Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Sept. 25, 2023
Next week, Kumi Now Online will concentrate on nonviolent resistance in Palestine. Nonviolent resistance is a powerful and historically significant means of challenging injustice. Nonviolent resistance represents a form of empowerment, creativity, and resilience among individuals and communities who may lack the conventional sources of power and authority.
All powerful God, bless those who choose the path of nonviolent resistance, for they seek justice without perpetuating hatred. May their actions inspire change, compassion, and reconciliation. Let us resist creatively against sinful powers, working towards the redemption of our world. Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayer
On September 19th, Azerbaijan initiated an “anti-terrorist operation” within Nagorno-Karabakh. Following the assault, Azerbaijan and Armenia swiftly reached a ceasefire agreement, and they are scheduled to convene for peace negotiations. According to a former leader of the regional administration, nearly 100 individuals were killed, with hundreds more sustaining injuries, including civilians, as a result of the attack.
Heavenly Father, we ask for your divine intervention in this conflict. Let your love and mercy prevail over hatred and division. May the spirit of reconciliation and justice be present in the peace talks, leading to a lasting and just peace. We pray for all our Armenian friends who are affected from the conflict.
Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayer
On September 19th, over 24 hours, Israeli occupation forces tragically claimed the lives of six young Palestinians in a military operation spanning various locations within the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate that Israeli forces launched an invasion into the Jenin refugee camp, unleashing several missiles that struck multiple residences. Moreover, the Israeli army hindered the access of ambulances and medical teams to attend to the wounded.
Merciful God, we hold onto the belief that you hear the cries of the oppressed. We remember how Jesus wept and we believe is still weeping for the young Palestinian lives lost by sin. We cry out for Your intervention. Bring justice, liberation, and judgement in Palestine-Israel and have mercy on the families of our martyrs.
Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayer
On the 26th and 27th of September, Bethlehem Bible College and Gurukul Lutheran Theological College will be collaborating for a conference titled “Indo-Palestinian Theological Conversations”. This conference hosted in Bethlehem will discuss theologies of liberation, colonialism, the relationship between India and Israel, and transnational solidarities.
God of love, we ask for your blessings upon the discussions that will take place during this conference. May the insights and conversations lead to greater awareness and compassion for the struggles faced by oppressed communities around the world. May Your Holy Spirit help fostering connections that transcend borders and lead to meaningful actions.
Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayer
Currently, there are over 5,000 Palestinian individuals incarcerated for political reasons. Among them are more than 1,200 Administrative detainees and 170 minors. Each of these Palestinian detainees endure harsh conditions and receive cruel treatment within Israel’s judicial system. One such case is that of Walid Daqqah, a 62-year-old Palestinian prisoner diagnosed with cancer. He is being denied critical life-saving treatment by the Israeli Prison Service (IPS) who refuse to transfer him to a civilian hospital.
Lord Christ, You, like many Palestinians, were wrongfully arrested and convicted by powers that portray themselves as agents of justice and truth whilst they are truly agents of injustice and deceit. God of the captives, liberate all those wrongfully imprisoned and have mercy on them as they endure brutal punishment and torture by Israel. We particularly pray for the situation of Daqqah who is suffering unimaginably.
Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayer
On the 15th of September, Sabeel in partnership with Bethlehem University organized a training workshop as part of the “Young Christian Leaders Project”. The workshop took place in the village of Haddad near Jenin and was attended by various scout groups from areas north of the West Bank. This training is the first of a series of future meetings.
Resurrected Christ, we thank you for the efforts made for the young generation of Palestinian Christians. May these workshops cultivate leadership skills that will bear fruit in the near future and materialize into action. Grant the young Palestinian leaders wisdom, strength, and protection.
Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayer
We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayer for the countries of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Peru.
Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayers