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, February 11, 2010
The decades of Israeli occupation and injustice have had many negative effects; little reported are the deep spiritual consequences. Almighty God, comfort and reassure the many people whose faith has been challenged or destroyed through years of living in insecurity and uncertainty. Help us to find meaningful and responsible ways to comfort those who do not see your hand at work in places of deepest despair.
On Sunday, Israeli troops entered Ramallah to arrest two peace activists from Australia and Spain. This invasion of a Palestinian controlled area to enforce Israeli immigration rules was struck down by an Israeli court on Monday and the two women were released. We give thanks for such persistent non-violent protestors, and pray that the world will understand Israel's true aim is to silence all who dare to nonviolently and courageously challenge its domination.
Jerusalem's mayor has promised to demolish nearly 200 Palestinian buildings in East Jerusalem. This decision is in response to the Attorney General's order that a settlement in East Jerusalem be dismantled. Every demolition is not just pulling down bricks and mortar, but is aimed at the disruption of the very fabric of Palestinian life through destroying families and communities. We give thanks and pray for those who stay strong in holding their families and communities together.
This week, Sabeel will be visited by the Ecumenical Action Group, a committee of representatives from numerous churches in the United States and Canada. The group is exploring economic responses to the Israeli occupation. We pray that this trip will result in new actions and a renewed commitment by the North American churches to challenge the economic pillars of the Israeli occupation.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands
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