Pray with Sabeel - for peace

The Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem writes: On Friday the 26th of January, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its ruling on the emergency measures requested by South Africa in its genocide case against Israel. The court has ordered Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, to prevent and punish incitement to genocide in Gaza, to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, obliges Israel to take more measures to protect Palestinians, but has not ordered an immediate ceasefire.

• God of light, whilst there are split reactions regarding the ICJ's ruling, Gaza is being bombed and millions are suffering. Lord, we pray for an increase of activism which calls for accountability concerning injustice and an immediate ceasefire. Let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul, "And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good" (2 Thessalonians 3:13).

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Last week, 42-year-old Lara Tannous who worked as a pharmacist at a Jerusalem hospital died from her wounds sustained by a shooting nearly three weeks ago. Amar Mansour, aged 32, was also killed during the attack. The shooters have yet to be identified, however, local sources claim that the shooting was by Israeli settlers. The Palestinian Christian community is in mourning as Tannous was a beloved and admired figure in the community.

• God of love, we come before you saddened by the loss of Tannous and Mansour. We lift up their families who are mourning, and we pray that they may feel your love during these difficult times. Lord, whilst we have little hope that injustice will be accounted for, we lift up our grievances in lament that you shall hold all preparators and enablers of injustice accountable.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

In the past week, Khan Yunis has been a target of bombings and military operations. Many displaced Gazans who sought shelter in Khan Yunis were ordered to flee by the Israeli military, causing mass panic and adding to the hellish humanitarian conditions. Moreover, the Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis has been raided and bombed severely, causing 95% of the hospital staff to flee to Rafah, according to local sources. The complete extent of suffering in Khan Yunis is not yet known.

• God of justice, we are shaken by the few reports that have come out from Khan Yunis. Whilst it seems you are absent from the people in Gaza, we hold on to our faith that, "The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed" (Psalm 106:3). Lord, take care of your children in Gaza who are suffering so terribly, and help us advocate their cause in our daily lives.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

On the 27th of January, marked the international day in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. This day commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, which resulted in the genocide of one third of the Jewish people, along with countless members of other minorities by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945.

• Almighty God, we lament the many lives lost in the Holocaust who were victims of supremacist and racist ideologies. Help us remember and recognize the sanctity of each human life, that all people are made in your image. We pray that genocide and hatred will be cease, and that love will triumph over evil. Never again means never again for anybody. Lord, we pray for an immediate ceasefire.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Friends of Sabeel North America participated on the 24th of January in an interfaith event for Gaza which focused on liberation, lament, and learning. Sabeel-Kairos UK were a part of several protests in different cities in the UK calling for ceasefire and a free Palestine. All our friends abroad have demonstrated a Christian voice for Palestine in their respective contexts.

• Everlasting God, we thank you for the solidarity around the globe. We remember that "The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern" (Proverbs 29:7). Lord, increase the activism around the globe of those who are righteously standing for justice for the Palestinian people and courageously exposing how the wicked are complicit in the suffering of so many.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Last week, Churches around the world marked a week of ecumenical prayer for Christian unity. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed from the 18th to the 25th of January. In Palestine, the services occurred in the Church of the Resurrection, St. James Cathedral, Church of the Redeemer, St. George's Cathedral, and other Churches sacred to various denominations.

• God of inclusivity, we are encouraged to see the Churches praying with one another in the spirit of ecumenism. Lord, we pray for unity which is not rooted in the interests of preserving the institution's legitimacy and life, but a unity which can raise the voice of those unheard and rejected. Let the Churches work together with God in our hope and commitment to confront injustice and oppression in all its forms.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

• We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayer for the countries of Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Western Sahara, and Tunisia.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

The next Sabeel Thursday online Service takes place on the 1st of February, 2024 (6pm Palestine time).

Register for the Sabeel Thursday Service through this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkdOCtqT8oH9Hj6noeoJPop264vDN-kAaA

Here is the recording for last weeks' service: https://youtu.be/5r-ZKhaSSMs