Sabeel Wave of Prayer-Week of Dec. 15, 2015
Wave of Prayer: This prayer ministry enables local and international friends of Sabeel to pray over regional concerns on a weekly basis. Sent to Sabeel’s network of supporters, the prayer is used in services around the world and during Sabeel’s Thursday Communion service; as each community in its respective time zone lifts these concerns in prayer at noon every Thursday, this “wave of prayer” washes over the world.
Loving God, in these violent times, we pray that you hear the cries of the parents who have to deal with the frustrations and despair that engulf their children living under the brutal Israeli occupation. We pray for the parents who are afraid to let their children out of the house for fear that they will be arrested, beaten or even killed. We pray especially for Anas Shawamreh who was shot while coming home from an errand and for his family who have suffered so much with the repeated demolitions of their home.
Lord, in your mercy………..
God of justice and mercy, just last month the Bedouin village of Al Hadidya in the Jordan Valley was bulldozed. 14 families – 97 people, including 30 children and six infants, were left homeless. Even the tents that were donated for their shelter were confiscated by the Israeli authorities. Lord, how can the world continue to turn a blind eye to these acts of inhumanity? We pray that you will open the eyes and hearts of those in power so that all who are suffering will be treated with justice and dignity, here and around the world.
Lord, in your mercy………..
Lord Jesus, Christmas is almost upon us. We read the beautiful message that the angels brought to the shepherds on that first Christmas night: “Fear not, for I bring you good news of great joy for all people.” But if we look around, all we see is fear. Joy is absent. Even in Bethlehem where the message was first proclaimed and where the lights and decorations announce your coming, joy is scarce. Lord, may the anticipation and expectation that this season brings instill in us a joy that trusts in the fulfillment of your promise of peace.
Lord, in your mercy………….
Lord, again we lift in prayer both Sabeel Nazareth and Sabeel Jerusalem and this week’s celebrations. On Thursday, Dec. 17, Nazareth will be presenting an original musical drama and on Saturday, Dec. 19, Sabeel Jerusalem will host their annual ecumenical Christmas dinner. May these events strengthen and unite the communities and fill their hearts with joy.
Lord, in your mercy………..
We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo.
Lord, in your mercy………..
[As we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, we at Sabeel wish all of our friends around the world a Christmas that is the fulfillment of God’s promise of joy and peace.
May the coming year see the reality of this promise lived out in Palestine, Israel and around the world.
Our Wave of Prayer will resume on January 14.]