Sabeel Wave of Prayer – Week of Nov. 9, 2026
Sister Catherine Barker, a beloved member of Sabeel’s international community, recently passed away following a prolonged illness. Sister Catherine, also known as Claire to loved ones, was a kind, loving, intelligent, humorous and spiritual person. She often contributed to Sabeel’s weekly Ministry of the Word and would often read the gospel for Sabeel’s community. Sabeel sends their condolences to Sr. Catherine’s family and friends.
Holy God, we give thanks to the life and friendship of Sister Catherine, who reflected Christ’s love in the way she cared for others and built bridges across communities. While we grieve her loss, we also pray that her life and her faithful witness may guide us to be better servants to your peace and love. May we find comfort in the promise that she now rests in your loving presence.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Join with people around the world on December 12 for a showing of “Last Christian in Bethlehem,” a new documentary film featuring the lived experiences of Palestine’s remaining 50,000 Christians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The film, produced during one of Sabeel’s pilgrimages and featuring voices from Sabeel’s community, will host its screening in Bethlehem. Register here. More information about hosting your own screening can be found by visiting lastchristianinbethlehem.com.
God of hope, while we are overwhelmed by ongoing suffering and injustice, we remember that you are Emmanuel, God with us. Lord, as people gather to see this film which documents the witness of Palestinian Christians, send your Holy Spirit to inspire them to act for justice, mercy, liberation, and peace. Help us to walk faithfully alongside the oppressed as one church. We hold on to the belief that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Gaza’s first major winter storm flooded at least 70,000 tents sheltering displaced Palestinians within 12 hours. Gaza’s Civil Defense received thousands of distress calls but said shortages of machinery, fuel and equipment prevented crews from responding to every emergency. Meanwhile, two Palestinians were killed and several others injured after an Israeli strike targeted a group of civilians near Al-Qadisiyah Camp in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
Divine Creator, we lament the loss of dignity and life in Gaza. We plead for you to send manna to the hungry and shelter for the vulnerable. Have mercy on all who are suffering. We hold on to our faith that you know and listen to the cries of the oppressed.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Journalist, political analyst, and senior Balad activist Abed Abu Shehadeh, a Palestinian citizen of Israel, was released from custody five days after being arrested by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Israeli police. Abu Shehadeh was initially arrested, and his home was searched, last week following an interview in Qatar with Palestinian-Israeli intellectual Azmi Bishara about Israeli elections. His arrest prompted widespread criticism, including from members of the U.S. Congress, who characterized it as part of a politically motivated campaign by Netanyahu’s government targeting Abu Shehadeh for his journalism.
Holy God, whilst governments attempt to control thoughts and voices through intimidation, we remember that you, O Lord, are the highest authority. We pray for the freedom of expression, whilst wisely discerning that in exercising this freedom, we must refrain from violence, discrimination, and marginalization of any peoples. Help us protect and strengthen prophetic voices by joining them in proclaiming justice and accountability.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Oceania: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (Maohi Nui), Kanaky, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.