Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Jan. 12, 2026
Last week, Israeli forces stormed Birzeit University, using live ammunition and teargas at students and teachers and trapping at least 8,000 students inside. Over forty people, mostly students, were injured. The raid came after students organized a solidarity event for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention. Education throughout Palestine has been facing increased repression and attacks, with Birzeit University being one of the most targeted. More than 150 Birzeit University students are currently held in Israeli prisons, while the campus continues to face repeated military raids.
Holy God, although the powers of empire may kill, imprison, assault, and silence, we declare that you are sovereign and that your righteousness and love for humanity conquers all. We pray for the students of Birzeit and all students and educators who bear witness to injustice. Hold all partakers and enablers of injustice accountable. Help us to build a world where everyone has the right to learn in dignity and freedom.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza, bombing a tent in Khan Yunis. While the military said it was targeting an “imminent threat,” the airstrikes killed a 5-year-old girl and her uncle and wounded two other children. The death toll from the airstrikes was at least 7 people.
Loving God, we put our faith that you dwell with all who are targeted by weapons and bombs. Lord, our shelter in the storm, hear the cries of the oppressed suffering from the cold, from massacres, and from aid blockades. Lord, help us to remember the oppressed and bear witness to their loss.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Many communities are suffering state and military violence throughout the world, from the United States to the United Kingdom to Palestine to Iran to Lebanon to Venezuela. International law continues to be ignored and discarded, with the United States recently dropping from several international bodies, including UNESCO, the WHO, the UN Human Rights Council, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Holy God, in the face of militaries and states who legitimize themselves through violence, we declare that you are the Prince of Peace. Have mercy on the powerful who dehumanize themselves through their cruelty. Until the day all is restored, help us to reclaim sanctity and holiness through ending oppression in all its forms and standing in solidarity with the marginalized.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
The Israeli Knesset gave final approval to legislation that will cut electricity and water supplies to the offices of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Jerusalem, with the law entering into force immediately. UNRWA provides services to more than 110,000 refugees in Jerusalem alone. The attacks on UNRWA will thus continue to have devastating effects on communities already marginalized. UNRWA and UN officials condemned Israel’s decision, noting it as a violation of the UN Charter, international law, and international norms and agreements.
Good God, protect all the people of this land as they face more uncertainty and oppression. We feel unable to do anything in the face of an empire that discards all the pretenses of human rights and international law. Answer our feeling of powerlessness with the courage of the Holy Spirit which reminds us that if only we have “faith the size of a mustard seed,” we can do much. (Matthew 17:20) Help us be better witnesses to the many refugees who suffer displacement and neglect.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Christmas season in Palestine and Israel continues, with Orthodox Christians celebrating last week on 7 January. On the 19th of January, Armenians in Jerusalem will celebrate Christmas. While Armenians around the world celebrate Christmas on 6th of January, Armenians in the Holy Land are the only group to mark the holiday on the 18th and 19th of the month, according to the Julian calendar. As the Armenian community in Jerusalem celebrates Christmas, efforts to defend and preserve their land in the Old City continue through Save the ArQ.
Emmanuel, the third Christmas in Palestine bears witness to the diversity of your church and the beautiful mosaic of Jerusalem. We pray for a revolutionary and hopeful Christmas to our Armenian siblings. As we welcome your incarnation in our midst, we ask that you provide the community with continued steadfastness, hope, and courage to pursue peace in the Holy Land and beyond.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Both Jewish Israeli and Palestinian activists recently marched together in Jerusalem, to protest the Israeli government’s neglect of organized crime-related violence in Israel’s Palestinian-majority cities. Since the start of this year, 16 people have been killed in organized crime-related violence in Palestinian towns and cities, including most recently a 15-year-old boy by gunfire in Nazareth. The situation is spiraling due to years of neglect, racism, and inaction by the Israeli government, leaving Palestinian citizens of Israel without adequate policing, resources, or protection.
Loving God, in times when the injustices feel great and overwhelming, you remind us that our collective pursuit for freedom is greater than fear. We worship you whenever we work together to restore dignity to the oppressed and victims of violence. Strengthen us to build and sustain this movement until justice belongs to all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers