Sabeel Wave of Prayer – Week of March 16, 2026
On Saturday, Sabeel held an interfaith service that brought Jewish, Muslim and Christian voices from the Holy Land and beyond. The service was a time of reflection and prayer as more than 220 people joined to listen and recommit themselves to pursuing peace rooted in justice. Sabeel also released a statement in response to the ongoing and escalating war in our region, viewable on our website.
Holy God, during times of despair, we thank you for the beautiful presence of your Holy Spirit through this community gathering of prayer and hope. Continue to unite us as one global and inclusive movement for liberation. Lord, help us practice love and solidarity in ways that devastate the violence of empire.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
The number of people that have been displaced in Lebanon has risen to over 700,000 as Israel bombs neighborhoods and cities in Lebanon, with many displaced families turning their vehicles into makeshift shelters, covering them with tarp to shield themselves from the rain after failing to find space in local schools. At least 2,000 people have been killed across the Middle East since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.
God of the oppressed, you know what it is like to seek refuge from the violence and power of empire. We ask you to protect all enduring displacement, killing, and torture. Ensure the oppressed of your love, for “he will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) We pray for deliverance from the yoke of oppression.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
At least 12 Palestinians, including two boys, a pregnant woman and eight police officers, were killed Sunday by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. Despite the so-called ceasefire several months ago, killings have been committed every day by the Israeli military. However, Israel did announce it will allow the reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt starting Wednesday after more than two-week hiatus.
God of Justice, while we are grateful that the opening of the Rafah crossing will give the people of Gaza a reprieve from this nightmare, we grieve the continued loss of life. As you bring comfort to the families and souls who have died, we ask you to re-center our witness so that we may be effective and creative in our solidarity. We pray for accountability, a true and lasting ceasefire, and a permanent end to occupation.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian father, mother and two of their children as they drove in the occupied West Bank on Sunday. Ali Khaled Bani Odeh, 37, his 35-year-old wife, Waad, and two of their children, Mohammad and Othman, ages 5 and 7, were each shot in the head in the village of Tammun, while two of their other children sustained injuries.
Divine Creator, we cry out for Ali, Qaad, Mohammed, and Othman, whose lives were taken away carelessly and cruelly. Bring your loving and healing presence to their family, especially their two children who remain. We pray for the repentance of those who murder and oppress, but until they seek repentance, help us to pursue accountability and justice.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
The end of this week will mark Eid al-Fitr, the celebration that concludes the Islamic holy month of Ramadan for Muslims around the world. This year, the season of prayer and fasting contiues to unfolded in the shadow of war and ongoing violence. In the West Bank, many communities continue to face tensions and attacks from settlers, while in the Gaza Strip, many families have broken their fast amid blockade, displacement, and severe shortages of food and basic necessities. These realities remind us that faith is lived not only in prayer, but also in the daily struggle for dignity, justice, and the right of people to live in peace.
God of justice and compassion, we lift in prayer our Muslim siblings as they celebrate Eid. In a world marked by injustice and violence, help us to stand with those who are oppressed, hungry, and displaced. Bless the families and communities who gather to mark this holy occasion, and grant them protection, dignity, and moments of joy. Strengthen in all of us the courage to resist injustice, to defend the sacredness of life, and to build a future rooted in justice, peace, and shared humanity.
lord in your mercy……. hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers