Sabeel Wave of Prayer – Week of Jan. 26, 2026
Shadi Khoury, the grandson of Sabeel’s co-founder Samia Khoury, recently had his court session to determine his sentence. The prosecution requested a sentence of four years in prison. The judge did not agree with the prosecution’s request and decided to postpone the verdict to a session scheduled for February 15. In the meantime, Shadi will remain free, despite the prosecution’s request to impose restrictive conditions. More details on Shadi’s case can be found on American Friends Service Committee’s website.
Loving God, we lift up Shadi to you. We pray for Shadi’s mental strength and healing as he endures both the psychological and physical effects of occupation. Lord, open the hearts of his oppressors who participate in structural sins of apartheid and racism through their acts of dehumanization and cruelty. Increase our commitment to raising our voices and actions for all who are facing unfair trials and imprisonment.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Trump recently held a signing ceremony for new members of the Peace Board, which he initially established to cement a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and then to help “rebuild Gaza,” despite the fact that no Palestinian is represented and Palestinians in Gaza continue to undergo displacement, siege, and violence. Putin and Netanyahu, both accused and wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes, were invited to the board, with Netanyahu accepting. Netanyahu did not attend the signing ceremony due to fear of arrest.
Holy God, during these times of hypocritical leaders preaching peace on one hand and waging war with the other, we feel the words of Matthew: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15-16) As world leaders reveal their colonial ambitions for Gaza, help us to remember that you are most present not in the halls of power but amongst the marginalized and oppressed. Guide us to be true prophetic voices by being in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
B’tselem recently published an updated report on the conditions of Palestinian prisoners, which now number over 10,000 since October 7. Entitled, “Living Hell,” the report details the transformation of Israeli prisons into torture camps and the worsening dire abuses endured by Palestinian prisoners, which include denial of medical treatment, starvation, sexual abuse, physical violence, and other inhumane living conditions. Since October 7, 84 Palestinians (including one minor) have died due to the conditions and torture in prisons. Of those, 50 were from Gaza, 31 were from the West Bank, and 3 were Palestinian citizens of Israel.
God of the oppressed, the extent of our suffering cannot be articulated; we can only echo the prayer of the Psalmist: “May the groans of the prisoners come before you; with your strong arm rescue those condemned to die.” (Psalm 79:11) Lord Christ, who was imprisoned and tortured, we put our faith that you are present with all who are incarcerated. Liberate us from the sins of racism and settler colonialism that allow for such structures of dehumanization to exist. Help us to act in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
FOSNA’s Executive Director, Jonathan Kuttab, will be discussing the second edition of his book, “Beyond the Two State Solution” virtually via Zoom in Ontario on January 31st, 1pm. Learn more and register for the event with this link.
Lord God, we give thanks for prophetic voices who are helping us imagine and usher in a new world that is in the image of your inclusive justice and liberation. We pray for the courage and creativity of the Holy Spirit so that those in this discussion will be emboldened to be active agents of your hope.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Sabeel lifts up in our prayers the devastating news from the United States, where masked ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officials are leashing violence on many communities throughout the country. In Minnesota in particular, state violence has resulted in deaths, most recently ICE’s killing of an ICU nurse named Alex Pretti who was helping a woman slammed to the ground. Several others have died while in ICE detention. This violence is not unfamiliar to us as Palestinians. Multiple investigative reports and activist investigations found that American law enforcement (including ICE) has long participated in training and exchange programs with Israeli security forces.
Liberator Christ, you too were mocked and harmed by the structures and authorities of power. Protect us from the authorities of power today, who through their cruelty and violence, dehumanize themselves. In the face of empire, we pray for your healing, justice, and peace that surpasses all human understanding. Help us build international relationships of loving solidarity where our oppressors build relationships of surveillance and militarized violence.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Cyprus, Greek, and Turkiye