Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Dec. 29, 2025
Mohammed Bakri, a beloved and renowned Palestinian actor and filmmaker, died last week at age 72. Mohammed Bakri was one of the most influential voices in Palestinian cinema; he appeared in more than 40 films and directed several documentaries directly challenging Israeli narratives and showcasing Palestinian voices to the world. During his life and career, he faced legal battles over censorship, with Israel banning the documentary Jenin. He is survived by his immediate family, including his children Saleh, Ziad, Adam, Yafa, and Mahmood who followed him into cinema.
Good God, we pray for the family and friends of Mohammed Bakri. Grant peace and comfort for his family as they grieve his loss. We give gratitude for his legacy of nonviolent, creative resistance. Help us so that in our own acts of creative nonviolent resistance, we do your will on earth.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Pope Leo XIV celebrated the first Christmas since his election by denouncing the suffering of Gaza and by calling for peace in Ukraine. In his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” address, he urged the faithful to embody the solidarity of God’s incarnation: “In becoming man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of us: with those who have nothing left and have lost everything, like the inhabitants of Gaza; with those who are prey to hunger and poverty, like the Yemeni people; with those who are fleeing their homeland to seek a future elsewhere, like the many refugees and migrants who cross the Mediterranean or traverse the American continent.”
Emmanuel, we thank you for the many prophetic voices within the Church that remind us that faith belongs to you and must be lived personally and communally for the liberation of the world. Help us to welcome the incarnation of your Love in our midst, so that we may be revolutionary embodiments of your hope in every place that is yearning for justice. In the face of worldwide suffering, we pray for peace, truth, and justice.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Children in Gaza are dying from the harsh winter and storms. Last week, infant Aisha al Qassas died from the cold. So far, at least 16 Palestinians have died due to heavy rainfall, freezing temperatures, and damaged buildings in Gaza in recent days. Aid trucks that could provide more secure shelter are limited from entering Gaza.
Holy God, we recall how you took the form of a refugee child, fleeing from Bethlehem across Gaza and into Egypt. You are no stranger to the apathy of empire. In these days where death and grief are constant, we cry out to you who knows the name of every soul in Gaza. We pray for the family of Aisha and those mourning loved ones. Bring your warmth and justice to the people of Gaza and all who are suffering under the yoke of oppression.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We remember in our prayers this week all who are incarcerated and separated from their loved ones during what should be a joyful Christmas season. We especially lift Layan Nasir, who is currently serving an unjust 7-and-a-half-month sentence at Ofer Prison, and more than 11,000 Palestinian prisoners along with her suffering from torture and neglect in Israeli prisons. We also lift political prisoners, especially the imprisoned “Filton 24” activists and hunger strikers in the UK who were imprisoned for protesting their government’s complicity.
Crucified Messiah, we grieve the existence of occupation walls, cages, and prisons that defile the inherent dignity that you gifted us and that separate families from one another. In our despair at overwhelming injustice, our only comfort is knowing you dwell alongside the prisoners, the orphans, the widows, and the oppressed. Make your presence known to them. Embolden us to make peace and liberation a reality for all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Despite the escalation of settler violence and settlement expansion, it is important to remember that international support continues to help protect communities under threat. For example, the Kisiya family, a Palestinian Christian family, recently won a legal action against settlers illegally residing on the family’s land in Al Makhrour. The Tent of Nations, a Palestinian farm situated in a settlement bloc near Bethlehem, has received a steady influx of volunteers and visitors over the last few months. Green Olive Collective launched their “Sowing Solidarity” campaign to plant Palestinian trees. Jewish and international activists continue doing protective presence in Um Al Kheir and many other villages facing threats, decreasing risks to communities and deterring many cases of violence.
Sovereign God, though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong because you “hold us by the hand.” (Psalm 37:24) We remember that no matter how overwhelming injustice becomes, we must continue the good fight. Illuminate to us where we can find new ways of bearing witness to creative resistance, so that we may be like the persistent widow bothering unjust judges.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Japan, North Korea, and South Korea.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers.