Sabeel Wave of Prayer – Week of Feb. 23, 2026
‘The Board of Peace’ held its first meeting to unveil its multi-billion-dollar colonial plan for Gaza, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and church leaders such as Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa openly said that “[The Board of Peace] is a colonialist operation: others deciding for the Palestinians.”
Holy God, we grieve this colonialism and the deceit of empire. In this season of lament and fasting, liberate us from the human sins of greed and domination. Help us be the prophetic and truthful witnesses to the injustices happening in Gaza and to all people around the world.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Orthodox Lent started on Feb 23, and Sabeel hosted its first worship service for Lent last Thursday, with Lamma Mansour as guest speaker and Rev. Naim Ateek as host. Playbacks for all services can be found each week on Sabeel’s newsletter, and you can sign up with this link: tinyurl.com/sabeelnewsletter. Those looking to sign up for Thursday services can sign up via this link: tinyurl.com/sabeelworship.
Emmanuel, in this season of Lent, help us to remember that you did not shy away from our human fragility. Instead, you walked the way of the cross in solidarity with us, enduring persecution and crucifixion. Help us through our fasting and meditation this season to remember the oppressed and to practice true discipleship.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
A recent peer-reviewed study published in The Lancet Global Health estimates that more than 75,000 people in Gaza were killed during the first 16 months of Israel’s genocidal assault, a figure that far exceeds the death toll reported at the time by the strip’s health authorities. The study’s authors found that there were 75,200 “violent deaths” in Gaza between October 7, 2023 and January 5, 2025, with women, children, and elderly Palestinians making up around 56% of the toll. Gaza health officials put the current death toll from Israel’s assault at more than 72,000, a number Israeli authorities recently acknowledged is accurate after more than two years of denial.
Divine Creator, you created all of us in your image and sustain us with your love. We pray for the souls taken violently in Gaza and for their families and loved ones as they continue to grieve. Help us to be better witnesses to the agony in Gaza and in doing so, pursue accountability and justice for the oppressed.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
FOSNA Executive Director Jonathan Kuttab will be the keynote speaker for the 25th Annual Bishop Maurice J. Dingman Peace Award Celebration, held on March 7 at 6:00pm at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Iowa. The 2026 Bishop Dingman Award will be going to the Humanitarian Operations and Public Education Foundation (H.O.P.E.). This Iowa-based non-profit focuses on human rights and human services to alleviate the suffering of people in Gaza.
Loving God, we worship you faithfully when we act as agents of your peace and justice. Help us, through the witness of H.O.P.E., FOSNA, and other prophetic groups, to cultivate a movement that stands for truth and dignity for all people.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
This year, Israel has severely restricted West Bank Palestinians’ access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem for Friday prayers of Ramadan, only allowing no more than 10,000 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank into Al Aqsa; this is a fraction of the number who have visited to mark the occasion in previous years. Israel has also banned Ramadan decorations in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Holy God, we reject the hatred, exclusivity, and racism that prevents our Palestinian Muslim siblings their right to worship. Just as you wept over Jerusalem, we echo our cry with you for a Jerusalem free from intolerance and hate. Protect and heal the dignity of Muslim worshippers as they are harassed and attacked by settlers and authorities.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of France, Germany, and Monaco.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers