Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of May 19, 2025
On Nakba Day, at least 127 Palestinians were killed by Israel in a wave of attacks across Gaza, marking the deadliest day for Palestinians in Gaza since Israel broke the ceasefire in March. Israel also targeted three hospitals: al-Adwa Hospital in Jabalia, the Indonesian Hospital in Khan Younis, and the European Hospital in Khan Younis.
Divine Creator, we are in despair for the deaths of our people and for the fact that attacks on hospitals and civilians have become a normal reality. In the darkest of times, we put our faith in you, who is the bearer of light and all goodness. Do not forsake us, Lord, but be present with all those who suffer. Open the hearts of everyone complicit, especially the leaders of this world, that they may repent and work towards peace and justice. Continue to embolden us to put an end to this evil and to work towards a world where every human can live in dignity.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
A pregnant Israeli woman, Tzeela Gez, 30, was shot and killed in the northern occupied West Bank. She was on her way to the hospital with her husband, Hananel, when a gunman opened fire near their home in the Bruchin settlement. Tzeela was critically wounded and later died despite doctors performing an emergency caesarean to deliver her baby, who is in serious but stable condition. Her husband sustained light injuries.
O God of Compassion, we lift up the family of Tzeela Gez. Surround her husband with strength as he walks through grief. Be near to their newborn child—so small, so innocent— grant the baby healing, life, and love. We pray for comfort that no words can give, for peace in a home now marked by loss, and for a future where no parent, Israeli or Palestinian, must bury a loved one due to war.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Israeli settlers attacked human rights activist Issa Amro’s house in occupied Hebron with stones in the middle of the night, throwing stones, making fire on his land, and chanting for his death. Before the settlers came, Israeli soldiers came to his house to ensure he was alone, expelling anyone who was with him. This has been a common occurrence for Issa and many human rights defenders in Palestine.
God of sumoud, we lift to you the pain and fear carried by Issa Amro and all those who stand for justice in our land. You see those who stand for justice when the world turns away. You know the weight borne by those who refuse to be silent in the face of oppression. Strengthen all who risk their safety to defend dignity and truth in Palestine and Israel. Let no fear extinguish their voices, and no violence shake their resolve. May we be faithful in standing alongside those who bear the cost of nonviolent resistance.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Every Tuesday, Sabeel hosts our Kumi Now online series which covers issues and topics in Palestine/Israel. This week’s Kumi Now online gathering focused on how Palestinians are working to preserve their culture and history. Next week, on Tuesday, the 27th of May, the topic will be on the gendered impact of the Israeli policies during the genocidal war on Gaza and the unfolding military aggression on the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Holy God, we thank you for the witness of communities who gather each week to learn, to speak truth, and to honor the stories of the oppressed. We ask you to continue to guide the work of Sabeel and the Kumi Now gatherings. Let these conversations move us to action, to solidarity, and to justice rooted in love.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Veterans for Peace is organizing a 40-day fast for Gaza. Beginning on May 22, people across the country will join in a fast to demand the full resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza and an immediate end to U.S. military support for Israel. This collective act of resistance is open to all Gaza allies and people of conscience. Participants may choose to fast in two ways: by joining a centralized fast in New York City, where fasters will consume only 250 calories per day to mirror the average caloric intake of Gazans under Israeli blockade, or by taking part in a dispersed fast from their own local context. To sign up, visit www.fosna.org/2025gazafast
God of Solidarity, we lift before you all those preparing to fast for Gaza. As they empty themselves in body, fill them with courage, compassion, and unwavering resolve. Bless each person who joins this fast, and let their witness stir the conscience of a nation complicit in violence. May this act center Gaza fully: their lives, their suffering, and their right to live in freedom. Holy Spirit, strengthen us all to stand faithfully for justice and peace.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, the Institute for the Study of Christian Zionism launched its first webinar featuring Dr. Atalia Omer, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, and Dr. Thandi Gamedze on Christian Zionism and the interruption of black-Palestinian solidarity. The playback of the webinar is viewable at https://studychristianzionism.org/
God of Truth and Justice, we thank you for the years of work that has gone into making the Institute for the Study of Christian Zionism possible. Holy Spirit, continue to guide the team and those involved with the Institute. Through their labor, illuminate to the world the harms of imperial and colonial theologies, and in doing so, move people into theologies that speak to your inclusive goodness, love, and mercy. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers