Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of May 26, 2025
This Thursday, May 29th, will mark 600 days since October 7th and the beginning of one of the darkest chapters in our history as Palestinians. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost. Hundreds of thousands have been injured. Gaza lies in ruins. Two million people are starving. The economy is devastated, and hope feels almost beyond reach.
God of mercy and justice, we cry out for an end to this war and genocide. Bring peace to the people of Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and Yemen. We pray for the release of all captives and prisoners, and for justice—that those responsible for war crimes be held accountable. Hold the grieving in your care. Heal the psychologically wounded, especially the children. Restore hope where it has been crushed. Let justice rise. Let peace prevail.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
Last week, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada released a joint statement threatening to take concrete actions if Israel does not end the war and allow aid into Gaza. 17 EU nations have also agreed to review EU-Israel partnership and consider sanctions, and the UK suspended Israel trade deal talks and put sanctions on 3 settlers.
God of the oppressed, we give thanks for the recent steps taken by nations, even if they come too little and too late. We pray for world leaders to find the moral courage to move beyond words to real, urgent action and defend human rights for all people around the world. May all leaders repent for their complicity, confront the cost of their delay, and be guided not by politics but by conscience. May this moment mark the beginning of true, accountable solidarity for all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Palestinian Christian women invite the public to sign on their “call for justice and life,” of which Sabeel is one of the main signatories. The statement speaks to the current dire moment of this genocide where 14,000 children are at risk of dying from starvation amid an over two-month blockade on food and aid. They call upon women of all nations to join in demanding an immediate end to the engineered starvation of Gaza.
God of justice and mercy, we lift up the call of Palestinian Christian women who summon the world to stand for life. Holy Spirit, help us to embody the sumud of Mary, Tabitha, Hulda, Pheobe, and all women named and unnamed in your Gospel who lived the call of your liberatory love. Give us courage to respond with steadfast solidarity. May the cries from Gaza stir our hearts until no child hungers and no life is deemed disposable.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Israel opened fire towards an international delegation of 25 diplomats who were in Jenin to assess the humanitarian situation there amidst Israeli military campaigns on Jenin refugee camp and surrounding areas. France, Spain, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay have summoned Israeli ambassadors due to the incident.
Holy God, we grieve the violence unleashed on those who came to witness and to listen. As soldiers open fire even on diplomats, may the world’s eyes be opened to the brutal reality Palestinians endure, who often do not have the same privileges and protections as international citizens. We pray that this unfortunate act awakens the conscience of the international community not just to condemn, but to act. Grant us the courage to continue exposing truth and demanding justice with every breath.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Amr Hatem Odeh, 33, a Palestinian father of three, died in Israel’s Sde Teiman military base, which doubles as a prison and torture camp for Palestinians. He was abducted from Gaza in December 2023 during an Israeli ground invasion, along with members of his family. Throughout the war on Gaza and the West Bank, hundreds have been abducted by the Israeli military. Human rights organizations have continued to report that Palestinian prisoners are subjected to torture and numerous policies of dehumanization in Israeli prisons.
God of the captives, we grieve for the death of Amr Hatem Odeh, whose life was stolen by the occupation. We cry out for the hundreds more torn from their homes, held in silence and pain. Hold their names close, O God, and make your presence known to them. Stir in us a holy rage, a relentless love, and a commitment to dismantle every prison that crushes the human spirit.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Veterans for Peace, along with many groups across the United States and around the world, began their Fast for Gaza on May 22. The action involves limiting one’s diet to 250 calories per day, the average daily caloric intake currently endured by people in Gaza. However, people of conscience are invited to join the fast at any level and for any duration they are able. Organizers urge participants to center their actions and attention on Palestine and the forced starvation of Palestinians in Gaza throughout the fast.
Divine Creator, you have given us an earth of abundance, but instead of sharing your gifts with one another, we have allowed our greed and complacency to leave others in hunger and despair. We grieve that on your earth, famine is being used as a weapon to deprive Palestinians of dignity and life. As our siblings in Gaza are forcibly starved, we join this fast not only in solidarity, but in repentance. May this act of restraint awaken in us deeper compassion and an unwavering commitment to your justice.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the Indian Ocean Islands: Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles .
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers