Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Sept. 29, 2025

Last week, students from eight Christian schools gathered for an ecumenical worship service at the Melkite Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Virgin, located in the Old City of Jerusalem. Organized by Sabeel, the World Council of Churches, and the Education Center for Christian Schools, the service brought in approximately 400 participants. Priests from the Melkite, Syriac, Armenian, Greek Orthodox, Franciscans, Lutheran, and Latin Catholic churches led the worship service together. Bishop William Shomali of the Latin Patriarchate was also present and participated in leading the service. Following a homily focused on peace and justice in Gaza, students led prayers for the region and for the world.

God of hope, we thank you for the chance to gather as one community. With this ecumenical service, remind us that “we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5) May we continue to be bound together in love and empowered by your Spirit, that we may serve one another and shine your light in the world. We also pray for all students as they begin their academic year, and we pray especially for the students of Gaza. May we work towards a world where all children are safe and free to learn.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Bethlehem’s recently appointed mayor, Maher Nicola Canawati, met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, during which the Pope was invited to visit Gaza and to hear more about the concerns of the Christian community in the Holy Land. During the conversation, the mayor highlighted the declining numbers of Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land, forced water scarcity by Israeli authorities, restriction of movement due to over 134 barriers and checkpoints around the city, and the economic collapse of Bethlehem due to occupation and war.

Loving God, we mourn the suffering of our beloved not only in Gaza but all of Palestine who are trapped under the many forms of oppression. During this time, we pray that more prophetic voices rise within and outside the Church to “seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)

 Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI)’s lawyer visited Hussam Abu Safiya, at Ofer Prison and reported that he was being subjected to violence, denied treatment for scabies, and lost 25 kilograms due to insufficient food. Abu Safiya, who was the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, was kidnapped and detained after Israeli troops raided his hospital in December 2024. Since March, Abu Safiya has not received any legal proceedings, nor has he received information about the grounds for his detention. Along with Dr. Abu Safiya, there are over 100 health workers currently held illegally by Israel in prison camps.

All powerful God, we remember that “when the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17) Lord, where is your message of freedom amidst the suffering of those unjustly detained and tortured? Help us bear witness to their cries, trusting that you know all their troubles and fears. Bring your comfort and liberation to Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and the thousands who are detained with no trial or charge. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

The Israeli military now controls half of Gaza City, forcing an estimated 350,000 to 400,000 Palestinians to flee Gaza City since last month, although hundreds of thousands remain. The Civil Emergency Service in Gaza also reported that Israel had denied 73 requests, sent via international organizations, to rescue wounded Palestinians in Gaza City.

Holy God, our hearts break at the sight of our siblings in Gaza who suffer displacement and death at every minute and every second. Lord, deliver the people of Gaza from oppression. Grant them the provision of resources that their needs may be met. May we bear witness to their suffering and increase our actions so that your justice may be fulfilled.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Friends of Sabeel North America was recently awarded the 2025 George F. Regas Courageous Peacemaker Award, presented by the ICUJP (Interfaith Communities United for Justice & Peace). The award recognizes FOSNA for its courage in “meeting the moment” during a time of political repression and social injustice.

God of justice, we thank you for the witness of FOSNA and all who speak truth to power even when it is difficult. Holy Spirit, give us strength and courage that we may never grow weary in our struggle for liberation, and that we may continue to participate in the work of your revolutionary love.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Amidst lack of concrete actions from governments and states to immediately stop the genocide in Gaza, citizens of the world have taken it upon themselves to defend humanity. For example, the Sumud Flotilla coalition, filled with civilians and humanitarian activists, are sailing to Gaza despite threats from the Israeli military. In Italy, unions and citizens across the country enacted a massive general strike, demanding an end to business as usual and to halt weapons transfers to Israel.

Holy God, we sanctify your name whenever we uphold the dignity of your creation through our actions. Through the examples of the flotilla and activists around the world, remind us that despite the overwhelming force of empire, we can do much. Help us worship you by finding new ways to confront systems of violence and oppression.

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 Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Peru.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers