Sabeel Wave of Prayer

Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.

Wave of Prayer for Thursday, May 21, 2009

Due to an extremely dry winter, water issues threaten to be a source of contention this summer-areas of East Jerusalem have already experienced water shortages. This is exacerbated by the unjust distribution of water resources. We pray for a mild summer in Palestine and an end to the misuse of water as a political tool and weapon.

President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu are meeting in Washington, this week. We pray that the United States will keep Israel accountable to its obligations to the peace process and international law. May President Obama be moved to stand with conviction and courage in the interest of human rights and justice.

In recent talks, Fatah and Hamas have agreed to create a joint security force in Gaza until new elections are held next year. We earnestly pray that this development marks a new spirit of cooperation among Palestinian political parties. Cooperation is necessary to improve the situation of Palestinians and is vital to establishing a lasting and just peace.

As Pope Benedict XVI returns to the Vatican from his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, we offer a prayer of thanksgiving for his willingness to acknowledge the difficulties facing Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Christians from Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank delivered a message to His Holiness during his time in Jerusalem. We pray that this and other experiences will encourage the Church in working for justice and peace for all people of this region.