Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Sept. 15, 2025
Last week, Israel carried out an attack against Hamas leadership in the capital of Qatar. For many years, Qatar has been a key mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks. In the span of 72 hours, Israel also attacked Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Tunisia, and Gaza. The attacks killed hundreds of civilians, especially in Gaza and Yemen. In Tunisia, the Global Sumud Flotilla’s (GSF) was attacked twice by a suspected Israeli drone. The Flotilla, which is made up of more than 50 vessels, is carrying aid and civilian activists who seek to break the illegal siege on Gaza.
God of Justice, you call us to be peacemakers and to beat our swords into plowshares. In a world that preaches theologies of domination, help us to proclaim peace and liberation for all the people who are oppressed. We pray for accountability, the restoration of international law, and an end to violence everywhere.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
September 13 marked 32 years since the signing of the Oslo Accords. Since the Oslo Accords, violence and extremism has only increased. Peace seems farther away than ever.
Holy God, our life is suffocated in all angles and directions by deepening injustice; our sorrow knows no bounds. In these moments, we feel the Psalmist’s grief: “My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes.” (Psalm 38:10) Sustain us, Lord, that we may not give into our brokenness and despair. We pray that peace rooted in justice will soon come. Until this day, keep us steadfast in the work of liberation.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
At least six people were killed and dozens wounded when two Palestinian gunmen from Al-Qubeiba and Katanna in the West Bank opened fire on civilians at Ramot Junction, Jerusalem. In response, Israel imposed collective punishment with a siege on villages, mass arrests (including the mayor of Al Qubeiba), checkpoint closures, home demolition orders, revocation of 750 work permits, and sanctions on the shooters’ relatives.
Holy God, you created us in your image and bestowed on us a dignity that can never be taken away. We grieve every act of violence that denies this sacred gift. We lift before you all whose lives have been lost, and all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Our hearts are also heavy for families enduring collective punishment, knowing such cycles of harm only deepen hatred and despair. Holy Spirit, strengthen us to resist the temptation of overcoming evil with evil. Guide us instead toward the path of mercy, healing, and restorative justice.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Sabeel hosted an ecumenical needs assessment for Christians across the West Bank including Jerusalem. Hosted at the Anglican Church in Ramallah, the event brought around 50 people from different denominations and communities and included church leaders and lay people of all ages. The in-person meeting focused on identifying the needs and challenges of Christian communities in the Holy Land and how to move forward as a collective society.
God of Hope, we give thanks for the presence of the many participants, who crossed checkpoints, barriers, and many obstacles to be in community with one another. With this meeting, illuminate to us the needs of your Church that we may continue to serve as agents of your healing love.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Friends of Sabeel North America, together with other partners across the United States, is hosting John Munayer and Samuel Munayer for their forthcoming book,The Cross and the Olive Tree: Cultivating Palestinian Theology Amid Gaza. The book, featuring a foreword by Rev. Naim Ateek and Cedar Duaybis, presents perspectives on liberation and hope from a new generation of Palestinian theologians. Those interested in attending their book tour events in October can visit fosna.org/the-fosna-blog/tour for more details.
Liberator Christ, we lift up Samuel, John, and all who are involved in the tour and book. We give thanks to the multi-generational voices of Palestinian theology that keep us grounded in your call “to do justice, to love goodness, and to walk humbly” with you (Micah 6:8). We pray for their safety and continued witness as they travel. And at each place we gather, unite us in the love of your Holy Spirit that we may have the courage and wisdom to confront the theologies of empire and build theologies of liberation in their place.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We invite all people of conscience to join us in praying for an end to famine in Gaza and Sudan, and for the cessation of genocides and wars everywhere.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Ghana and Nigeria.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers