Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of June 30, 2025
The Israeli military has killed at least 410 people trying to get food at Israeli and U.S. aid sites in Gaza in the past month. Confirming what Palestinian journalists have reported for months, Israeli officers and soldiers told Israeli newspaper Haaretz that they were ordered to deliberately fire at unarmed civilians waiting for humanitarian aid. The aid sites are set up by the U.S.-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been criticized for its militarized aid distribution system and its close coordination with the Israeli military.
Holy God, we grieve for the hundreds of men, women, and children who have been killed while waiting for their daily bread. Their cries echo in our hearts, and their suffering lies heavy on our souls. We confess, O Lord, our failure to stop this genocide. In our despair, we hold onto your promise that you will deliver the oppressed and set the captives free. We pray for all people of conscience around the globe to escalate their nonviolent resistance, to stand boldly and persistently against this violence. May your justice come swiftly, and may your mercy cover the wounded and the grieving.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, at least four Palestinians, including a teenager, were killed in the occupied West Bank. The teenager, a 13-year old boy named Ammar Hamayel, was shot and killed by Israeli forces, while 3 others—Murshid Nawwaf Hamayel, Mohammed Qaher al-Naji and Lutfi Sabri Bearat—were killed by settlers during a violent rampage on the town of Kafr Malek near Ramallah. Settlers often receive protection from the military and little to no repercussions for their violence. Even if they are arrested, they are judged under civilian law, unlike Palestinians who live under military law in the West Bank.
Holy God, we lift before you the lives of those lost in the West Bank and the families who are living in fear of violence. We lament a world where our children cannot even live lives of dignity, but instead are forced to grow up under occupation, in a constant state of fear and death. May your Spirit embolden all who resist this occupation with truth and courage. Help keep us steadfast in our faith that your justice will soon come to the land and its people.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Due to global pressure, the Danish shipping company Maersk has become the first global shipping company to halt the transport of goods to and from Israeli settlements. Past reports by the Mondoweiss publication showed that between February 2019 and November 2024, Maersk facilitated exports on behalf of businesses operating within West Bank settlements and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. While the campaign will continue to push Maersk for a halt in shipping weapons, Maersk’s shift represents a victory won through tireless research, organizing, and continued pressure. More information about the Mask Off Maersk can be found at maskoffmaersk.com.
God of justice and liberation, amid overwhelming grief, we are reminded of your presence through the tireless work of those who are committed to a better world. We know this small win is only one step in a longer struggle. We pray for your Spirit to continue to be with the hearts of those who demand more and those resisting occupation through nonviolent means. Keep our eyes open and our spirits persistent. Deepen our resolve to dismantle all systems of violence and complicity.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
From June 29 to July 1, 2025, the Interfaith Action for Palestine (IAP) brought together a diverse coalition of activists and people of faith to Washington D.C. to counter Christians United for Israel (CUFI) — the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States — during their Annual Summit. While CUFI promoted hawkish, Christian supremacist, and genocidal policies, FOSNA and other allied organizations came to offer an alternative theology rooted in justice, peace, and liberation.
God of inclusive love and liberating truth, we give thanks for the faithful who gathered in Washington, D.C., to speak against the violent theologies upheld by CUFI and to proclaim a vision of your kingdom rooted in justice, peace, and compassion. We bless the work of Interfaith Action for Palestine, FOSNA, and all who offered a theology of inclusion and love. May their witness help dismantle the violent lens that distorts your name. Strengthen this movement of faith and justice, and may your love continue to cast out fear, violence, and domination.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Sabeel continues its international ministry through its weekly Thursday Worship Service with Rev. Naim Ateek. The English service occurs at 6 PM Palestine time every Thursday and is an opportunity for friends of Sabeel around the world to read the Wave of Prayers and reflect on scripture readings through the lens of liberation theology. This week features a reflection from Rev. Addie Domske, FOSNA’s new national field organizer. Registration can be found at tinyurl.com/sabeelworship.
God of all nations and every people, we give thanks for the ongoing witness of Sabeel and the ministry of our many friends who come to reflect with us. May this gathering continue to nourish the global community of faith, deepen our commitment to solidarity, and strengthen our resolve to live out your inclusive and liberating love. Bless all who join in prayer each week; may they be renewed by your Spirit and sent out as peacemakers in a broken world.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Kenya and Tanzania.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers