Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Nov. 3, 2025
Last week, Israel enacted collective punishment via airstrikes in Gaza after an Israeli soldier was killed. The airstrikes killed over 104 people, including 46 children and 20 women.
Holy God, comfort all bereaved families and those undergoing starvation, violence, and oppression. Help keep our eyes and hearts with the most vulnerable in Gaza and guide us to act in ways that disrupt empire and be in solidarity with the oppressed.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
The Israeli military raided Um Al Kheir and issued final demolition orders on the village’s community center and multiple residential structures. Um Al Kheir is one of the most repeatedly targeted Bedouin communities in Masafer Yatta, having endured more than 20 demolition operations since 2007, during which over 100 residential, agricultural, and public structures were destroyed, the most recent occurring in February 2025.
Holy God, we lament the ongoing colonial violence against the community of Um Al Kheir. Be present with the people of Um Al Kheir and give them strength and hope even when it feels impossible. We pray for urgent intervention from the international community and accountability for all those committing these acts of violence.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
November is Islamophobia Awareness Month in the United Kingdom, and November 9 marks the International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism across Europe.
God of all nations, you call on us to love one another and to welcome “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” (Luke 14:13-14) We grieve all acts of hatred and racism that deny your inclusivity. Help us to worship you by standing up against Islamophobia, antisemitism, and all forms of hatred that dehumanize.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Sabeel raises in our prayers this week for the horrific violence in Sudan. Last week, the Russian and UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF) committed a massacre of 2000 civilians in El Fasher within 48 hours, to the point where the blood that flooded the streets became visible through satellite images. Russia and the UAE has been funding conflict in Sudan to extract its gold and resources.
God of justice, we cannot fathom the amount of death in Sudan, whether by weapons or famine. We pray for the people of Sudan, and we grieve the indifference, racism, and complicity of the international community that has allowed this violence to take place for so long. Remind us that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Just as the global community is increasingly standing for Palestine, we pray that more people will take action for Sudan, so that their voices and stories may also be uplifted and that their oppression may end.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Over the last few months, Sabeel welcomed two new staff members, Maha and Hagop. Maha is Sabeel’s communications and field officer, and Hagop is the project coordinator for the Faithful Futures project, a joint initiative with Rabbis for Human Rights.
Loving God, we give thanks for the presence of Maha and Hagop in the Sabeel family. Give them health, strength, wisdom, and courage as they carry out Sabeel’s ministry.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Canada and the United States of America.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers