Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of June 6, 2016

Wave of Prayer: This prayer ministry enables local and international friends of Sabeel to pray over regional concerns on a weekly basis. Sent to Sabeel’s network of supporters, the prayer is used in services around the world and during Sabeel’s Thursday Communion service; as each community in its respective time zone lifts these concerns in prayer at noon every Thursday, this “wave of prayer” washes over the world.

The film “The Stones Cry Out” – is a Sabeel sponsored film that narrates the Palestinian struggle using Palestinian Christian voices. Recently we have made an Arabic version of the film to add to our existing English, German, Swedish, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish versions.

Lord, we thank you for the work of Yasmine Perni in her film about Palestinian Christians, “The Stones Cry Out.” We give thanks to all the youth groups and Churches that helped us to launch the film this week in Rammallah, Zababdeh, Al Lid, Jifna and Ailaboon. And we ask that film will continue to draw new audience. Lord in your mercy…

On Friday the Church on the site of Jacob’s Well in Nablus city was attacked by a group of lawless Palestinians. Due to the immediate Palestinian police intervention no physical harm was done to the Priest nor the Church property. The city of Nablus has been suffering from lawlessness for the past few months causing its inhabitants, Christians and Muslims alike, to feel unsafe.

Lord, at Jacob’s well you engaged the Samaritan woman and showed us how to build bridges and connections. Lord, empower the community of our troubled land to continue their steadfastness and solidarity with each other. God, grant the people of Nablus your living water to have security replace fear and let love triumph over hate. Lord in your mercy…

This week Palestinians commemorate the 1967 War marking Israel’s invasion and control of East Jerusalem, Gaza, the Golan Heights and the West Bank. For many Jewish Israelis, this week includes celebrations for Jerusalem Day, which marks the “unification of Jerusalem” in violation of International Law.

Lord, we remember in prayer all those who became refugees during this Naksa, or “setback,” and those who continue to suffer under forty-nine years of illegal Israeli occupation. Our prayers and actions remain for a just resolution based on the 1967 borders, which has long been the basis for negotiations to ensure peace for everyone in this land. Lord in your mercy…

Sabeel this week launched its new English website with information regarding our upcoming conference in March 2017 themed: “Jesus Christ Liberator, Then and Now- Facing the Legacy of Injustice.

As Bartimaeus, the poor beggar in Jericho, shouted louder to get your attention Lord, enable all marginalized people to be able to raise their voices. May the new website amplify our voice so many will be encouraged to act for restorative Justice.

We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland. Lord, in your mercy…