Pray with Sabeel - for an end to the killing

The Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre in Jerusalem writes:

May 23rd, 2024

After over 200 days, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza. Israeli air strikes are relentless, killing many indiscriminately and destroying Mosques, residential buildings, ambulances, hospitals, and UN facilities. The little news coming out of Jabalia refugee camp is horrifying. Despite international pressure Israel has not withdrawn from Rafah and continues its invasion resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Experts contend that Israel's impunity from international law threatens global security. As of this week, over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7th.

- Loving God, why is this nightmare continuing? Lord, for our siblings in Gaza we ask that you have mercy on them and strengthen them in these times, as for us, keep our hearts from being numb to the pain and show us the ways to stop these atrocities. Lord, in these dark times with no hope in sight, we remember that we must "endure patiently" (Revelations 3:10) and continue being witnesses of Christ irrespective of our circumstances.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Since October 7th, Israel has killed more than 500 Palestinians in the West Bank. This toll is more than three times the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank in 2022. At the same time, settlements are increasing, further stealing Palestinian land. Sadly, in the past few months hundreds of olive trees have been burned by settlers.

- God of truth, illuminate with your light that you see the oppression in our land. Ensure us that all those killed unjustly in the West Bank are met with your mercy. Lord, instil in us a hope which is lived, preached, and taught so that we can bear witness to your love and participate in the movement of the Holy Spirit.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

On the 29th of May, Sabeel will be holding a pre-conference webinar for a further discussion on Antisemitism with Hadar Cohen, Rabbi Faryn Borella, Father David Neuhause, and our director, Omar Haramy. This webinar discussion will cover the history of Antisemitism, the experience of antisemitism by Jews who are vocal about advocating for Palestine, and strategies for combating antisemitism within our movements.

- God of inclusivity, we thank you for all the voices who are showing that Jewish security and Palestinian liberation is of the same struggle. Lord, help us understand that the fight against Zionism is also a struggle against antisemitism. Let us remember, that we must struggle against supremacy in all its forms everywhere and stop the weaponization of Jewish suffering to justify Palestinian oppression.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

UNRWA is set to close its East Jerusalem headquarters temporarily, after attacks by Israelis accompanied with armed men. UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, said the latest arson attack was one of a series of threats, harassment and violent incidents perpetrated by Israelis against the agency's staff over the past two months. The attacks on UNRWA and the lack of accountability reflects the systematic approach to halt and delegitimize attempts to relieve Palestinians from their suffering.

- Almighty creator, we are witnessing the capabilities of evil and are aware of their dangers. Lord, ensure that UNRWA can continue working and aiding Palestinians who are continuously suffering from systematic sin. We plead that you remind us that you are love and whoever lives in love lives in you, and you in us. We pray for those living in hate to repent and join the work of love by struggling for Palestinian liberation.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

This week, the 7th 'Christ at the Checkpoint' Conference, organized by Bethlehem Bible College, will be held. This year, the title of the conference is "Do Justice, Love Mercy: Christian Witness in Contexts of Oppression." The aim of Christ at the Checkpoint is to provide an opportunity for Evangelical Christians to prayerfully seek a proper awareness of issues of peace, justice, and reconciliation in Palestine.

- Incarnated Christ who is at the Checkpoint and not in the halls of the empire, we thank you for the witness of our friends and pray that the Holy Spirit be among those attending. Lord, as many are gathering to worship your name at the conference, help us do justice and love mercy in this beautiful but oppressed land.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

On the 19th of May, Christians following the Julian Calender marked Pentecost day. Pentecost is a feast day commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the followers of Christ and the birthday of the early Church. For us Palestinian Christians, we trace our heritage back to the day of Pentecost and attempt to continue what the early Church started. This year, Palestinian Christians from the West Bank were denied entering Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost.

- Holy Spirit, remind us that we ought not to look up to the sky and remain disciples, but focus on fulfilling your will on earth so that we may be apostles. Lord, as many of us in these times come to you like the psalmist asking why you are "so far from my cries of anguish?" (Psalm 22:1), remind us to be one body participating in the movement of the Holy Spirit, working for liberation, justice, and peace in Palestine-Israel. Come, O Holy Spirit.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

- We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayer for the Indian Ocean Islands: Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer