Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Nov. 7, 2016

Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Nov. 7, 2016

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.

The leaders of the world’s Catholics and Lutherans have signed a joint declaration at an ecumenical prayer service commemorating the greatest schism in western Christianity. The declaration stated that what unites the two traditions is greater than that which divides them.

Lord, we are thankful for this joint declaration. We pray that the spirit continues to unite your children. May the Churches no longer ignore your commandment of love, tolerance and unity. Lord in your mercy…

Israeli authorities have demolished several graves in occupied East Jerusalem’s historical Bab al-Rahmeh Muslim cemetery. Parts of the ancient cemetery were confiscated in September 2015 by Israeli authorities to make way for a national park.

Lord, Palestinians are not able to either live or rest in peace. We pray for an end to the Israeli government’s greed and unjust measures. Help us God, to continue to seek the humanity of our oppressor. Lord in your mercy…

In Israel, the Carmiel municipality has canceled the screening of the movie “Junction 48”, following pressure of Israeli right wing deputy mayor Rotem Yanai. The film, on Israeli-Arab coexistence, is about two lovers navigating life in the Arab Israeli city of Lod.

Lord, grant us power to love each other regardless of the difference in religion, ethnicity or color. We pray that more people will be encouraged to see the movie in Israel and around the world. Lord in your mercy…

A UN report has found that Israel is denying Palestinians the right for development, causing rising poverty and despair. Michael Lynk, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), said Gaza has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the world and the situation is worsening as the economy stagnates.

Lord, have mercy on all those who are unemployed. We pray for an end to the destructive siege on the 1.8 million people of the Gaza Strip. May the international community stand against this humanitarian crisis and protect the people of Gaza, where more than half of the population is under 18 years of age. Lord in your mercy…

We join the World Council of Churches by praying for the countries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda. Lord in your mercy…