Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of June 16, 2025
Ahead of scheduled nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, Israel targeted military installations and nuclear scientists in Iran, killing at least 80 people, including women and children, and injuring more than 320 others. In response, Iran launched missiles into Israel, causing at least four deaths and dozens of injuries. Over the span of a week, Israel also bombed Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria and continued the war in Gaza under a media and communication blockade.
Holy God, you hear the cries of the innocent and the groans of a world aching for peace. We grieve the lives lost to the arrogance of empires, who in their greed and thirst for power, continue to unleash violence across the region. O Lord, we echo the Psalmist’s plea: scatter the nations that delight in war (Psalm 68:30). Turn the hearts of complicit leaders toward repentance, and let your Spirit move through the rubble, present with all who suffer. We pray for an end to all wars and a just peace to prevail.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
On Friday, Israel closed al-Aqsa Mosque to worshipers until further notice, the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Israeli forces stormed the mosque after dawn prayers on Friday to clear the area of any worshipers. This shutdown means Muslim worshipers will be unable to conduct Friday prayers at the mosque.
God of all who seek your presence, we lift our hearts in sorrow and protest at continual violations of international law and human dignity.l. Let your peace rest upon all those who are grieving, and awaken the conscience of the world. May the doors of al-Aqsa soon open again to the faithful, and may justice roll down like waters across every barrier raised against prayer and peace.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Israeli occupation forces issued a complete lockdown across the occupied West Bank following the wave of attacks it launched on Iran. The military closed dozens of military checkpoints across the West Bank, blocking several secondary roads between Palestinian towns, villages and cities with dirt mounds and trapping Palestinians from traveling to each other. Many Palestinians are now concerned that even more restrictions and violations are coming with Israel’s war on Iran.
God of the oppressed, we lift up the people of the West Bank now cut off from one another, hemmed in by checkpoints, roadblocks, and fear. As Israel enforces a complete lockdown, isolating towns and families, we pray for those trapped and anxious, whose freedom of movement is already so fragile. We lament the widening reach of war and the cruelty of policies that punish entire communities. Holy God, hold your people close and strengthen all who refuse to let despair have the final word.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Israeli forces seized the Madleen ship in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea. The Madleen ship, part of an initiative by the Gaza Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was a civilian ship carrying aid and food in an attempt to break the siege on Gaza. The 12 activists on board, including climate activist Greta Thunberg and EU parliamentarian Rima Hassan, were abducted in international waters and taken to Israel. Some were immediately deported; others were detained before their deportation, and two were held for some time in solitary confinement. Under international law, Israel has no right to intercept a boat in international waters or to deny aid to starving civilians in Gaza, which it occupies.
God of justice, you are present with all those who cry out for freedom. We lift up all who boarded the Madleen to bring attention to the inhumane blockade of Gaza. As they were abducted and detained in international waters, we remember your call to break every chain and to feed the hungry. Rebuke the powers that blockade mercy and punish compassion. Keep our hearts and minds fixed on Gaza. Let us not look away. Strengthen all who resist injustice, and stir in us a love bold enough to act.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
In recognition of the hope Juneteenth (June 19) brought to enslaved people in the United States, Sabeel and Friends of Sabeel North America invite the public to a 45-minute interfaith prayer service for the 715 fasters as a part of the Veterans and Allies Fast for Gaza 40 day fast to end the starvation of Gaza (https://www.fosna.org/2025gazafast). The service will be held June 19 at 12 PM Eastern time or 10 PM Palestine time.
Holy God, on Juneteenth, we remember the long-delayed news of freedom for enslaved people in the United States, and we know that liberation still tarries in too many places. We lift up the 715 fasters who have committed their bodies in love to Gaza. Let their hunger awaken the conscience of the world. We pray that this interfaith prayer service will stir a spirit of solidarity and moral clarity across all faiths and borders. May we not turn away from suffering, but be moved to act with courage, compassion, and urgency. Strengthen all who fast, who grieve, and who resist the machinery of war.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers