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, November 17, 2011
We pray for the Palestinian Leadership as they frame their next phase of struggle toward recognition and statehood, after the rejection of the application for full membership in the UN Security Council. We pray for their safety and clarity as they bear the weight of responsibility to care for the whole of Palestinian society. We pray too, that the world community will soon live up to its stated ideals, and respond with real action to the worsening plight of the Palestinian people and land. Lord in your mercy...
We praise God because every person is uniquely and wonderfully made. We mourn the way stress and oppression can weaken the body and damage the soul. We give thanks for the community program about 'alternative medicine' at Sabeel Jerusalem this week, an event that will feature stress management and healing techniques in the context of the occupation. We pray for God's healing touch on the lives and bodies of each participant. Lord in your mercy...
Our memories are a way of cherishing the things we love, who we are, and the things we never want to lose. Sabeel will gather the community in Nazareth this week, in a program entitled, "Nazareth in people's memories." In this cultural event, they will also celebrate 18 years of Sabeel's work in Nazareth. We pray that the community's memories of coexistence, justice, and peace will once again become reality. Lord in your mercy...
Martin Luther King Jr. once preached, "faith is taking the first step, even when you can't see the whole staircase." We give thanks for the steps of the Palestinian Freedom Riders this week. Just as young people in the southern United States boarded buses in an effort to end segregation in the 1960s, a number of Palestinians plan to board Israeli-only buses this week in an attempt to end segregation in the West Bank. We pray for their safety and determination under great pressure. Lord in your mercy...
We rejoice in God's provision of wonderful, visionary leadership for Sabeel in Palestine and its Friends around the world. We are grateful for the faithfulness of members of Sabeel's current Board and Executive Committee. We join in prayer for the elections for the new Board and Executive Committee members, in Ramallah, on Friday. We also pray for the search process taking place for Friends of Sabeel North America. We pray for wisdom and contentment for all involved. Lord in your mercy...
With the World Council of Churches we pray for:
Cameroon, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, November 10, 2011
As the world approaches a population of 7 billion human beings, we echo the Psalmist, stating our belief that "the Earth is the Lord's and everything in it." We ask that the Spirit of God, loving and merciful, help us turn toward one another, towards life-giving activity, and away from destruction of God's full world. We pray for each family, culture, and environment in which each of the 7 billion of us exists. Many of the world's population are children; we ask God to strengthen the adults to work continually so that the young may grow up a more just and healthier world. Lord in your mercy...
The right-wing Jewish extremist group "Price Tag" continued its attacks this week. They defaced the home of a staff member and threatened to bomb the offices of the Israeli organization, "Peace Now." At such a time as this, when the Israeli government approved 60,000 new settlement units, Peace Now plays an important role because they oppose settlement building in the Occupied Territories, and they demand the protection of Palestinian human rights. We pray that the perpetrators of the "Price Tag" crimes will be held accountable for their actions, and we pray for an end to such violence. Lord in your mercy...
We pray for the local programming of Sabeel. We are grateful to offer a lecture in Arabic about the book, Fatal Embrace: Christians, Jews and the Search for Peace in the Holy Land. We hope that the discussion spurs many to action. We pray for peace in this land and every land. Lord in your mercy...
From Birmingham, Alabama in the United States to Bethlehem, West Bank in Occupied Palestine, children of God have nonviolently protested the denial of their civil and human rights. We pray for the conference talking place in Atlanta, Georgia this week, honoring the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and examining the many dimensions of nonviolent struggle for justice and peace in Palestine/Israel. We pray for the conference organizers, speakers, and participants. Lord in your mercy...
Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, São Tomé e Príncipe
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, November 3, 2011
We watch with anticipation as the world community responds to the Palestinian bid for statehood at the United Nations. We are glad so many nations voted in affirmation for Palestine's admission as a UNESCO member, recognizing the unique role that Palestine's history and culture have for global education and science. We are sad that the United States reacted to this vote of confidence with decision to financially starve this important UN initiative. We pray for the rest of the UN deliberations, that they may result in what is truly best for our world community. Lord in your mercy...
We pray for the thousands of Catholics and others that will gather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (United States) for the "Call to Action 2011" conference this weekend. We are grateful for the way this conference gathers those who are willing to take on the hard questions facing the church. We pray for Naim Ateek and all of the conference presenters. We pray that this weekend will provide spiritual renewal for Christian activists, and catalyze further loving action. We honor the Ho-Chunk Nation who lived in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area before the Europeans arrived. Known as "People of the Big Voice," we pray for their communities as they continue to exist, even though suffering from displacement and prejudice. Lord in your mercy...
We mourn the recent violence in Gaza and the retaliatory rockets fired across the border into Israel. Reports note that drones, which are remote controlled military planes, carried the bombs that were dropped on Gaza. We thank God for the growing movement around the world that protests the use of drones in warfare. We pray for all families affected and frightened by the violence. We pray for a ceasefire. Lord in your mercy...
As Jesus noted, though the harvest is plentiful, the workers are few. We pray for the small staff at the Sabeel office in Nazareth. We are inspired by their energy and creativity. We pray for their upcoming programs, especially the youth meeting and the children's olive picking this week. Since 1993 Sabeel Nazareth has worked tirelessly to preserve the Palestinian Christian heritage in the Galilee. We ask God to uphold them, give them strength, and volunteers. Lord in your mercy...
With the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Burundi, Congo, and Rwanda
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, October 20, 2011
We pray for all people released in the prisoner exchange between Israel and Palestine. The one Israeli soldier exchanged returned to his home. Around 1,000 Palestinians will be released, though not all are allowed to return to their homes. We pray for the successful reintegration of former prisoners into their families and societies, and that their freedom will release a collective wave of nonviolent struggle for justice in this land. Lord in your mercy...
Christian Zionists from all over the world came to Jerusalem this week to state their belief that "Israel is a light to the nations." We are concerned that Christian Zionists, such as the 10,000 that gathered here for the Feast of the Tabernacles, are not interested in addressing the injustices Israel and nationalistic Zionism perpetrate against Palestinians and surrounding nations. We pray that their eyes will be opened and that they will have the courage to understand that the message of Jesus is love for all, not a specific ideology. Lord in your mercy...
We yearn for the day when everyone will be able to sit under their vine and fig tree, and no one will make them afraid. Yet despair creeps in as this week the Israeli government announced a plan to expand illegal settlement building across the Green Line in Palestine. Over 2,500 new units were approved this week. We pray for a freeze in settlement building, especially at this moment while the world debates Palestinian statehood at the United Nations. Lord in your mercy...
We are grateful for the pastors, priests, and ministers who participated in the clergy retreat last week. Through prayers, challenging Bible studies, and discussions, they reaffirmed the need for church leadership to take a stand for truth, justice, and peace, regardless of the cost. We ask God to bless clergy members with spiritual strength, and we rejoice that their retreat was filled with laughter and space to develop stronger ecumenical relationships.
We are glad that youth and young adults are learning about justice and Palestine. From university clubs in the United States, to #Occupy movements around the world, to the upcoming young adult retreat hosted by Sabeel Nazareth, young people are experiencing the love of God, and receiving an invitation to work for true liberation in Palestine and around the world. We pray for their spiritual growth and wellbeing. Lord in your mercy...
With the World Council of Churches, we pray for
India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, October 12, 2011
In the worst sectarian violence since former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak was ousted, 24 Coptic Christians were killed in clashes with Egyptian security forces. The march was in protest of the demolition of a church built without a permit. Coptic Christians make up ten percent of Egypt's population, and have had a long history of both cooperation and difficulty with their Muslim neighbours. We pray that the messages of peace, justice and forgiveness, present in both religious traditions, will quell the provocation to violence. We pray for all Egyptians as they do the hard work of reorganizing their country, together. Lord in your mercy...
Jesus proclaimed release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind. We watch with great expectation of God's mercy on over six thousand Palestinian political prisoners held in Israeli jails. More than 300 incarcerated men and women joined in a hunger strike since the beginning of the month. Their demands are for their basic human rights to be respected. They wish to see an end to routine humiliation during roll-calls and transfers, the arbitrary denial of their family's rights to visit, and the inhumane use of solitary confinement. Others across Palestine, Israel, and internationally have joined the hunger strike. We pray for the release of all Palestinian prisoners of war. Lord, in your mercy...
On the Jewish Day of Atonement for sins (Yom Kippur), dozens of gravestones in Christian and Muslim cemeteries in Jaffa were desecrated by extremist settlers. Some tombs were smashed and many carried racial epithets including "Death to Arabs." We are grateful that at least a small group of both Palestinian and Jewish Israelis went together to protest the ongoing violence of this Jewish right-wing movement which was also responsible for the mosque burning in Tuba Zangria last week. We pray that the perpetrators be brought to justice. Lord in your mercy...
We give thanks for the optimism, energy, and commitment of the many women who participate in Sabeel programming, from the grassroots to the board level. This week we especially remember the women's meeting on Friday, October 14th, hosted by the Nazareth branch office of Sabeel. May the meeting be an encouragement to them, as they continue to deal with the stress of being second-class citizens in their own land. May God grant them power and prophetic vision. Lord in your mercy...
We pray for safe travels and invigorating conversations for Sabeel's founder and director Naim Ateek as he begins his United States tour with a Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) board meeting. We thank God for the ongoing work of FOSNA, and we pray for wisdom in its deliberations. We pray for sustenance and encouragement for all of Sabeel's friends around the world, as they continue to magnify the voice of the Palestinian people calling for justice, peace, and reconciliation. Lord in your mercy...
With the World Council of Churches, we pray for
Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, September 22, 2011
It has been confirmed that Friday the 23rd of September, the chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, will submit to the Secretary General of the United Nations the Palestinian bid for the recognition of Palestine as a member state. We pray that the member states will support that bid wholeheartedly for the sake of peace for both the Israelis and Palestinians, recalling the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "We are tied together in a single garment of destiny; we are caught in a network of mutuality. And I can never be who I ought to be until you are who you ought to be."Lord in Your Mercy, hear our prayers
As the Witness Visit comes to an end, we pray for the safe travel of all the participants. May they return home refreshed by the truth, and may they be inspired to share their witness with others so that they can open their eyes and hearts to the harsh realities of the occupation. We pray for Nora Carmi who could not accompany the Witness Visit for the Contemporary Way of the Cross as she lost her husband during this past week. We offer Nora and her family our heartiest condolences.Lord in Your Mercy, hear our prayers
We pray for the runners of Silwan, especially those supporters from abroad who run in order to raise awareness to the grave and violent circumstances in which the children of that neighborhood of East Jerusalem pass their childhood, as homes continue to be confiscated by Jewish settlers. We pray for a successful campaign as those runners are trying to help raise funds for the creative center built by the Silwan community for their children. Lord in Your Mercy, hear our prayers.
Now that the summer holidays are over, the Sabeel staff are once again busy planning for the various community programs. We pray for the safety of the participants, women and young adults, as they hike in the depopulated town of Lifta and Ein Jiddi during this coming week end, and for the youth as they join other youth groups in Ramallah for fellowship. Lord in Your Mercy, hear our prayers.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, September 15, 2011
The 21st of September is the day the UN General Assembly starts its new session for 2011. Let us keep this date in our thoughts and prayers, especially that the Palestinian Leadership will be submitting its bid for the recognition of Palestine as a member state. We pray that all UN decisions will be made on the basis of Justice, and that the powerful will refrain from applying double -standards that discriminate against the weaker states.
Israeli settlers on the West-Bank have accelerated their aggression in the past two weeks. They set fire to three mosques in villages around the city of Nablus. They also painted graffiti abusive to Islam and the Prophet Mohammad on the walls of the mosques. In the West-Bank town of Bir-Zeit, settlers sprawled abusive graffiti on the walls of Bir-Zeit University and one of the mosques in town. Israeli settlers also physically attacked a Bethlehem University lecturer and a female student on their way to University. We pray that the Government of Israel will take measures to put an end to such attacks, and that the settlers would realize that they cannot continue to occupy another people's land forever.
We pray for the upcoming conference in the Netherlands starting on the 15th of September. The conference is being organized by the "Netherlands Kairos Palestine Group" to discuss, promote and spread the "Kairos Palestine- Document "A Moment of Truth". We pray for all those attending the conference -speakers and participants- that they will speak a word of truth for the glory of God, and for the sake of peace in Palestine and Israel.
The Human Rights organization, B'tselem, draws the attention to the way the Israeli army, violently, deals with peaceful demonstrations on the West-Bank, especially most recently, in the West-bank village of Nabi-Saleh near Ramallah. B'tselem fears that this is an indication of the way the Israeli army plans to deal with further peaceful demonstrations the Palestinians may hold to express the affirmation of their rights to statehood and self-determination. We pray that the Israeli government will itself recognize Palestinian rights and the right of people to demonstrate peacefully.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thursday, September 08, 2011
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, September 8, 2011
We are happy to join you again in the wave of prayer after the summer break throughout the month of August. The Sabeel staff are back from their vacation feeling refreshed and rested, to carry forward the ministry of Sabeel with renewed energy and vigour. We pray that they will be guided by your Spirit in their work and as they do their planning and visioning for the months ahead.
September is here and with it the beginning of the new school-year. It cheers the heart to see the hopeful faces of the school children as they go back to their school benches. We pray that this year will be a peaceful one, and that they will be able to reach their schools safely and without delays, despite the obstacles in their way: the wall, the checkpoints, the searches, the gates and the closures.
The beginning of September marked the end of the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting and prayer for our Muslim brothers and sisters. Sabeel extends its heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, to the Muslim and Arab world with our best wishes for peace and prosperity.
We pray for the upcoming witness visit from the 14th to the 22nd of September. This year we have a small group of eight people joining the tour. We pray for an enriching and fruitful visit that will enable the participants to see and learn, first hand, the situation on the ground. We pray that they will go back inspired and encouraged to continue the work of justice and peace for this troubled land. We also remember in our prayers all the people who helped organize this witness visit.
The countdown to the meeting of the UN General assembly has started. As we approach this crucial juncture in our history, we pray that the Palestinian Leadership will go well prepared to submit their just petition for Statehood before the international forum. We pray that the world body of nations will rise to its responsibility and accept Palestine as a member state alongside the other states of the world.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, September 8, 2011
We are happy to join you again in the wave of prayer after the summer break throughout the month of August. The Sabeel staff are back from their vacation feeling refreshed and rested, to carry forward the ministry of Sabeel with renewed energy and vigour. We pray that they will be guided by your Spirit in their work and as they do their planning and visioning for the months ahead.
September is here and with it the beginning of the new school-year. It cheers the heart to see the hopeful faces of the school children as they go back to their school benches. We pray that this year will be a peaceful one, and that they will be able to reach their schools safely and without delays, despite the obstacles in their way: the wall, the checkpoints, the searches, the gates and the closures.
The beginning of September marked the end of the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting and prayer for our Muslim brothers and sisters. Sabeel extends its heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, to the Muslim and Arab world with our best wishes for peace and prosperity.
We pray for the upcoming witness visit from the 14th to the 22nd of September. This year we have a small group of eight people joining the tour. We pray for an enriching and fruitful visit that will enable the participants to see and learn, first hand, the situation on the ground. We pray that they will go back inspired and encouraged to continue the work of justice and peace for this troubled land. We also remember in our prayers all the people who helped organize this witness visit.
The countdown to the meeting of the UN General assembly has started. As we approach this crucial juncture in our history, we pray that the Palestinian Leadership will go well prepared to submit their just petition for Statehood before the international forum. We pray that the world body of nations will rise to its responsibility and accept Palestine as a member state alongside the other states of the world.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, August 11, 2011
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, August 11, 2011
► We invite you to come and meet the local Christian community in the occupied territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Friends of Sabeel Witness Visit is scheduled for 14-23 September, there is still place for you to come and join the group. Experience the realities of the Palestinian community living under Israeli Occupation: the Wall, settlements, checkpoints, confiscated land and demolished homes, refugee camps, and environmental degradation. Meet and reflect with Palestinian Christians and Muslims as well as with Jewish Israelis and internationals who partner with Sabeel in non-violent resistance to the breaking of international and humanitarian law. We pray that those who will come and those who are considering this opportunity will be blessed by the experience. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
► As the Palestinian people from Occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, are working together on plans for a unified Palestine, we pray for their leadership during this process. We pray for clear and wise direction of the leaders as they discern the right path to take. As plans move forward for the recognition of Palestinian as a full member State of the United Nations in September, we pray, O Lord, that Your will be done with peace, justice and reconciliation. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
► As the revolutions for democracy in the Arab countries continue in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Syria, we realize that the struggle for and process of democracy are not easy. We pray that the revolutions will lead to freedom, democracy and human dignity of all of God's children. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
► The Sabeel office will be closed the rest of August, we will resume full programming and the Wave of Prayer in September, thank you for your continued prayers. We pray for Sabeel's staff who are on vacation. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
New Zealand, Australia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, August 4, 2011
► As the month of Ramadan begins, we pray with our Muslim brothers and sisters that they be given the strength to endure their fasting during the long hot days of the month to come. For Muslims in the occupied territories, we pray for peace and easy movement as people seek to travel between their homes, work and places of worship. In Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
► As the protests in Israel's streets and squares over housing shortages and high prices, wages and working conditions of doctors, and the high cost of living, have grown in number and gained momentum, the government is forced to respond. We pray that the Palestinian Arab citizens of the state will be included in any reforms to come, as they are the most disadvantaged sector of the population. We pray that the protests will also turn against the occupation of the Palestinian territories and the subjection of its people to unbearable living conditions. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
► As the revolutions for democracy in the Arab countries continue in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Syria, we realize that the struggle for and process of democracy are not easy. In Syria, and outbreaks of shelling continue, since mid-March more than 2,000 civilians and members of the army and security forces have been killed. We pray for the people of Syria, for the end of bloodshed and police brutality, for peace with justice, and for the end of oppression in all forms. We pray for democracy and liberty. We pray for human dignity of all of God's children. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
► We pray for Sabeel's Young Adult local weekly Bible Study. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Canada, United States of America
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, July 28, 2011
► As the lives of the 1.6 million people in the Gaza Strip continue to be vulnerable because of living under conditions of the siege, today, Palestinian fishermen are forced to fish too close to the shore line. Because when they venture too far into the deeper water, they are attacked by Israel. We pray for the end of the siege of the Gaza Strip so that the people will be able to meet their daily needs with human dignity with peace and justice. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► Last week, a young Norwegian man, a Christian extreme religious fanatic, who driven by hatred of Muslims killed 76 people including youth and young adults at a summer camp. We pray for an end of religious fanaticism in all religions and that religious faith will lead to tolerance rather than hatred. We pray for a country in mourning and confusion. We pray for the families whose children were taken from them. We pray, for all children who strive each day to live in peace with one another. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► More than 12 million people are affected by the worst drought in 60 years, which has wreaked havoc on war-torn Somalia and parts of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda. UN officials say the drought has killed tens of thousands of people over the past few months, and has forced desperate survivors to walk for weeks in search of food and water. We pray that the drought will come to an end and that those with abundance will share with those in need. We pray for human dignity of all of God's children who live under harsh conditions. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► We continue to pray for the second week of Sabeel's 6 International Young Adult Conference "Christianity in the East, Islam in the West: Prophetic Voices from Palestine and Israel." As the 50 participants and leaders continue to process their experiences, we pray that each person will be a strong witness to your truth for peace and justice. As the international participants prepare to return to their home countries, we pray that their travels will be uneventful. We pray for the Sabeel staff who will be on vacation in August. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, July 21, 2011
► As water is a source of life, we pray for the people living in Occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem who continue to live with restricted water supplies, especially during the hot summer days, while others in Israel and in the settlements have uninterrupted access to water. We pray for the Palestinian farmers and people affected by Israel's recent destruction of water wells and water pumps in the Jordan Valley. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► Last week, Israel passed a new law against individuals and groups who support Boycott against Israeli and settlement products. We pray, for all those who will courageously continue to use non-violent methods to resist the injustice of the occupation - that your grace and justice will prevail. We pray that the non-violent actions will help bring the occupation to an end. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► Since 2009, Israel ceased processing family-reunification applications in the West Bank. This has forced many Palestinian families to live separately because of being denied proper papers. Thousands of babies have been denied registration and birth certificates. We pray for the children of God who continue to live without full human rights and dignity. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► We pray for Sabeel's 6th International Young Adult Conference "Christianity in the East, Islam in the West: Prophetic Voices from Palestine and Israel." We pray for the leaders and participants from 11 countries that will encounter Your presence in their lives in a most profound manner as they meet and speak with local Christians, Muslims, and Jews. May they be witnesses to your truth. We pray for the Women's Pot-luck gathering this evening, may your grace and peace be present with those who seek to be closer in their walk with you. We thank You, God, for the opportunities proffered people who seek to make a Christian difference with their lives. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, August 11, 2011
► We invite you to come and meet the local Christian community in the occupied territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Friends of Sabeel Witness Visit is scheduled for 14-23 September, there is still place for you to come and join the group. Experience the realities of the Palestinian community living under Israeli Occupation: the Wall, settlements, checkpoints, confiscated land and demolished homes, refugee camps, and environmental degradation. Meet and reflect with Palestinian Christians and Muslims as well as with Jewish Israelis and internationals who partner with Sabeel in non-violent resistance to the breaking of international and humanitarian law. We pray that those who will come and those who are considering this opportunity will be blessed by the experience. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
► As the Palestinian people from Occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, are working together on plans for a unified Palestine, we pray for their leadership during this process. We pray for clear and wise direction of the leaders as they discern the right path to take. As plans move forward for the recognition of Palestinian as a full member State of the United Nations in September, we pray, O Lord, that Your will be done with peace, justice and reconciliation. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
► As the revolutions for democracy in the Arab countries continue in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Syria, we realize that the struggle for and process of democracy are not easy. We pray that the revolutions will lead to freedom, democracy and human dignity of all of God's children. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
► The Sabeel office will be closed the rest of August, we will resume full programming and the Wave of Prayer in September, thank you for your continued prayers. We pray for Sabeel's staff who are on vacation. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
New Zealand, Australia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, August 4, 2011
► As the month of Ramadan begins, we pray with our Muslim brothers and sisters that they be given the strength to endure their fasting during the long hot days of the month to come. For Muslims in the occupied territories, we pray for peace and easy movement as people seek to travel between their homes, work and places of worship. In Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
► As the protests in Israel's streets and squares over housing shortages and high prices, wages and working conditions of doctors, and the high cost of living, have grown in number and gained momentum, the government is forced to respond. We pray that the Palestinian Arab citizens of the state will be included in any reforms to come, as they are the most disadvantaged sector of the population. We pray that the protests will also turn against the occupation of the Palestinian territories and the subjection of its people to unbearable living conditions. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
► As the revolutions for democracy in the Arab countries continue in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Syria, we realize that the struggle for and process of democracy are not easy. In Syria, and outbreaks of shelling continue, since mid-March more than 2,000 civilians and members of the army and security forces have been killed. We pray for the people of Syria, for the end of bloodshed and police brutality, for peace with justice, and for the end of oppression in all forms. We pray for democracy and liberty. We pray for human dignity of all of God's children. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
► We pray for Sabeel's Young Adult local weekly Bible Study. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Canada, United States of America
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, July 28, 2011
► As the lives of the 1.6 million people in the Gaza Strip continue to be vulnerable because of living under conditions of the siege, today, Palestinian fishermen are forced to fish too close to the shore line. Because when they venture too far into the deeper water, they are attacked by Israel. We pray for the end of the siege of the Gaza Strip so that the people will be able to meet their daily needs with human dignity with peace and justice. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► Last week, a young Norwegian man, a Christian extreme religious fanatic, who driven by hatred of Muslims killed 76 people including youth and young adults at a summer camp. We pray for an end of religious fanaticism in all religions and that religious faith will lead to tolerance rather than hatred. We pray for a country in mourning and confusion. We pray for the families whose children were taken from them. We pray, for all children who strive each day to live in peace with one another. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► More than 12 million people are affected by the worst drought in 60 years, which has wreaked havoc on war-torn Somalia and parts of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda. UN officials say the drought has killed tens of thousands of people over the past few months, and has forced desperate survivors to walk for weeks in search of food and water. We pray that the drought will come to an end and that those with abundance will share with those in need. We pray for human dignity of all of God's children who live under harsh conditions. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► We continue to pray for the second week of Sabeel's 6 International Young Adult Conference "Christianity in the East, Islam in the West: Prophetic Voices from Palestine and Israel." As the 50 participants and leaders continue to process their experiences, we pray that each person will be a strong witness to your truth for peace and justice. As the international participants prepare to return to their home countries, we pray that their travels will be uneventful. We pray for the Sabeel staff who will be on vacation in August. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, July 21, 2011
► As water is a source of life, we pray for the people living in Occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem who continue to live with restricted water supplies, especially during the hot summer days, while others in Israel and in the settlements have uninterrupted access to water. We pray for the Palestinian farmers and people affected by Israel's recent destruction of water wells and water pumps in the Jordan Valley. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► Last week, Israel passed a new law against individuals and groups who support Boycott against Israeli and settlement products. We pray, for all those who will courageously continue to use non-violent methods to resist the injustice of the occupation - that your grace and justice will prevail. We pray that the non-violent actions will help bring the occupation to an end. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► Since 2009, Israel ceased processing family-reunification applications in the West Bank. This has forced many Palestinian families to live separately because of being denied proper papers. Thousands of babies have been denied registration and birth certificates. We pray for the children of God who continue to live without full human rights and dignity. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► We pray for Sabeel's 6th International Young Adult Conference "Christianity in the East, Islam in the West: Prophetic Voices from Palestine and Israel." We pray for the leaders and participants from 11 countries that will encounter Your presence in their lives in a most profound manner as they meet and speak with local Christians, Muslims, and Jews. May they be witnesses to your truth. We pray for the Women's Pot-luck gathering this evening, may your grace and peace be present with those who seek to be closer in their walk with you. We thank You, God, for the opportunities proffered people who seek to make a Christian difference with their lives. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, July 14, 2011
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, July 14, 2011
►As the illegal siege of the Gaza Strip, and the occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem continues, we pray for the activists who were participating in the "Welcome to Palestine" campaign. More than 800 international non-violent activists were to fly into Ben Gurion International Airport on a peaceful mission to visit Palestinian families last Friday. We pray for the activists who were prevented from boarding the planes by airlines following a directive given by Israel and for the 120 activists who were jailed in two Israeli facilities. We pray for people to have the courage to stand up for peace and justice. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► After four decades of warfare and confrontation in Sudan which have caused an estimated death toll of more than two million people and destroyed much of the region's infrastructure, we pray for the creation of the new state of South Sudan. We pray that peace, justice, and reconciliation between Sudan and South Sudan will be possible. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► We pray for the many Palestinians who work hard for their families. This month the Palestinian Authority is only able to pay its workers half of their salary. The PA is dependent upon foreign aid from governments and non-governmental organizations because of the ongoing occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. We pray for the current reality in which workers in many positions may not receive their salaries in the months to come because of the US Congress's recent passing of a bill which will end support to the PA if its leaders ask the United Nations to recognize Palestine as a member state in September. We pray for the end of the illegal occupation. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► We pray for Sabeel's programs in Nazareth for the children, youth, young adults and women as they have final programs before their August break. We pray for Sabeel's Young Adult Single's dinner and program this Friday, may the more than 70 participants and leaders be blessed. We continue to pray for the participants from 11 countries that will soon arrive in Jerusalem for the 6th Annual Young Adult's Conference "Christianity in the East, Islam in the West: Prophetic Voices from Palestine and Israel." We thank You, God, for the young people who want to make a Christian difference with their lives. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, July 7, 2011
► As the illegal siege of the 1.6 million people who live in the Gaza Strip without freedom and human dignity continues, we pray for the approximately 500 conscience minded people from around the world who plan to fly into Ben Gurion International Airport on Friday in a non-violent act of solidarity with the Palestinian people. We pray for those on the Freedom Flotilla II who have been turned back from coming into Gaza. As new plans are underway for those coming by air and sea, we pray that the illegal siege of Gaza will come to an end so that peace, justice, and hope may be realized. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► We pray for the group of Protestant pastors in the Netherlands who signed a petition last week to call on the Protestant Church to break all bonds with Sabeel. We pray, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." We pray that they will start to understand that having a bond with the Jewish people does not imply the condoning of injustice against the Palestinians, and that following Christ includes working for peace and justice for all God's children. We pray for wisdom and courage for both Friends of Sabeel and the churches in the Netherlands, to continue to work for a just peace in Israel and Palestine. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
► We pray for the participants and leaders of the Clergy Wives Retreat this week. May they find moments of rest and rejuvenation. We also pray for Sabeel's Youth and Young Adult ministries and programs through bible studies and the upcoming Single's dinner. We thank You, God, for the young people who want to make a Christian difference with their lives. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Colombia, Equador, Venezuela
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, June 30, 2011
► We pray for the passengers including the journalists from around the world who are joining the Gaza Freedom Flotilla II which sets sail soon. We continue to hold in prayer the over 500 people from 22 countries on board the 9 boats heading for Gaza in an attempt to break Israel's illegal blockade of the Strip. We pray for the 1.6 million people of Gaza who continue to live without freedom and human dignity, may those who come on the Flotilla with humanitarian aid bring awareness to the world about these realities and may all be surrounded with your presence for peace and justice.
► We pray for peace and justice as 100 gravestones from the Mamilla Muslim Arab Cemetery were destroyed on Sunday night by the Israeli authorities who plan to build a Museum of Tolerance on this 12th century cemetery in Jerusalem. We pray that the Israeli authorities stop the desecration of Muslim cemeteries and the confiscation of the Waqf Land (Muslim Religious Trust).
► We give you thanks for the return of about 150 acres of the 490 confiscated acres of land to the village of Bil'in after years of legal procedures, non-violent demonstrations and loss of life. We continue to pray for communities whose land has been taken from them illegally and violently. We thank you for the persistence and non-violent resistance of the Palestinian people in the midst of the legal proceedings.
► We pray for the participants and leaders of the Annual International Women's Methodist conference in the UK. We also pray for Hind Khoury member of the Sabeel Executive Board and a former Palestinian diplomat, who will speak at the conference and will raise "The Voice of a Palestinian Christian Mother." We also pray for participants and leaders of the Sabeel 6th Annual International Young Adult Conference as preparations are being made and plans finalized. May all who participate be moved by Your spirit in truth.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Bolivia, Chile, Peru
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, June 23, 2011
► As the Gaza Freedom Flotilla II sets sail we hold in prayer the over 500 people from 22 countries on board the 10 boats heading for Gaza in an attempt to break Israel's illegal blockade of the Strip. With memories of the 9 flotilla members killed the First Freedom Flotilla last year and with the Israeli military's statements that it will use force if necessary this year to prevent a breaking of the blockade, we pray for the safety of all involved and for an end to the 5 year old blockade that has deprived Gaza's 1.6 million residents of freedom and human dignity and created a humanitarian crisis.
► We pray for all the Palestinian children who are routinely arrested and held without charge by Israeli authorities, especially remembering the 8 year old boy in Hebron whose arrest Christian Peacemaker Teams witnessed on Sunday, June 19. We are encouraged by children and young adults who are nonviolently acting and speaking out against the occupation that affects every part of their lives, including Jalal Abukhater, a 16 year old Palestinian blogger from Jerusalem who is a part of the growing movement using social media (http://www.salem-news.com/articles/june102011/palestine-citizen-ja.php).
► We hold in prayer the families affected by Monday's demolition where Israeli bulldozers destroyed homes in the Bedouin herding encampment of Khirbet Bir Al-Idd, displacing 60 men, women and children. We pray for an end to this policy of demolishing Bedouin villages, of which this is the latest in a series over the past months: including on June 14 the Jordan Valley Bedouin community of Fasayil was demolished, in March tent homes were demolished near Tubas and in April homes in the same area were demolished and shepherd dwellings in the northern valley were destroyed.
► We pray for participants and leaders of the Sabeel Women's program on Friday where participants from the Jerusalem and Nazareth areas will visit the villages of Abboud and Bir Zeit, visiting Christian Holy sites and learning about the archeological, historical and contemporary importance of these villages. We also thank God for the Nazareth staff who continue to offer programs and gatherings, including last week's meeting of Christian and Jewish women working for peace and justice and the Children's program for Pentecost.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, June 16, 2011
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, June 16, 2011
► We remember in prayer all of the people of Gaza as this week marks five years under Israeli siege, especially with the report just released by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) that Gaza continues to hold one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, with over 45.2% of working age people unemployed in the second half of 2010. We pray for an end to this destructive siege on the 1.6 million people of the Gaza Strip.
► As the situation in Syria deteriorates, we pray for all those caught in and fleeing the violence, including the over 7,000 refugees who have crossed into Turkey and the even larger number of people remaining just inside the Syrian border. We continue to hold in prayer all those striving for freedom, including the people of Bahrain, Libya, Palestine and Tunisia.
► We pray for all those in Africa who join us each week in the Wave of Prayer. As written by our South African friends, may we continue to "create 'kairos moments' in our own contexts," challenging "anything that seeks to kill and demean humans by using non-violent means to bring about just solutions."
► We pray for Sabeel's upcoming Community program on Friday, June 17: a Pentecost Picnic in the remains of Imwas, Yalo and Beit Nuba, Palestinian villages whose residents were driven out in 1967 by the Israeli authorities and their land turned into Canada Park. May this be a fruitful time of education, remembrance and fellowship.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Brazil
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, June 16, 2011
► We remember in prayer all of the people of Gaza as this week marks five years under Israeli siege, especially with the report just released by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) that Gaza continues to hold one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, with over 45.2% of working age people unemployed in the second half of 2010. We pray for an end to this destructive siege on the 1.6 million people of the Gaza Strip.
► As the situation in Syria deteriorates, we pray for all those caught in and fleeing the violence, including the over 7,000 refugees who have crossed into Turkey and the even larger number of people remaining just inside the Syrian border. We continue to hold in prayer all those striving for freedom, including the people of Bahrain, Libya, Palestine and Tunisia.
► We pray for all those in Africa who join us each week in the Wave of Prayer. As written by our South African friends, may we continue to "create 'kairos moments' in our own contexts," challenging "anything that seeks to kill and demean humans by using non-violent means to bring about just solutions."
► We pray for Sabeel's upcoming Community program on Friday, June 17: a Pentecost Picnic in the remains of Imwas, Yalo and Beit Nuba, Palestinian villages whose residents were driven out in 1967 by the Israeli authorities and their land turned into Canada Park. May this be a fruitful time of education, remembrance and fellowship.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Brazil
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Friday, June 03, 2011
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.
Sabeel Wave of Prayer, Thursday, June 2, 2011
► With this week's commemoration of the 1967 War marking Israel's invasion and control of East Jerusalem, Gaza, the Golan Heights and the West Bank, and especially with the Jewish celebrations for Jerusalem Day, which marks the “unification of Jerusalem” in violation of International Law, set to take place in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, we remember in prayer all those who became refugees during this Naksa, or “setback,” and those who continue to suffer under forty-four years of illegal Israeli occupation. Our prayers and actions remain for a just resolution based on the 1967 borders, which has long been the basis for negotiations to ensure peace for everyone in this land.
► Our prayers are with all the people of Gaza as the Rafah passageway, Gaza's sole official border crossing with Egypt, opened for the public on Saturday, May 28. As documented residents of Gaza are now able to travel for the first time in four years, we remember the many refugees and others without identification documents that are still unable to cross. We pray that this will be the first step to a better future for Gaza as an area free of military raids, tight border constrictions and closures.
► We pray for the Thursday, June 2, Sabeel Young Adult program of hiking through the depopulated village of Lifta, whose Palestinian residents were expelled in 1948. Originally meant as a program for young adults from the West Bank who have permits to visit Jerusalem for Ascension Day, we especially pray for all those who were not granted permits, who are a majority of the young adults this year. We also pray for Sabeel's upcoming Prayer Service for the peace of Jerusalem on Wednesday, June 8, held in remembrance of the occupation of Jerusalem in 1967 as a part of activities for the World Week of Peace in Palestine and Israel.
► We pray for all those in Europe who pray with us each week through the Wave of Prayer. As the European Union plays an increasingly vital role for a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we pray that all those working towards a just peace in the Middle East will find support and realization of those goals.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland (http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, May 26, 2011
We pray for participants in World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, a World Council of Churches initiative taking place May 29-June 4 that encourages prayer, education, and advocacy in support of a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel. As people of faith around the world gather next week in prayer and action, we pray that God will change the hearts of those who maintain the occupation, filling them with a desire for justice and peace, and that all those who continue to suffer from oppression and violence will find reprieve. We also join Sabeel in prayer for the peace of Jerusalem: http://sabeel.org/news.php?eventid=206.
As the Palestinian schools and universities finish another school year this week and enter the summer holidays, we pray for the wellbeing of all the children and young adults who are the promise of the future. We especially pray for all the students graduating this year; may God's blessing and peace be upon them and help guide them through the next stages in life.
This weekend, May 28 and 29, a joint Sabeel Jerusalem/Nazareth Young Adult program will bring together youth from the Galilee, Jerusalem and the West Bank to commemorate the Nakba in the Galilee. As they join Christian and Muslim youth from the area on Saturday to clean the church and mosque in the Palestinian village of al-Bassa that was depopulated in 1948 and to visit and worship on Sunday in the village of Kufr Yasif, we pray that this time of remembering the past nakba, or catastrophe, will help all of us work to end the ongoing nakba.
We pray for all of those who pray with us each week through the Wave of Prayer in North America, that they would be encouraged and strengthened to work from their own countries for peace with justice for all people. Especially as the Canadian government continues strictly pro-Israel rhetoric and after Obama's and Netanyahu's meetings with AIPAC and the US Congress, we pray for the increasingly important grassroots movements and advocacy in North America.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Botswana, Zimbabwe
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, May 19, 2011
► We pray for the family and community of Milad Ayiash, a sixteen year old Palestinian boy who died Saturday morning after being shot in the stomach during East Jerusalem's Friday demonstrations to commemorate the Nakba, the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes during the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. We continue to pray for a just and lasting solution to this conflict that has brought such pain the last 63 years, so that future generations may live in peace.
► Nonviolent mass protests on Nakba Day, Sunday May 15, in Gaza, the West Bank and along Israel's borders with Syria and Lebanon left as many as 16 dead, hundreds injured and many arrested. We pray for all those affected by the military's violence and that this grassroots movement will inspire the political activity and discussions in the US, Israel and the Palestinian territories this week towards bold and positive change that will bring an end to the suffering all around.
► We pray for the participants in the joint Jerusalem-Nazareth Sabeel Clergy and Women program on Tuesday, May 24. Women from Jerusalem, Nazareth, and several villages in the West Bank will visit Kufur-Qud, Burqiin and Zababdeh to discuss challenges facing women, study the Bible and worship together. We pray that this time of fellowship and learning from each other will lead to closer relationships among these Christian communities. We also pray for Sabeel Nazareth's programs this week: a lecture with Mr. Foud Farah about the Christian Presence in the Holy Land on Wednesday, May 18, as well as a children's program about the Nakba on Saturday, May 21.
► Our prayers are with the organizers, speakers and participants of the Friends of Sabeel UK Conference and Annual General Meeting titled "Christianity, Zionism and Justice?" on Saturday, May 21, 2011. We pray that speakers Prof Ilan Pappé and Rev Stephen Sizer will inspire new conversations and actions towards a better understanding of the nature of the conflict and ways to a peaceful resolution. We also pray for safe travels and open audiences as Rev Naim Ateek speaks in Germany this week.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Malawi, Zambia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, May 12, 2011
We pray for the people of Egypt where 12 people died and more than 180 were wounded in clashes last Saturday after Salafi (extremist) Muslims attacked a Church in the Imbaba neighborhood of Cairo. During the Egyptian revolution, Christians and Muslims demonstrated and prayed alongside each other. But in March 13 people died in sectarian clashes in another neighborhood. We pray that the new Egyptian Government will equally protect the human and religious rights of all citizens and that both communities will respect each other and live together peacefully.
As Israel celebrated Independence Day on Tuesday May 10, and the Palestinians commemorate the Nakba (catastrophe) on Sunday May 15, despite the recent Israeli Knesset Law severely restricting such commemorations, we pray for a just and lasting resolution of the conflict. We pray especially for the millions of Palestinian refugees in the Arab countries, in the West-Bank and the Gaza-Strip, in the diaspora around the world and inside Israel, who are still longing for the implementation of their legitimate Right of Return according to International Law. We thank God for the few brave Israelis who organized a Nakba commemoration in Tel Aviv on Monday evening May 9.
As the Kairos Palestine document called on people from around the world to 'Come and See', we pray for more participation in our upcoming Young Adult Conference on July 20- 31 and Witness Visit on September 14- 23. We pray for the Sabeel staff and volunteers who are organizing the programs, and for the participants that they will be encouraged to work for a just peace in Israel and Palestine.
We pray for the programs organized by the Sabeel Nazareth branch in the Galilee this week. This Friday, young Palestinian Christians in Nazareth gather for a workshop entitled "Living in a Pluralistic Society: how to respect each other and work together". This workshop will be led by a Palestinian-Israeli Muslim. We pray that this workshop will inspire the young people to approach every human being as a beautiful creation of God, who deserves to be loved and respected.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Kenya, Tanzania
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Sabeel Wave of Prayer, Thursday, June 2, 2011
► With this week's commemoration of the 1967 War marking Israel's invasion and control of East Jerusalem, Gaza, the Golan Heights and the West Bank, and especially with the Jewish celebrations for Jerusalem Day, which marks the “unification of Jerusalem” in violation of International Law, set to take place in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, we remember in prayer all those who became refugees during this Naksa, or “setback,” and those who continue to suffer under forty-four years of illegal Israeli occupation. Our prayers and actions remain for a just resolution based on the 1967 borders, which has long been the basis for negotiations to ensure peace for everyone in this land.
► Our prayers are with all the people of Gaza as the Rafah passageway, Gaza's sole official border crossing with Egypt, opened for the public on Saturday, May 28. As documented residents of Gaza are now able to travel for the first time in four years, we remember the many refugees and others without identification documents that are still unable to cross. We pray that this will be the first step to a better future for Gaza as an area free of military raids, tight border constrictions and closures.
► We pray for the Thursday, June 2, Sabeel Young Adult program of hiking through the depopulated village of Lifta, whose Palestinian residents were expelled in 1948. Originally meant as a program for young adults from the West Bank who have permits to visit Jerusalem for Ascension Day, we especially pray for all those who were not granted permits, who are a majority of the young adults this year. We also pray for Sabeel's upcoming Prayer Service for the peace of Jerusalem on Wednesday, June 8, held in remembrance of the occupation of Jerusalem in 1967 as a part of activities for the World Week of Peace in Palestine and Israel.
► We pray for all those in Europe who pray with us each week through the Wave of Prayer. As the European Union plays an increasingly vital role for a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we pray that all those working towards a just peace in the Middle East will find support and realization of those goals.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland (http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, May 26, 2011
We pray for participants in World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, a World Council of Churches initiative taking place May 29-June 4 that encourages prayer, education, and advocacy in support of a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel. As people of faith around the world gather next week in prayer and action, we pray that God will change the hearts of those who maintain the occupation, filling them with a desire for justice and peace, and that all those who continue to suffer from oppression and violence will find reprieve. We also join Sabeel in prayer for the peace of Jerusalem: http://sabeel.org/news.php?eventid=206.
As the Palestinian schools and universities finish another school year this week and enter the summer holidays, we pray for the wellbeing of all the children and young adults who are the promise of the future. We especially pray for all the students graduating this year; may God's blessing and peace be upon them and help guide them through the next stages in life.
This weekend, May 28 and 29, a joint Sabeel Jerusalem/Nazareth Young Adult program will bring together youth from the Galilee, Jerusalem and the West Bank to commemorate the Nakba in the Galilee. As they join Christian and Muslim youth from the area on Saturday to clean the church and mosque in the Palestinian village of al-Bassa that was depopulated in 1948 and to visit and worship on Sunday in the village of Kufr Yasif, we pray that this time of remembering the past nakba, or catastrophe, will help all of us work to end the ongoing nakba.
We pray for all of those who pray with us each week through the Wave of Prayer in North America, that they would be encouraged and strengthened to work from their own countries for peace with justice for all people. Especially as the Canadian government continues strictly pro-Israel rhetoric and after Obama's and Netanyahu's meetings with AIPAC and the US Congress, we pray for the increasingly important grassroots movements and advocacy in North America.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Botswana, Zimbabwe
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, May 19, 2011
► We pray for the family and community of Milad Ayiash, a sixteen year old Palestinian boy who died Saturday morning after being shot in the stomach during East Jerusalem's Friday demonstrations to commemorate the Nakba, the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes during the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. We continue to pray for a just and lasting solution to this conflict that has brought such pain the last 63 years, so that future generations may live in peace.
► Nonviolent mass protests on Nakba Day, Sunday May 15, in Gaza, the West Bank and along Israel's borders with Syria and Lebanon left as many as 16 dead, hundreds injured and many arrested. We pray for all those affected by the military's violence and that this grassroots movement will inspire the political activity and discussions in the US, Israel and the Palestinian territories this week towards bold and positive change that will bring an end to the suffering all around.
► We pray for the participants in the joint Jerusalem-Nazareth Sabeel Clergy and Women program on Tuesday, May 24. Women from Jerusalem, Nazareth, and several villages in the West Bank will visit Kufur-Qud, Burqiin and Zababdeh to discuss challenges facing women, study the Bible and worship together. We pray that this time of fellowship and learning from each other will lead to closer relationships among these Christian communities. We also pray for Sabeel Nazareth's programs this week: a lecture with Mr. Foud Farah about the Christian Presence in the Holy Land on Wednesday, May 18, as well as a children's program about the Nakba on Saturday, May 21.
► Our prayers are with the organizers, speakers and participants of the Friends of Sabeel UK Conference and Annual General Meeting titled "Christianity, Zionism and Justice?" on Saturday, May 21, 2011. We pray that speakers Prof Ilan Pappé and Rev Stephen Sizer will inspire new conversations and actions towards a better understanding of the nature of the conflict and ways to a peaceful resolution. We also pray for safe travels and open audiences as Rev Naim Ateek speaks in Germany this week.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Malawi, Zambia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, May 12, 2011
We pray for the people of Egypt where 12 people died and more than 180 were wounded in clashes last Saturday after Salafi (extremist) Muslims attacked a Church in the Imbaba neighborhood of Cairo. During the Egyptian revolution, Christians and Muslims demonstrated and prayed alongside each other. But in March 13 people died in sectarian clashes in another neighborhood. We pray that the new Egyptian Government will equally protect the human and religious rights of all citizens and that both communities will respect each other and live together peacefully.
As Israel celebrated Independence Day on Tuesday May 10, and the Palestinians commemorate the Nakba (catastrophe) on Sunday May 15, despite the recent Israeli Knesset Law severely restricting such commemorations, we pray for a just and lasting resolution of the conflict. We pray especially for the millions of Palestinian refugees in the Arab countries, in the West-Bank and the Gaza-Strip, in the diaspora around the world and inside Israel, who are still longing for the implementation of their legitimate Right of Return according to International Law. We thank God for the few brave Israelis who organized a Nakba commemoration in Tel Aviv on Monday evening May 9.
As the Kairos Palestine document called on people from around the world to 'Come and See', we pray for more participation in our upcoming Young Adult Conference on July 20- 31 and Witness Visit on September 14- 23. We pray for the Sabeel staff and volunteers who are organizing the programs, and for the participants that they will be encouraged to work for a just peace in Israel and Palestine.
We pray for the programs organized by the Sabeel Nazareth branch in the Galilee this week. This Friday, young Palestinian Christians in Nazareth gather for a workshop entitled "Living in a Pluralistic Society: how to respect each other and work together". This workshop will be led by a Palestinian-Israeli Muslim. We pray that this workshop will inspire the young people to approach every human being as a beautiful creation of God, who deserves to be loved and respected.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Kenya, Tanzania
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, May 05, 2011
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 5, 2011
► We pray for genuine unity in Palestine as Fatah and Hamas signed a reconciliation deal in Cairo on Wednesday that includes the formation of an interim government and elections within a year. We pray that this long-called for reconciliation between the West Bank and Gaza, as well as Egypt's announcement to open the Rafah border with Gaza, will help lead to the even longer desired lift of the siege of Gaza, end to the Israeli occupation and a sustainable future for Palestine.
► As Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day was commemorated on April 24 and Holocaust Remembrance Day was commemorated in Israel on May 2, we remember all those who have been affected by the violent and devastating actions of racism, discrimination and hatred. We pray that we can all learn from the past to stop current and future violent manifestations of intolerance.
► Our prayers are with the people of Nablus, who in recent weeks have experienced increasing right-wing Jewish settler activity centered on unauthorized attempts for a permanent Israeli presence at Joseph's tomb despite available Israeli armed escort to the tomb. With the settler's voiced plan to start a settlement in the heart of Nablus in a similar fashion to how the first settlement began in Hebron, we pray for an end to these attempts and the increased violence and military presence in Nablus that they entail.
► We hold in prayer the participants of Sabeel's post-Easter programs in Jerusalem: the Clergy Meeting on Wednesday, May 4, and the Young Adult BBQ on Friday, May 6. As these ecumenical gatherings take advantage of holiday permission given to some Palestinian Christians to enter Jerusalem during the Easter season, we pray that the clergy and youth from the different churches in Israel, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank will be inspired with ideas to serve the community in new ways.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Sudan, Uganda
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, May 5, 2011
► We pray for genuine unity in Palestine as Fatah and Hamas signed a reconciliation deal in Cairo on Wednesday that includes the formation of an interim government and elections within a year. We pray that this long-called for reconciliation between the West Bank and Gaza, as well as Egypt's announcement to open the Rafah border with Gaza, will help lead to the even longer desired lift of the siege of Gaza, end to the Israeli occupation and a sustainable future for Palestine.
► As Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day was commemorated on April 24 and Holocaust Remembrance Day was commemorated in Israel on May 2, we remember all those who have been affected by the violent and devastating actions of racism, discrimination and hatred. We pray that we can all learn from the past to stop current and future violent manifestations of intolerance.
► Our prayers are with the people of Nablus, who in recent weeks have experienced increasing right-wing Jewish settler activity centered on unauthorized attempts for a permanent Israeli presence at Joseph's tomb despite available Israeli armed escort to the tomb. With the settler's voiced plan to start a settlement in the heart of Nablus in a similar fashion to how the first settlement began in Hebron, we pray for an end to these attempts and the increased violence and military presence in Nablus that they entail.
► We hold in prayer the participants of Sabeel's post-Easter programs in Jerusalem: the Clergy Meeting on Wednesday, May 4, and the Young Adult BBQ on Friday, May 6. As these ecumenical gatherings take advantage of holiday permission given to some Palestinian Christians to enter Jerusalem during the Easter season, we pray that the clergy and youth from the different churches in Israel, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank will be inspired with ideas to serve the community in new ways.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Sudan, Uganda
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
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