Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Oct. 14, 2025
Last week, Layan Nasir was began her 7-and-a-half-month sentence at Ofer prison. Last year, Nasir was detained by Israeli troops at 4 a.m. without a warrant or reason. She was released after a few months in administrative detention – a system in which people can be taken into custody without evidence, trial, or charge. After her release, she was sentenced again last month.
Redeemer Christ, just like John the Baptist during his imprisonment who looked to you for hope, we are searching for your presence during these dark times. Be with Layan and give her strength and hope as she suffers another unfair sentence. We pray for the liberation of all captives.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Hamas and Israel agreed to phase one of the ceasefire deal put forward by the United States, which will involve the release of hostages and prisoners on both sides. At least 27 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli forces since the announcement of ceasefire negotiations.
God of the widow and the orphan, we are thankful for a pause which will free hostages and allow the people some reprieve from this nightmare. We pray for a complete ceasefire, for the end to all wars, and an end to harmful ideologies that allow war to take place. Until we see the day when all is redeemed, do not let us stray our gaze away from Gaza. Instead, increase our faith and commitment to the struggle for liberation, justice, and peace.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
On Sunday, Sabeel organized a local woman’s group from Jerusalem to tour Yaffa on Sunday. Before the Nakba of 1948, Yaffa (Jaffa) was one of the most advanced cities in Palestine and a rich portal that connected the Holy Land with the rest of the world. Yaffa was well known for its citrus and bananas. During the Nakba, most of the Palestinian population of Jaffa was forcibly displaced by Zionist military forces. Today, Yaffa is now part of the Israeli city of Tel-Aviv.
Holy God, we are grateful for the opportunity to visit and learn about Yaffa, and we remember the many Palestinians and refugees who cannot access parts of the Holy Land simply due to their identity. In a world that divides humans from each other through borders, racism, and discrimination, help us proclaim that you are a God of inclusivity.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Canadian Friends of Sabeel is hosting its second Silent Auction for Palestine starting 1 November, 2025. This auction promotes the work of Palestinian artists and allies, and highlights the many ways Palestinians create art to express identity, struggle, resistance, and resilience. It will also raise funds to support CFOS’s work of education, advocacy, and amplifying Palestinian voices. More details can be found by visiting friendsofsabeel.ca.
Holy God, we thank you for the efforts of Canadian Friends of Sabeel and other organizations working as agents of your liberating love. We pray that their efforts continue to bear fruit and uplift the voices of the oppressed. We also lift up our indigenous siblings in Canada who suffer under generational systems of state violence, and we ask for the strength and zeal of the Holy Spirit to work for the collective liberation of all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
In yet another provocation this year and during Jewish holiday Sukkot, far-right minister Ben Givr led a group of 1,300 Israeli Jewish rightwing supporters to storm Al Aqsa Mosque. While there, he claimed ownership over the site and called on Netanyahu to pursue “complete victory” in Gaza. Israeli authorities removed Palestinians and muslims of the site and imposed strict measures to secure the incursions. Earlier this month, Israeli NGO the Ir Amim Association warned that Israeli authorities are increasingly trying to assert control over Al-Aqsa Mosque and noted that the government particularly exploits Jewish holidays to increase Jewish presence in the area, while also violating the rights of Muslims at the site.
Holy God, we lament the repeated violation of sacred spaces. Deliver us from the sin of hatred and racism. Help us channel our anger into working towards a Jerusalem that welcomes all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
October 10th was World Mental Health Day. In Palestine, services and systems to provide healthcare services including mental health have been decimated by the occupation. In early 2023 before the war on Gaza even started, the World Bank already reported that over half of the Palestinian population in Gaza and the West Bank showed symptoms of depression. A recent report this month from Gaza Community Mental Health Programme detailed the dire state of mental health amidst genocide.
God of mercy, on this World Mental Health Day, we pray for all who carry invisible wounds. Lord, help us to remember all those struggling with fear, loss, and despair.
We remember especially the people of Gaza, whose spirits are tested by war and occupation. Bring healing to every heart, strength to every soul, and peace rooted in justice for all your children.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We invite all people of conscience to join us in praying for an end to famine in Gaza and Sudan, and for the cessation of wars everywhere.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers