Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Particular prayers in the midst of Gaza conflict
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, to pray for the needs of this region and our world and to share the Eucharist. Starting in the Pacific Islands, passing through Asia, Africa, Palestine, Europe, the Americas and on around the globe, we pray for peace with justice.
God of justice and mercy, the massive ground invasion by Israel into Gaza and Israel’s relentless artillery bombardment of Gazan cities and towns are threatening the survival of the entire defenseless civilian population there. Dear God, we continue to pray fervently that these war crimes against humanity stop, and that peace prevails in this suffering region. Lord in your mercy…
God of justice and mercy, we especially lift up our prayers for the children of Gaza. Protect them from a life ended too early, from painful and debilitating injuries, and trauma to their mental health. Whether they are huddled in their homes, fleeing from their neighborhoods, or playing football on the beach, there is nowhere safe for a child in Gaza. Lord in your mercy…
God of justice and mercy, we pray not only for an immediate cease-fire but also for the courage of the world leaders to face the root causes of this conflict and resolve them once and for all with a permanent solution for Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. God, your people are weary; they are in need of a just peace for all who live in the land. Lord in your mercy…
God of grace, we lift up our deep gratitude for the many people who came to Sabeel’s ecumenical prayer service for the people of Gaza this week in Jerusalem, and for similar prayer vigils happening everywhere. We thank you, Lord, for the many demonstrations around the world demanding an end to Israel’s military aggression and standing in solidarity with the Palestinians for human rights and an end to the chronic military occupation and colonization of Palestinian land. Lord in your mercy…
God of justice and mercy, we also lift up our prayers for the minority Christian population in northern Iraq, who are living under the unimaginable threat from ISIS to convert to Islam, pay a special tax, leave, or else be killed. Give these ancient communities who are fleeing their homes, strength and your protection Lord, and put mercy into the hearts of the ISIS followers. Lord in your mercy…