev. Marietta Macy. For exact locations and times, visit thepjn.org.
God of liberation, we give thanks for the work of the Palestine Justice Network and for the voices of those who speak truth to power. We pray for Baha Hilo and Rev. Marietta Macy as they travel, share, and bear witness to the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people. As they speak, may their words shake complacency, stir hearts to action, and ignite the fire of your justice in all who listen. Bless those who host and support these events, and open hearts to the message of peace and solidarity.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer.
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Western Sahara, and Tunisia.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.