Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Feb. 2, 2026
On January 31st , Israeli strikes across Gaza killed 31 people, the highest day’s death toll in over two months. The reported toll includes six children while a further 30 people have been injured. The latest deaths come despite a ceasefire that went into effect in mid-October. Since the ceasefire started the number of Palestinians killed in Gaza is more than 500.
Holy God, as we witness the countless crimes committed against the people of Gaza, we cry out to you for your deliverance. Provide the people of Gaza their daily bread and your peace that surpasses our mortal and human understanding. As we grieve and lament to you, Lord, help us to discern your presence amongst the marginalized.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Israeli occupation forces raided Al Kamandjati Center located in Qalandiya Refugee Camp, which is owned by the Women’s Programs Center in the camp. They destroyed all musical instruments inside the center and caused extensive damage to its facilities and contents. For over 18 years, this center has served as a cultural and educational space for children, youth, and women. This brutal attack comes in the context of the ongoing targeting of cultural and community centers throughout all of Palestine.
Holy God, we grieve the deliberate destruction of Palestinian cultural and social life. We ask you to be with the people of Qalandiya Refugee Camp and bring them healing and liberation in all its forms. Provide us with your justice and accountability.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Rabbis for Human Rights joined Palestinian farmers in Wadi Al-Makhrour alongside three bishops from the Church of England and other faith leaders, planting 100 olive and fruit trees. In the ancient terraces of this valley, they shared meals, stories, and learning circles, reminding each other that farming one’s land without fear is a fundamental human right, and that solidarity across faiths is a form of resistance and moral courage.
Loving God, we remember that whenever we gather in unity and solidarity, your Holy Spirit is present. Continue to help the Church be a better witness to Palestinians suffering under military occupation, so that we can proclaim the words of Prophet Isaiah: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” (Isaiah 1:17)
Three Christian organizations will soon jointly release a new congregational study guide for the confessional document A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide, the recently issued Kairos Palestine II statement from Palestinian Christian leaders. (Issued Nov. 2025). Developed by The Palestine Justice Network (PJN) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR), and Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), the study guide will be a free digital download. It will be available at their websites in mid-February, for use as a 2026 Lenten Study and throughout the year. For more information and to download the guide in mid-February 2026, please visit the Palestine Justice Network at thepjn.org, UMKR at kairosresponse.org, or FOSNA at fosna.org.
God of the oppressed, we give thanks for the many voices who are leading the Church towards the work of faith and liberation. We pray that the Lenten study tool may guide our Christian siblings to better preach a theology of inclusivity and justice and work as one body in Christ. Holy Spirit, help us in each of our own ways to discern the Kairos of our time, and in doing so, dismantle the structural sins of genocide and settler colonialism that plague our world.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
The Journal for the Study of Christian Zionism recently released a second issue of its journal. The second issue focuses particularly on Christian Zionism as it relates to the authoritarianism currently wielded by the second US Trump administration. Readers can access the journal’s publications here (studychristianzionism.org)
Loving God, we worship your name whenever we use our voices, bodies, and creativity to prophetically act against theologies of violence. We thank you for the Institute for the Study of Christian Zionism in helping us build knowledge to be better witnesses and agents of your love. Continue to guide them in their important ministry.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Western Sahara, and Tunisia.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers