Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Oct. 6, 2025
Last week, Pope Leo XIV met with a group of 50 Palestinian youth from the “Youth of Jesus’ Homeland Palestine” (YJHP) during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square. The group, on a pilgrimage to Italy, shared their message of peace amidst regional strife and hope rooted in the Gospel. Sabeel’s project coordinator Anton Salameh was among the participants on the pilgrimage.
God of love, we thank you for the witness of the Youth of Jesus’ Homeland Palestine. With this pilgrimage to the Vatican during this Jubilee Year, remind the world of the continued presence and hope of indigenous Christians. We ask you to strengthen the faith of young Palestinian Christians throughout the Holy Land so that they may continue to bear witness to you and love you through their actions.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
7 October 2025 marks two years since the beginning of one of the darkest chapters in our regions’ history.
Holy God, we cry out for all people who are suffering under oppression, especially the children in Gaza, asking that you have mercy on them and strengthen them to “endure patiently” (Revelations 3:10) during these darkest times. Lord, as we lament to you, help us discern and hear your voice. Remind us that inaction in the face of injustice and genocide is an affront to you and your liberating Gospel.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla on international waters, abducting over 400 civilians and activists from over 44 countries. While detained, flotilla participants reported severe mistreatment and denial of food, clean water, and medicine, and harassment from Israeli authorities. Multiple witnesses also reported that 22-year old climate activist Greta Thunberg was humiliated, dragged on the ground, and was forced to wear an Israeli flag.
God of Justice, we pray for the safety and release of all the Flotilla participants. Through their attempt to break the siege on Gaza, illuminate to the world the oppressive conditions that Palestinians suffer, whether in Gaza or in Israeli prisons across the West Bank. And through the steadfastness of those who stand for humanity, remind us that so long as there is oppression, we must not grow weary in our struggle. Lord, embolden us with the same courage and give us faith like a mustard seed so that our actions bring change.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We keep in our prayers this week young people and youth who are being held in illegal administrative detention or undergoing trial in military courts. We especially keep in our prayers Layan Nasir and Shadi Khoury.
God of Justice, we pray for Layan, Shadi, and the thousands of Palestinians who are awaiting trial or held in prison, many of them children. Have mercy on them and protect them from the injustice of oppressive systems. Give us the courage to confront all forms of oppression and call for the release of all captives.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Friends of Sabeel North America continues to host actions through its ongoing campaign “Save Jerusalem.” The campaign calls attention to the planned official annexation of Israeli settlement blocs north, east, and south of Jerusalem. This annexation will directly impact the future of nearby Palestinian villages and set a course for the full annexation of the West Bank, further leading to the forced displacement of Palestinians. The campaign is hosted on fosna.org/savejerusalem and includes fact sheets, webinar events, and concrete actions the international community can take to preserve the diversity of Jerusalem.
Almighty creator, we witness the many ways that hatred and racism seek to erase the rich diversity and social fabric of your creation. in the face of such evil, remind us that we must be steadfast in the movement of nonviolence, justice, and inclusivity. We “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 48:1-2) and for the transformation of hearts, that they may repent from their hatred and participate in the work of peace and justice in the Holy Land.
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 wars everywhere.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers