Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Jan. 6, 2025
This week, instead of a normal Kumi Now Session, we begin our 2025 program with an invitation to complete a feedback survey on Kumi. The feedback of our friends around the world is important for helping us improve the Kumi experience and community. You can complete the survey with this link. Sabeel will host an optional session around 6:30 PM Palestine time (UTC+2) on Tuesday for those who want to complete the survey together and discuss actions or other thoughts. Sabeel aims to be back next Tuesday with a regular Kumi Now Session at the usual time, 6 PM Palestine.
God of Justice, we thank you for the global community of Kumi Now, united in the pursuit of justice and peace. As we use this week for reflection, we pray for wisdom and openness as feedback is gathered. May the voices of participants guide this program to greater impact and inclusivity. Bless the upcoming conversations and sessions, that they may be filled with thoughtful dialogue and shared commitment to action. We ask for your guidance as Sabeel continues its work, striving always to reflect your revolutionary love and justice in the world.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Sabeel’s friend and partner, Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh, was recently nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. He was nominated by Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Corrigan. A renowned scientist and activist from Beit Sahour, Professor Qumsiyeh has led numerous initiatives for justice, including founding the Palestine Right to Return Coalition and the Wheels of Justice Bus Tour, which reached thousands across the U.S. His environmental efforts include creating Palestine’s National Biodiversity Strategy and empowering youth through conservation and peace education. Sabeel celebrates this recognition of Professor Qumsiyeh’s inspiring work for justice and peace. Learn more at qumsiyeh.org and palestinenature.org.
Gracious Creator, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the work of Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh, a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and the care of your creation. We ask for your sustaining grace, protection, and courage upon him and all who labor for peace. May his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize shine a light on the urgent need for justice in our world and inspire others to join in this holy work. Grant us the courage to walk with Mazin in the path of nonviolence, advocacy for the oppressed, and caretaking of your earth.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
On Wednesday, the Palestinian Authority suspended Al Jazeera in the occupied West Bank for what they described as broadcasting “inciting material and reports that were deceiving and stirring strife” in the country. The decision came after Fatah, the Palestinian faction which dominates the PA, banned Al Jazeera from reporting from the governorates of Jenin, Tubas and Qalqilya in the occupied West Bank, citing its coverage of clashes between the Palestinian security forces and Palestinian armed groups in the area.
We come before you in sorrow and humility, recognizing the deep challenges within our own community. We lift in prayer the suspension of Al Jazeera in the occupied West Bank, a decision that silences the press. We lament the divisions that persist and the ways empire distort justice and peace. Grant us the courage to confront the forces of oppression and hate within and around us. May truth and accountability guide the actions of all leaders, and may the Holy Spirit inspire reconciliation and unity among those seeking freedom.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, the Israeli government committed $150 million from its budget to shape international perceptions amid Gaza genocide for 2025. Israeli propaganda has been used to whitewash its war crimes and discredit those who criticize and expose the government’s policies against Palestinians.
God of Justice and Compassion, we come before you burdened by the misuse of power and the distortion of truth. As resources are committed to controlling narratives and silencing the cries of the oppressed, we pray for courage to confront lies and amplify the voices of those suffering in Gaza and beyond. Lord, we ask for your wisdom to guide those who seek to expose injustice and advocate for peace. Strengthen their resolve and protect them from harm. As we fight to uplift the truth tellers and confront the lies of empire, deliver us from the temptation of overcoming evil with evil.
Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.
On Saturday, Israeli forces killed at least 70 Palestinians in 30 separate attacks across the Gaza Strip. At the same time, U.S. President Joe Biden proposed an $8 billion arms sale for Israel just two weeks before leaving office.
Holy God, in our lament and despair, we decry the evil of empire that perpetuates such violence, injustice, and suffering. Oh Lord, we cry to you; do not let our eyes stray from the unimaginable pain and loss but help us see your presence incarnated in Gaza. Emmanuel, born among the rubble, you stand with the oppressed and brokenhearted. We ask for your divine justice to prevail and for your light to touch the people of Gaza. Renew our commitment to stand with them, to speak truth to power, and to work for the day when all people can live in peace and security.
Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.
On Monday 6th January, Eastern Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate Christmas by the Julian calendar.
Loving God, we ask for blessings on our Eastern Orthodox brothers and sisters in celebrating the birth of Christ, the Light of the World. As they gather in reverence, may we remember that Christ, born among the rubble, calls us to stand in solidarity with those suffering. We also ask for your guidance in the New Year as Sabeel and Friends of Sabeel worldwide continue their important work. Renew our hearts with the light of your boundless love and a commitment to bring justice and healing to a weary world, especially for those in your place of birth.
Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer.
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.