Sabeel Wave of Prayer – Week of April 13, 2026
During Easter weekend, many Palestinian Christians participated in festive traditions including the Holy Fire ceremony on Holy Saturday. In recent years, Israeli police have sought to restrict the number of Christians entering the Old City for the Holy Fire Ceremony, and families who are allowed to go must obtain a ticket and it is not a guarantee an entire family gets to go together. Israeli police also crowd inside the Holy Sepulchre, the courtyard, and at around 30 metal makeshift checkpoints where Palestinian Christians get stopped and checked for tickets. During Holy Saturday, Israeli police were recorded violently assaulting scout groups and restricting festive processions.
Liberator Christ, as we walk and reflect on your journey to the tomb and your resurrection, we remember that oppression cannot last forever, for you have risen and the tomb is empty. Give us the fire of the Holy Spirit that reminds us that even if the might of empire makes us afraid, you are sovereign and above all. Protect us and remind us of our mandate to practice revolutionary love.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Israel bombed Lebanon more than 100 times within 10 minutes, causing over 800 injuries and 250 deaths including children. This was done shortly after a fragile two-week ceasefire was announced between Iran and the U.S./Israel. Thus far, Israel has made no plans to stop encroaching on Lebanon’s territory, killing over 1,739 people in Lebanon over the last few weeks alone.
Holy God, the oppressed continue to cry out: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Lord, remind us that you are present with those under the rubble, and help us to see you. We pray that the leaders dictating policies of death may repent and that a just and lasting peace will be upheld.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Under the distraction of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, Israel has just approved the establishment of dozens of new Jewish settlements in the West Bank. This decision also comes at the helm of unchecked settler and soldier violence against Palestinians; last Wednesday, a 28-year-old Palestinian was killed in a settler attack in the village of Tayasir, near Tubas in the West Bank’s north.
God of the oppressed, every day crimes are being committed at such a rate that we have lost count. We cry out for your justice in a world that is numb to injustice. Remind us that even though the leaders of the world seem to function with double standards, all are seen equal before your eyes, and all will be judged accordingly before you. Protect the people of the West Bank and Gaza as they experience further displacement and violence.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
FOSNA’s Executive Director Jonathan Kuttab recently spoke at Red Letter Christians’ 3rd annual Good Friday vigil at Lockheed Martin, the world’s largest weapons contractor. The vigil protest brought many people of faith to come together and take direct action against Lockheed, and 26 protestors were arrested.
Holy God, we worship your name whenever we use our voices and privilege to fight for the most vulnerable. May those who participate in the structural sins of violence seek forgiveness and may those who participate in the good work of your Kingdom continue to act as prophetic witnesses to the oppressed. Continue to give us the courage of the Holy Spirit which reminds us that if only we have “faith the size of a mustard seed” we can move mountains.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last Thursday, Maundy Thursday according to the Easter calendar, Palestinian Christian activists distributed brochures highlighting Palestinian Christian prisoners held in Israeli military prisons. Among the prisoners are children and journalists, many of whom are held under Israeli administrative detention. Under this system, Palestinian prisoners can be detained for months without charge, trial, or access to lawyers. As of today, there are close to two thousand Palestinian political prisoners held under administrative detention. An English version of the brochures can be found on the website, and we invite you to use them to pray for the prisoners.
Man of Sorrows, you know what it is like to be imprisoned and to be met with injustice. We lift up to you all political prisoners, especially children and journalists, who suffer behind bars. Be their strength in moments of fear, and their hope in times of despair. Comfort their families who wait and long for their return. May your justice break every literal and figurative chain of dehumanization and bring us into freedom and dignity.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers