Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of May 24, 2021
This week’s Kumi Now online gathering focused on how Palestinians are preserving their history and culture. Israel continues to build and plant over Palestinian history and persists in erasing its history from street signs, historical markers and history books.
Next week, on Tuesday, the 25th of May, the topic will be the work of the Defense for Children International Palestine. This group monitors child fatalities in Palestine and records widespread Israeli military violations against the human rights of Palestinian children living under occupation.
- Lord, we pray for all the children living in the Holy Land. So many have been affected by the recent attacks, so many killed and injured and traumatized while others are assaulted, arrested and imprisoned. Lord, we pray for an end to their suffering and a hope for healing in a restored land for those who remain. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers.
After 11 days of fighting, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire negotiated by Egypt. The death toll in Gaza reached 232, including 65 children, and 1,760 injured due to Israeli airstrikes; 50,000 families have been displaced. On the Israeli side, 12 people including two children died as a result of Hamas rocket fire from Gaza. It is hoped that the ceasefire will hold and that no more lives will be lost.
- Lord, we thank you for all the people involved in the negotiations to bring about the ceasefire and to deescalate the mounting violence. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers.
On Sunday, the 16th of May, Pope Francis spoke out for an end to the violent conflict in Israel/Palestine during the celebration of Sunday Mass. He called on the international community to help find a long-term solution to the conflict.
- Lord, we seek your face as we pray for all those who continue to suffer from the recent violence. We pray for international support for meaningful peace negotiations and for an end to the blockade of Gaza and the occupation of the Palestinian Territories. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.
The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the attack on an Armenian priest, Father Arbaq as he walked to the Church of the Resurrection – Holy Sepulcher. A group of young Jewish extremists assaulted him and he had to receive hospital treatment for his injuries.
- Lord, our souls long for your righteousness. We are cast down when we hear of violent attacks on clergy or other innocent people going about their business. We pray for an end to this spiral of violence and for the establishment of peace and harmony in the city of Jerusalem. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.
On the 10th of May, Bethlehem Bible College launched the book ‘The Promised Land: A Theological Reading in the Palestinian Context’ by Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac. The book, in Arabic, is for every Palestinian and Arab Christian who searches for biblical answers that challenge Zionist ideology.
- Lord, we give thanks for those who shine a light on oppressive nationalist ideologies. We pray that Christians around the world will be aware of the plight of our brothers and sisters in faith living in Palestine. Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayers.
- Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, strengthen our faith and revive your Church with the breath of love at this time of Pentecost. We pray especially for your church in Jerusalem, that all church leaders will remain faithful to Christ as they continue to work for justice, peace and reconciliation. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.
- We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of the Indian Ocean Islands: Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles.Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayers.