Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Aug. 7, 2023

Next week’s Kumi Now will mark August the 19th as World Humanitarian Day. On this day we advocate for humanitarian aid workers and for all those affected by crises around the world. Simultaneously, we call for attention regarding the massive cuts in humanitarian aid to Palestinians and for the suffering of refugees living in Gaza, Syria and the Lebanon now living in dire need. 

• Lord, we pray for all those working in humanitarian aid, and we pray for the end of the Israeli occupation and for the right of return for all Palestinian refugees forced from their land. Lord, in your mercy…

In the last month, Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako, the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq announced his withdrawal from his seat in Baghdad after Iraqi President Abdul Rashid revoked a decree recognizing him as head of the Christian Church in Iraq. Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako of Baghdad is currently living in a self-imposed exile in Kurdistan. Patriarch Sako declared that it is part of a bid to wrest control of the Church’s assets and thus left Baghdad in protest. Patriarch Sako is a devout Christian leader of the East and is known for his stand on justice issues in Iraq.

• Heavenly Father, we are thankful for Bishop Sako and the work of the Church in Iraq. We pray for justice and peace to reign in that region and we ask that Bishop Sako to be encouraged by Your presence and our solidarity. Lord, in your mercy…  

Last week, Sabeel held a meeting with various Christian communities in Jerusalem. During the meeting, testimonies of steadfastness, hope, and courage were heard. Moreover, there was a sense of urgency to act regarding the various difficulties faced by Christian communities in Jerusalem to form a strategical plan of cooperation.

• Lord, we pray that through the work of Sabeel with the various Christian communities in Jerusalem they will become witnesses to Your justice and mercy. We pray that our Palestinian people in Jerusalem will continue to work for freedom and justice despite the harsh realities and temptations of collaborating with the occupation.
  Lord in Your mercy…

Last week, two Palestinian boys, Mohammad Farid al-Za’areer and Mahmoud Abu Sa’n were killed by Israeli forces. Mahmoud Abu Sa’n, was killed from point blank range at the Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm.  Mohammad Farid al-Za’areer was killed near the illegal Israeli settlement of Shim’a close to Hebron. According to local Palestinian sources Za’areer was one of the top students in his class and had just finished the 9th grade.

• Lord, we pray that You comfort the families of Mohammad Farid al-Za’areer and Mahmoud Abu Sa’n as they grieve their loss. We pray for the end of the occupation which continues to take so many young Palestinian lives.
  Lord in Your mercy… 

Over the last couple of weeks, clashes between Palestinian armed groups broke out in the refugee camp of Ain al-Hilweh in the coastal city of Saida. At least 11 people have been killed and 40 wounded, hundreds of Palestinian refugee residents have fled the camp for their safety.

• God of the oppressed, we pray for the Palestinian refugees of Ain al-Hilweh camp who are suffering from the clashes and the inhuman conditions in the Palestinian refugee camps. We pray for right of all refugees to be acknowledged, especially their right of return to their homes.
  Lord in Your mercy…

On the 27th of July, Israeli forces raided Palestinian farmland in occupied Hebron with bulldozers and poured concrete into the water sources to stop agricultural irrigation in an area that serves 25 families. This marks another incident in a long assault on Palestinian agriculture and water sources this year.

• Lord, we pray for the Palestinian families and farmers who continue to be deprived from their right to water. We continue to pray for an end to the Israeli military occupation and for the rights of our people to be respected. 
  Lord in Your mercy…

Last week, the World Youth Day (WYD) occurred in Portugal. WYD is a gathering of young people from all over the world with the Pope. It is also a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the universal Church and an intense moment of evangelization for the youth of the world. Although its Catholic identity is clearly evident, WYD opens its doors to everyone, no matter how close to, or distant from the Church they are. This year over 150 young Palestinian Christians are participating in this event.

• Loving and Gracious God, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude and hope. We thank you for the gift of youth and the opportunity to celebrate. We lift up the 150 young Palestinian Christians who join us in this pilgrimage. Bless them with strength, courage, and your unwavering presence as they navigate their journey. May this World Youth Day be a beacon of light, spreading love, understanding, and compassion in a world often divided. Inspire us to carry the spirit of this gathering into our lives, fostering unity and kindness.
  Lord in Your mercy…

We join the World of Council of Churches with their prayer for the countries of Cameroon, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea. Lord in Your mercy…