Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Aug. 18, 2025
Last week, Israel killed the entire Al Jazeera crew in Gaza City: Mohammad Al-Khalidi, Mohammed Noufal, Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, Mohammed Qreiqeh, and Anas Al-Sharif. Israel carried out the attack shortly after its announced plans to invade Gaza City. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that with the recent killings of the journalists in Gaza by Israel’s military, 192 journalists have been killed since October 7, 2023.
Holy God, we cry out to you in anguish over the murder of the many journalists in Gaza, each life a universe. We remember your Word: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). We remember that those who speak truth in the face of violence also participate in your liberating work. Lord, comfort the families and friends of Mohammad Al-Khalidi, Mohammed Noufal, Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, Mohammed Qreiqeh, and Anas Al-Sharif.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Sabeel and FBC Group are organizing a live webinar for Faith Based Actors for Climate Justice in the MENA region on 20 August. Featuring Dr. Mazen Qumsiyeh of the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability, the webinar will focus on Working for Sustainable Human and Natural Communities during time of Genocide, Ecocide, and Scholasticide.
Creator of all things, we lift up the upcoming webinar on climate justice. Bless Dr. Mazen Qumsiyeh, the Sabeel staff, and all who work to protect and steward your holy creation. Holy Spirit, inspire wisdom, courage, and hope as they seek sustainable communities. Strengthen us all to act faithfully for justice and healing.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Sabeel, along with several other partners, hosted a virtual event that discussed the Jerusalem Metropolitan Bill, a recent bill from the Israeli Knesset which proposes to legally annex settlement blocs in Jerusalem. Following the meeting, FOSNA launched a campaign and resource page to preserve the indigenous presence in occupied East Jerusalem. This campaign is particularly important given the increasing threats to the land, autonomy, and continued presence of Christian institutions in the city—most notably, the recent targeting of the Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem by the Israeli government. Visit fosna.org/savejerusalem to learn more and get involved.
God of Peace, we lift our prayers for Jerusalem, a city sacred to many, yet scarred by division and domination. We give thanks for the work of Sabeel and all who labor to protect the dignity and diversity of this Holy City. As the powers of empire move to annex and erase indigenous presence, we pray for courage to resist and wisdom to act.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Canadian Friends of Sabeel reported that several national Canadian churches have been acting on their commitments to peace and justice this summer. For example, The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada voted to put in place measures for boycotting goods, services, and financial investments that support Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land. The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada passed a motion calling on the Canadian government to enact a full and immediate arms embargo on Israel. Growing Christian blocs to protest genocide have joined protests in Canada and worldwide.
Shepherd of the small flock, we thank you for the faithful witness of churches and communities in Canada and beyond who have acted with courage for freedom in Palestine. In the face of overwhelming empire, we confess our weariness and our fear that nothing we do is enough. Yet we ask you to grant us patience and steadfast hearts. Teach us to trust that every act of faithfulness matters. As they stand with the oppressed, may their actions inspire others to speak and act.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Israel announced a settlement expansion plan that would split the occupied West Bank in half. Israel already de-facto controls Palestinian life and movement in the West Bank, but this plan will only continue to embolden violent settlers in the West Bank, who together with the military have increasingly displaced, injured, or killed Palestinians throughout the West Bank.
Holy God, we come before you with heavy hearts as we witness yet another deepening of injustice in the land we call holy. Lord, you see the suffering of those who are displaced, injured, and grieving the loss of loved ones. You see the fear that grows as violence escalates, and the daily oppression faced by those living under occupation. We pray for protection for the vulnerable, courage for those who speak truth, and a turning of hearts toward justice.
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 Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer