Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Oct. 3, 2022
Kumi Now, on Tuesday, 4th October focused on the topic of nonviolence in Palestine.
• Lord, we give thanks for the resilience and steadfastness of our Palestinian people. We pray that the people of Palestine continue to prove that justice is mightier than the sword and renew their commitment to nonviolence. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.
On Thursday, 29th September, seven-year-old Rayyan Yaser Suleiman from Teqoa, near Bethlehem, died as he was pursued by Israeli occupation forces near his home. Rayyan is among the over 100 Palestinians who have died due to the actions of the Israeli occupation forces so far this year.
• Dear God, as family and friends mourn the death of young Rayyan, surround them with your comforting love. Comfort all those who have lost loved ones over the past months and grant to the international community eyes to see what is happening on a daily basis in Palestine and the will to act not just condemn with words. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.
Over the past week, staff and volunteers from Sabeel have been attending the LWCCN (Lausanne World Creation Care Network)- Creation Care and the Gospel MENA region conference on the Environment in Jordan.
• Lord of creation, we know that humans are damaging the multitude resources you have given us. Help us to be better stewards of these resources for the generations to come. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.
Palestinian prisoner Khalil Awawdeh, who ended a 172-day hunger strike in August following a decision to release him on 2nd October has had his release postponed by at least a week. Khalil is being held on administrative detention, without charge or trial.
• Lord, we pray for Khalil and for all those held under administrative detention. We pray that Israeli authorities will see the wrong in their actions, release Khalil, and end this unjust practice. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.
Travel website, Booking.com have labelled all accommodation in the West Bank as being in a ‘conflict affected area’. Reports state that the company had originally intended to call the area occupied but had been dissuaded by Israeli government officials.
• Lord, we call upon Booking.com to return to their earlier wording of the West Bank as occupied territory. We pray that they will work to support Palestinian hotels and other accommodation rather than making moves which may serve to put tourists and pilgrims off traveling. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.
A friend of Sabeel and a specialist on Palestinian Food, Sufian Mustfa, died on Wednesday. This past Friday, in the UK, after a short struggle with cancer.
· Dear Lord, we want to thank you for all the contributions that Sufian made to document the history of Palestinian cuisine for future generation. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.
• We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela