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 28, 2009
As Israel moves closer to banning commemorations of the Palestinian Nakba, we pray that God will stop this unjust law from coming into effect. This and a law requiring a loyalty oath of all citizens are the latest measures facing the Arab population of Israel. May the day come soon when discrimination is replaced with equity and respect.
President Obama is currently preparing to address the Arab world on June 4 in Cairo. We pray that whatever Middle East policy he articulates will be solidly rooted in a commitment to justice. It is our prayer that he will listen to wise advisors and have the courage to make the difficult changes that are necessary for peace.
Next Thursday the World Council of Churches "World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel" begins. We are thankful for the worldwide community spanning more than 38 countries that will join together in prayer, education, and advocacy in the cause of justice.
This Pentecost, we remember how the way of eternal life began in Jerusalem and spread throughout the world to all people through the sending of the Holy Spirit. We pray for closer understanding and unity among the different members of the one church, so that we can better bring about Christ's vision of the Kingdom.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
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, Thursday, 14th of May, 2009
The Dutch Witness Visit begins this Thursday and lasts until May 23. We pray for Sabeel staff member, Meta Floor, as she coordinates and leads this visit with the assistance of newly arrived Dutch volunteer, Freek van der Veen. We pray for the 16 participants as they meet with Israelis and Palestinians, as they hear their stories and see first hand the conditions under which the people live. We pray that they will return home from their experience challenged and empowered to speak and act on behalf of peace and justice.
On May 12th, a new Palestinian interim government was formed and will function until a more representative leadership can be agreed upon. We pray that dialogue will continue between Fatah and Hamas in order to create a more inclusive Palestinian government in the future.
May 15th is the day that Palestinians commemorate the Nakba, or the Catastrophe that resulted in the displacement and dispossession of 750,000 Palestinians. We pray for the refugees of the Nakba around the world and their following generations as they struggle with issues of rights and identity. We also pray for those affected by the ongoing Nakba, the continued displacement of Palestinians today in the form of land expropriation, home demolitions and evictions.
As the Pope’s visit to the Holy Land is coming to an end, we pray that he will convey the reality of his experience to other world leaders, both political and religious, inspiring them to work urgently for a just peace for Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, May 7, 2009
After several months of discernment, evaluation and prayer, Christian Peacemaker Teams have chosen to restart their Hebron team. We thank God for CPT's presence in the midst of violence and settlement expansion. We pray that they may remain safe and resolute in their work of "getting in the way."
Pope Benedict XVI will arrive in Israel and Palestine on Saturday. We pray that he will have opportunity to see and comprehend the realities of life in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. May his pilgrimage offer encouragement to the shrinking Palestinian Christian community who are leaving because of the brutality of living under occupation.
This weekend, Sabeel will host a dialogue event for young adults from Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Nazareth. The participants will spend two days together enjoying cultural events, sharing meals, and cleaning a Muslim cemetery and a church in Ma'lul, a mixed Christian/Muslim village that was depopulated during the Palestinian Nakba of 1948. We pray that these young adults will develop new relationships and learn from the story of Ma'lul.
Last Friday, the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued a report highlighting the issues of house demolitions and evictions of Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the increase in Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem. The UN called on Israel to uphold the Geneva Convention. We pray that Israel will follow this path and seek to act legally and justly.
** World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, 4-10 June 2009 **
www.worldweekforpeace.org
During the week, churches in different countries send a clear signal to policy-makers, interested publics and their own parishes about the urgent need for a peace settlement that secures the legitimate rights and future of both peoples. Participants are requested to plan their activities around these points:
1. Pray with churches living under occupation, using a special prayer from Jerusalem.
2. Educate about actions that make for peace and about facts on the ground that do not,
especially, settlements in occupied territory.
3. Advocate with political leaders using ecumenical policies that promote peace with justice.
Wave of Prayer, Thursday, 14th of May, 2009
The Dutch Witness Visit begins this Thursday and lasts until May 23. We pray for Sabeel staff member, Meta Floor, as she coordinates and leads this visit with the assistance of newly arrived Dutch volunteer, Freek van der Veen. We pray for the 16 participants as they meet with Israelis and Palestinians, as they hear their stories and see first hand the conditions under which the people live. We pray that they will return home from their experience challenged and empowered to speak and act on behalf of peace and justice.
On May 12th, a new Palestinian interim government was formed and will function until a more representative leadership can be agreed upon. We pray that dialogue will continue between Fatah and Hamas in order to create a more inclusive Palestinian government in the future.
May 15th is the day that Palestinians commemorate the Nakba, or the Catastrophe that resulted in the displacement and dispossession of 750,000 Palestinians. We pray for the refugees of the Nakba around the world and their following generations as they struggle with issues of rights and identity. We also pray for those affected by the ongoing Nakba, the continued displacement of Palestinians today in the form of land expropriation, home demolitions and evictions.
As the Pope’s visit to the Holy Land is coming to an end, we pray that he will convey the reality of his experience to other world leaders, both political and religious, inspiring them to work urgently for a just peace for Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, May 7, 2009
After several months of discernment, evaluation and prayer, Christian Peacemaker Teams have chosen to restart their Hebron team. We thank God for CPT's presence in the midst of violence and settlement expansion. We pray that they may remain safe and resolute in their work of "getting in the way."
Pope Benedict XVI will arrive in Israel and Palestine on Saturday. We pray that he will have opportunity to see and comprehend the realities of life in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. May his pilgrimage offer encouragement to the shrinking Palestinian Christian community who are leaving because of the brutality of living under occupation.
This weekend, Sabeel will host a dialogue event for young adults from Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Nazareth. The participants will spend two days together enjoying cultural events, sharing meals, and cleaning a Muslim cemetery and a church in Ma'lul, a mixed Christian/Muslim village that was depopulated during the Palestinian Nakba of 1948. We pray that these young adults will develop new relationships and learn from the story of Ma'lul.
Last Friday, the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued a report highlighting the issues of house demolitions and evictions of Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the increase in Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem. The UN called on Israel to uphold the Geneva Convention. We pray that Israel will follow this path and seek to act legally and justly.
** World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, 4-10 June 2009 **
www.worldweekforpeace.org
During the week, churches in different countries send a clear signal to policy-makers, interested publics and their own parishes about the urgent need for a peace settlement that secures the legitimate rights and future of both peoples. Participants are requested to plan their activities around these points:
1. Pray with churches living under occupation, using a special prayer from Jerusalem.
2. Educate about actions that make for peace and about facts on the ground that do not,
especially, settlements in occupied territory.
3. Advocate with political leaders using ecumenical policies that promote peace with justice.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
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, April 30, 2009
This month marked four years of nonviolent protests in the Palestinian town of Bilin against the Separation Wall. We pray for continuing strength and a commitment to nonviolence on the part of the protestors. Recently, the Israeli military has employed increasingly brutal tactics-including the murder of a protestor two weeks ago. We pray that God will bring justice to this situation.
As preparations continue for the Sabeel International Young Adult Conference to be held in July, we pray for wisdom for the conference coordinators in Nazareth and Jerusalem. May their work be fruitful and may the conference inspire and inform many participants from around the world.
On Saturday, Sabeel is planning a community event for Palestinian Christians from Jerusalem and Jaffa. As May is the month of Nakba Remembrance and the Celebration of the Virgin Mary in the Roman Catholic tradition, the day will be spent hearing testimonies from Nakba survivors from Jaffa and in worship with the local Christian community. We pray that this event will promote strong ties between different faith communities and will nurture the faith of all participants.
We pray that the upcoming changes in Israeli permit restrictions will swiftly be discontinued. Beginning on the first of May, all Palestinians with permits to visit Jerusalem must punch in and out at Israeli checkpoints to ensure that they have returned to the West Bank within the hours specified by the permit. It is our hopeful prayer that the day will soon come when permits and unjust borders are things of the past.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, April 30, 2009
This month marked four years of nonviolent protests in the Palestinian town of Bilin against the Separation Wall. We pray for continuing strength and a commitment to nonviolence on the part of the protestors. Recently, the Israeli military has employed increasingly brutal tactics-including the murder of a protestor two weeks ago. We pray that God will bring justice to this situation.
As preparations continue for the Sabeel International Young Adult Conference to be held in July, we pray for wisdom for the conference coordinators in Nazareth and Jerusalem. May their work be fruitful and may the conference inspire and inform many participants from around the world.
On Saturday, Sabeel is planning a community event for Palestinian Christians from Jerusalem and Jaffa. As May is the month of Nakba Remembrance and the Celebration of the Virgin Mary in the Roman Catholic tradition, the day will be spent hearing testimonies from Nakba survivors from Jaffa and in worship with the local Christian community. We pray that this event will promote strong ties between different faith communities and will nurture the faith of all participants.
We pray that the upcoming changes in Israeli permit restrictions will swiftly be discontinued. Beginning on the first of May, all Palestinians with permits to visit Jerusalem must punch in and out at Israeli checkpoints to ensure that they have returned to the West Bank within the hours specified by the permit. It is our hopeful prayer that the day will soon come when permits and unjust borders are things of the past.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each week at 12:00 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. Our hope is that in our 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 continuing on around the world we pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer, Thursday, 23th of April, 2009
We thank God for a Holy Week in Jerusalem that was marked by relatively good relations across denominations. We are grateful for the cooperation of the churches. But we are also saddened by the increased Israeli military presence within Jerusalem during the Eastern Orthodox Holy Week. We pray that next year will witness fewer checkpoints so that Palestinian Christians can join pilgrims in praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
As the world marks the Holocaust and Armenian Genocide this week, we pray that genocide will never happen again.
We thank God for the apparent commitment by American officials to a Palestinian state. Recent talks have highlighted this as a primary goal of the United States’ Middle East policy. We pray that this can swiftly and peacefully become a reality.
This week has already witnessed several home demolitions in East Jerusalem. We pray that the world will take note of this unjust and illegal Israeli practice. May we not allow the frequency of such injustice to cause us to become numb. We are grateful for the solidarity of international figures like Mairead Maguire who spoke in Silwan this week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, April 9, 2009
Currently, Jerusalem is filled with pilgrims from around the world participating in Holy Week activities. We pray that they will find their faith renewed and emboldened through these experiences. May they return home with a new appreciation for Christ's radical message and for the hope that we find in the Resurrection.
Many Palestinian Christians living in the West Bank applied for permits to participate in Holy Week activities in Jerusalem. Last week it was announced that a small but significant number of permits were approved. Unfortunately, this week it was announced that a closure of the entire West Bank is in effect until April 18, the end of the Jewish Passover. We pray that the Christians of the West Bank will have a blessed Easter season in spite of this injustice. We also pray that all Palestinians will soon regain their freedom of movement and their access to Jerusalem.
We pray for the Hanoun and Al-Ghawi families of Sheikh Jarrah who continue to struggle with the Israeli High Court over their right to remain in their homes. In spite of original land deeds dating to the Ottoman Empire that establish their ownership, the Court threatens to evict the families and turn their homes over to settlers. We pray for comfort and strength for the Hanouns, the Al-Ghawis, and the hundreds of other families in East Jerusalem whose homes are slated for eviction or demolition.
This month, Sabeel's longtime partner, the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) welcomes its 31st team of accompaniers to the region. Since its founding by the World Council of Churches in 2002, EAPPI has sent approximately 550 people from many countries to serve 3-month terms as human rights observers and to support local non-violent resistance to the Occupation. We thank God for this program and the important connections that it creates between this region and communities around the globe.
Don't forget to join Christian Aid's Lenten Pilgrimage as it focuses on Jerusalem this week. And don't miss Rev. Naim Ateek's Easter prayer, this Sunday at http://lentpilgrimage.christianaid.org.uk/
Wave of Prayer, Thursday, 23th of April, 2009
We thank God for a Holy Week in Jerusalem that was marked by relatively good relations across denominations. We are grateful for the cooperation of the churches. But we are also saddened by the increased Israeli military presence within Jerusalem during the Eastern Orthodox Holy Week. We pray that next year will witness fewer checkpoints so that Palestinian Christians can join pilgrims in praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
As the world marks the Holocaust and Armenian Genocide this week, we pray that genocide will never happen again.
We thank God for the apparent commitment by American officials to a Palestinian state. Recent talks have highlighted this as a primary goal of the United States’ Middle East policy. We pray that this can swiftly and peacefully become a reality.
This week has already witnessed several home demolitions in East Jerusalem. We pray that the world will take note of this unjust and illegal Israeli practice. May we not allow the frequency of such injustice to cause us to become numb. We are grateful for the solidarity of international figures like Mairead Maguire who spoke in Silwan this week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, April 9, 2009
Currently, Jerusalem is filled with pilgrims from around the world participating in Holy Week activities. We pray that they will find their faith renewed and emboldened through these experiences. May they return home with a new appreciation for Christ's radical message and for the hope that we find in the Resurrection.
Many Palestinian Christians living in the West Bank applied for permits to participate in Holy Week activities in Jerusalem. Last week it was announced that a small but significant number of permits were approved. Unfortunately, this week it was announced that a closure of the entire West Bank is in effect until April 18, the end of the Jewish Passover. We pray that the Christians of the West Bank will have a blessed Easter season in spite of this injustice. We also pray that all Palestinians will soon regain their freedom of movement and their access to Jerusalem.
We pray for the Hanoun and Al-Ghawi families of Sheikh Jarrah who continue to struggle with the Israeli High Court over their right to remain in their homes. In spite of original land deeds dating to the Ottoman Empire that establish their ownership, the Court threatens to evict the families and turn their homes over to settlers. We pray for comfort and strength for the Hanouns, the Al-Ghawis, and the hundreds of other families in East Jerusalem whose homes are slated for eviction or demolition.
This month, Sabeel's longtime partner, the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) welcomes its 31st team of accompaniers to the region. Since its founding by the World Council of Churches in 2002, EAPPI has sent approximately 550 people from many countries to serve 3-month terms as human rights observers and to support local non-violent resistance to the Occupation. We thank God for this program and the important connections that it creates between this region and communities around the globe.
Don't forget to join Christian Aid's Lenten Pilgrimage as it focuses on Jerusalem this week. And don't miss Rev. Naim Ateek's Easter prayer, this Sunday at http://lentpilgrimage.christianaid.org.uk/
Thursday, April 02, 2009
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, April 2, 2009
As Jerusalem readies itself for Holy Week activities, we pray for cooperation and goodwill among the region's various denominations. We hope that Easter can be a time of unity for Christians in Jerusalem and around the world. We pray that the risen Christ's message of peace will inspire us all this Easter season.
We pray for an end to clashes in Gaza. Israeli military forces and Hamas fighters continue to exchange fire along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. Additionally, Israel continues to deny adequate shipments of medical, food and building supplies into Gaza and stops nearly all exports out of Gaza. We pray that current negotiations will result in a peace based on justice and mutual respect instead of attempting to impose quiet through intimidation.
Israel's new government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, will take power this week. We pray that Israel's new leaders will take this opportunity to freeze settlement expansion, halt military incursions, and engage in productive dialogue with Palestinian leaders. We also pray that other nations will see this as a chance to implement new and effective policies in this region.
This Friday, Sabeel is organizing a "Contemporary Way of the Cross" journey along the traditional Via Dolorosa for Palestinian Christians. This Holy Week activity is designed as an act of worship rooted in the land where Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again, linking the original events of Good Friday with the continuing suffering of the occupied people who live in this land today. We pray that the event will be conducted in a spirit of ecumenism and hope in the ever transformative power of the Resurrection.
Rev. Naim Ateek has written a prayer for Easter Sunday in Christian Aid's Lenten Pilgrimage.
Keep reading http://lentpilgrimage.christianaid.org.uk/http://lentpilgrimage.christianaid.org.uk/ to see the prayer.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 19, 2009
We pray for healing and comfort for Tristan Anderson, an American shot in the head by the Israeli military with a tear gas canister while participating in a nonviolent protest against the Separation Wall in Ni'lin. This tragedy reminds us of the many nonviolent protests happening regularly in the West Bank. We pray for strength and safety for people participating in demonstrations in Jayyous, Budrus, Bil'in, Ni'lin and Umm Salamonah. May God use this terrible event to prick the consciences of people around the world.
Even as this prayer is being written, the Herbawi home in Beit Safafa-a neighborhood of Jerusalem-is being demolished. We pray that the world will not stand by and ignore the ongoing campaign against Palestinian communities within Jerusalem.
We pray for Sabeel's four-part Lenten community programs. Each week of Lent, Sabeel has been organizing events designed to expand upon the theme of 2 Peter 3:13: "But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells." The events are designed to find practical ways to promote righteousness in our daily lives and current situation.
Rev. Naim Ateek travels to Lund, Sweden next week to attend the yearly "Jerusalem Day" event organized by the Church of Sweden. This year's theme is "Jerusalem: A Shared/Divided City." We pray that the commitment of the Swedish community seeking a just peace in Palestine and Israel will help result in a Jerusalem that is shared by all peoples and faiths of this region.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, April 2, 2009
As Jerusalem readies itself for Holy Week activities, we pray for cooperation and goodwill among the region's various denominations. We hope that Easter can be a time of unity for Christians in Jerusalem and around the world. We pray that the risen Christ's message of peace will inspire us all this Easter season.
We pray for an end to clashes in Gaza. Israeli military forces and Hamas fighters continue to exchange fire along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. Additionally, Israel continues to deny adequate shipments of medical, food and building supplies into Gaza and stops nearly all exports out of Gaza. We pray that current negotiations will result in a peace based on justice and mutual respect instead of attempting to impose quiet through intimidation.
Israel's new government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, will take power this week. We pray that Israel's new leaders will take this opportunity to freeze settlement expansion, halt military incursions, and engage in productive dialogue with Palestinian leaders. We also pray that other nations will see this as a chance to implement new and effective policies in this region.
This Friday, Sabeel is organizing a "Contemporary Way of the Cross" journey along the traditional Via Dolorosa for Palestinian Christians. This Holy Week activity is designed as an act of worship rooted in the land where Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again, linking the original events of Good Friday with the continuing suffering of the occupied people who live in this land today. We pray that the event will be conducted in a spirit of ecumenism and hope in the ever transformative power of the Resurrection.
Rev. Naim Ateek has written a prayer for Easter Sunday in Christian Aid's Lenten Pilgrimage.
Keep reading http://lentpilgrimage.christianaid.org.uk/http://lentpilgrimage.christianaid.org.uk/ to see the prayer.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 19, 2009
We pray for healing and comfort for Tristan Anderson, an American shot in the head by the Israeli military with a tear gas canister while participating in a nonviolent protest against the Separation Wall in Ni'lin. This tragedy reminds us of the many nonviolent protests happening regularly in the West Bank. We pray for strength and safety for people participating in demonstrations in Jayyous, Budrus, Bil'in, Ni'lin and Umm Salamonah. May God use this terrible event to prick the consciences of people around the world.
Even as this prayer is being written, the Herbawi home in Beit Safafa-a neighborhood of Jerusalem-is being demolished. We pray that the world will not stand by and ignore the ongoing campaign against Palestinian communities within Jerusalem.
We pray for Sabeel's four-part Lenten community programs. Each week of Lent, Sabeel has been organizing events designed to expand upon the theme of 2 Peter 3:13: "But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells." The events are designed to find practical ways to promote righteousness in our daily lives and current situation.
Rev. Naim Ateek travels to Lund, Sweden next week to attend the yearly "Jerusalem Day" event organized by the Church of Sweden. This year's theme is "Jerusalem: A Shared/Divided City." We pray that the commitment of the Swedish community seeking a just peace in Palestine and Israel will help result in a Jerusalem that is shared by all peoples and faiths of this region.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
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, March 19, 2009
We pray for healing and comfort for Tristan Anderson, an American shot in the head by the Israeli military with a tear gas canister while participating in a nonviolent protest against the Separation Wall in Ni'lin. This tragedy reminds us of the many nonviolent protests happening regularly in the West Bank. We pray for strength and safety for people participating in demonstrations in Jayyous, Budrus, Bil'in, Ni'lin and Umm Salamonah. May God use this terrible event to prick the consciences of people around the world.
Even as this prayer is being written, the Herbawi home in Beit Safafa-a neighborhood of Jerusalem-is being demolished. We pray that the world will not stand by and ignore the ongoing campaign against Palestinian communities within Jerusalem.
We pray for Sabeel's four-part Lenten community programs. Each week of Lent, Sabeel has been organizing events designed to expand upon the theme of 2 Peter 3:13: "But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells." The events are designed to find practical ways to promote righteousness in our daily lives and current situation.
Rev. Naim Ateek travels to Lund, Sweden next week to attend the yearly "Jerusalem Day" event organized by the Church of Sweden. This year's theme is "Jerusalem: A Shared/Divided City." We pray that the commitment of the Swedish community seeking a just peace in Palestine and Israel will help result in a Jerusalem that is shared by all peoples and faiths of this region.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 12, 2009
We thank God for a successful and peaceful Sabeel interfaith activity last Saturday. Thirty-five young adults-Palestinian and international Christians along with Israeli Jews-assisted the Sabri family of Beit Ijza in planting several hundred olive trees and almond trees in fields cut off by the Separation Wall and an illegal Israeli settlement. We pray that the personal encounters at this event will foster long-lasting goodwill and friendships.
As more and more homes in East Jerusalem receive demolition orders from Israeli forces, we pray that public pressure and attention will grow large enough to prevent the homes from actually being demolished. Currently, 173 homes (including 88 homes in the neighborhood of Silwan) are being threatened with demolition while settlement expansion around Jerusalem is rapidly accelerating. We pray that these two trends can be reversed quickly and justice can prevail.
We pray for the ecumenical clergy meeting this Friday in Mjaidel near Nazareth. May their time of prayer, Bible study, and discussion strengthen the ties between the Christian denominations and contribute to the building of the Body of Christ in Galilee.
This week, Palestinian leaders are meeting in Cairo to discuss the formation of a coalition government. In the mean time, their Israeli counterparts are also working to form a ruling coalition. We pray that each country will instate a government willing to speak with the other and interested in establishing a just peace.
See Christian Aid's Virtual Lenten Pilgrimmage at http://lentpilgrimage.christianaid.org.uk/
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 19, 2009
We pray for healing and comfort for Tristan Anderson, an American shot in the head by the Israeli military with a tear gas canister while participating in a nonviolent protest against the Separation Wall in Ni'lin. This tragedy reminds us of the many nonviolent protests happening regularly in the West Bank. We pray for strength and safety for people participating in demonstrations in Jayyous, Budrus, Bil'in, Ni'lin and Umm Salamonah. May God use this terrible event to prick the consciences of people around the world.
Even as this prayer is being written, the Herbawi home in Beit Safafa-a neighborhood of Jerusalem-is being demolished. We pray that the world will not stand by and ignore the ongoing campaign against Palestinian communities within Jerusalem.
We pray for Sabeel's four-part Lenten community programs. Each week of Lent, Sabeel has been organizing events designed to expand upon the theme of 2 Peter 3:13: "But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells." The events are designed to find practical ways to promote righteousness in our daily lives and current situation.
Rev. Naim Ateek travels to Lund, Sweden next week to attend the yearly "Jerusalem Day" event organized by the Church of Sweden. This year's theme is "Jerusalem: A Shared/Divided City." We pray that the commitment of the Swedish community seeking a just peace in Palestine and Israel will help result in a Jerusalem that is shared by all peoples and faiths of this region.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 12, 2009
We thank God for a successful and peaceful Sabeel interfaith activity last Saturday. Thirty-five young adults-Palestinian and international Christians along with Israeli Jews-assisted the Sabri family of Beit Ijza in planting several hundred olive trees and almond trees in fields cut off by the Separation Wall and an illegal Israeli settlement. We pray that the personal encounters at this event will foster long-lasting goodwill and friendships.
As more and more homes in East Jerusalem receive demolition orders from Israeli forces, we pray that public pressure and attention will grow large enough to prevent the homes from actually being demolished. Currently, 173 homes (including 88 homes in the neighborhood of Silwan) are being threatened with demolition while settlement expansion around Jerusalem is rapidly accelerating. We pray that these two trends can be reversed quickly and justice can prevail.
We pray for the ecumenical clergy meeting this Friday in Mjaidel near Nazareth. May their time of prayer, Bible study, and discussion strengthen the ties between the Christian denominations and contribute to the building of the Body of Christ in Galilee.
This week, Palestinian leaders are meeting in Cairo to discuss the formation of a coalition government. In the mean time, their Israeli counterparts are also working to form a ruling coalition. We pray that each country will instate a government willing to speak with the other and interested in establishing a just peace.
See Christian Aid's Virtual Lenten Pilgrimmage at http://lentpilgrimage.christianaid.org.uk/
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