Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Oct. 20, 2025
Last week, Hamas released all living Israeli captives while Israel released 2000 Palestinian captives. Over 9,100 Palestinians remain in Israeli prisons under torturous and horrific conditions, and many of them are detained without charge or trial. Before the war began, there were approximately 5,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, but it doubled, reaching over 11,000 by October 2025. Among those currently imprisoned are 52 women and around 400 children under the age of 18.
Holy God, we come to you heartbroken hearing the stories of torture that prisoners suffer through. You alone know the extent of their wounds and suffering. Lord, we cry out to you for justice, echoing the words of the Psalmist: “Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.” (Psalm 71:4) As we pray for the physical liberation of all captives, we also ask you to liberate us from the systemic sins of racism and hatred.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Just days after the ceasefire was announced, Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi, who reported in Gaza for the entirety of the genocidal war, was killed in Gaza City by a local armed militia. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 240 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza, Yemen, Lebanon, Israel, and Iran since the war on Gaza began in October 2023.
Liberator Christ, we are reminded by scripture that you were mocked and persecuted publicly for speaking truth to power. As we witness the killing of journalists and media workers with no accountability, we know that not much has changed. We cling onto our faith that you hear the prophetic voices and see all who suffer under the yoke of oppression. Empower us to rise against all forces and structures of violence.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Kairos Palestine is hosting a conference at Bethlehem Bible College on 14th November to mark the 16th anniversary of Kairos Palestine. Under the theme “Moment of Truth: Faith in the Time of Genocide,” they will launch a new Kairos Document, a renewed theological and moral appeal to the global Church and international community. Before the conference, participants can register for solidarity tours from 11-12 November and a Sabeel day program in Jerusalem on 13th November. Registration for Kairos Palestine 16th anniversary conference: November 10–16, 2025
God of love, in dark times, we are reminded that your Spirit is present through the work of Kairos Palestine. With this new document and gathering, cultivate in us faith as steadfast as the persistent widow so that in our movement for justice, we do not lose hope. Lord, continue working through the Church and people around the world so that your will be done on earth.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Sabeel is hosting its monthly women Bible Study on 23rd October with Sister Ghada Nema at the Tresanta Pastoral Center. The group has been reading through and reflecting on the gospel of Matthew.
Word Incarnate, we thank you for the leadership of Sister Ghada and the participation of all who seek to bear witness to you through bible study. Continue to help us cultivate a theology of love so that we may be faithful servants of your peace and justice.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
For many Christians in the Holy Land, October 25 marks the feast of Our Lady Queen of Palestine. The Feast was established in 1927 by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to ask The Blessed Virgin for her protection of the Holy Land. Each year, thousands of faithful travel from across the Holy Land to celebrate the feast, but the last few years have seen small attendance due to restrictions and the situation. This year, his Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, will preside over the Holy Mass, in the Marian Shrine of Deir Rafat.
Holy God, we understand the cries of Mary through the cries of Palestinian mothers throughout the Holy Land. Help us to live out the words she proclaimed in the Magnificat: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior … He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty…” (Luke 1:46-55)
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 Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers