Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Sept. 8, 2025
The fifth of September marked 700 days since October 7th attacks and the genocide in Gaza began. 90% of Gaza is now destroyed and 73,700 people have been killed or remain missing, including over 20,000 children and 12,500 women. Hundreds of thousands of aid trucks continue to be blocked from entering Gaza.
Holy God, we are overwhelmed by grief and by injustice that does not end. In times of such darkness, we hold onto the promise that you are never absent, that you are present with all who are captive, wounded and the grieving. Continue to hear our cry in this desolation, and deliver us from this evil. We pray for the courage to make the world anew and to rise with those who suffer.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
The Palestinian Ministry of Finance continues to face challenges due to the punitive measures taken against them by Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Tens of thousands of Palestinian public servants — including teachers, healthcare workers, security personnel and civil servants — are facing months of reduced or delayed wages, while essential services continue to deteriorate across the West Bank.
Holy God, we lift up the thousands of public servants who are enduring hardship due to conomic occupation and collective punishment. Holy Spirit, sustain them in their perseverance and protect their dignity in the face of injustice. We ask for wisdom and compassion to guide the hearts of those in power, that policies rooted in punishment may give way to those grounded in peace, fairness, and humanity.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
The Israeli army recently issued evacuation orders and targeted high-rise buildings in Gaza City, urging Palestinians to flee south ahead of an escalating offensive to seize the city of nearly 1 million.
God of mercy, we witness the pain of multiple exoduses and ongoing Nakba in Gaza. Amid this endless cycle of displacement and despair, we cry out to you. Be with those who have no safe place to call home. Strengthen their hope, sustain their courage, and remind us all of our call to stand for justice and peace. May your promise of liberation shine through the darkest nights.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
On Sunday, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed Umm Al-Fahm, a Palestinian city inside Israel, under heavy protection, and called for the demolition of additional homes after 9 protestors were detained for protesting against the war on Gaza.
Christ in the darkness, our hearts ache as we witness the continued provocation and violence against our communities. We lament the repeated desecration of sacred spaces and the harm inflicted on those who call this land home. Grant protection to the vulnerable, courage to the oppressed, and a turning of hearts away from hatred and domination. May justice take root where fear now reigns.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
On 7 September, Layan Nasir appeared in court for a hearing regarding a potential further custodial sentence following her unjust administrative detention by the Israeli military in 2024. The judge postponed any decision until 23 November, seemingly in the hope that global attention would shift away from her case. Until then, Layan remains under severe movement restrictions. We also keep Shadi Khoury in our prayers as he faces his court hearing on 8 September. Shadi is a former student of the Ramallah Friends School and the grandson of Sabeel co-founder Samia Khoury. (At the time of writing, the outcome of his case is still unknown.)
Christ with the oppressed, we lift up to you Layan, Shadi, and all who face unjust incarceration and imprisonment. You offer freedom to all people, and you know our struggles, seen and unseen. We ask that you bring peace, restoration, and sumud to the many thousands who are incarcerated or facing trial. Holy Spirit, grant us hope and guidance to uplift their stories and to boldly demand justice and freedom. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We invite all people of conscience to join us in praying for an end to famine in Gaza and Sudan, and for the cessation of genocides and wars everywhere.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Benin, Ivory Coast, and Togo.