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 24, 2009
The UN Fact Finding Mission released its report on Gaza last week but the controversy sparked by the report rages on. By documenting violations of international law and demonstrating how Israel's attack on Gaza amounted to "war crimes, and possibly crimes against humanity," the report and its authors have come under fire by Israel and the United States as "politically unbalanced." We thank God for the courage of all people who stand against systems of power in the name of justice.
On Thursday evening, Sabeel is hosting a prayer service for Jerusalem as the city faces serious challenges to peace. Many voices from the church and community will offer their petitions for the people of this land. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Life in areas of conflict and occupation takes many tolls on people. Today we pray for the friendships and relationships of those who encounter daily injustices. May we find solace in God and pray that personal relationships would not suffer from insecurity or distrust. May we all recognize, and work to stop, the cycle of pain that tears apart our connections with one another.
We lift up in prayer the ministry of Sabeel's Study Circle program, which facilitates discussions about current events and the exploration of academic articles. This week, Dr. Toine van Teeffelen, a Dutch anthropologist, presented on the topic of Sumud (steadfastness) within Palestinian society. Next week begins a 12-part study of Rev. Naim Ateek's new book, A Palestinian Christian Cry for Reconciliation. We are grateful for the many scholars and theologians who have graciously shared with the Jerusalem community their thoughts and reflections.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 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, September 17, 2009
On Friday, Sabeel's Nazareth and Jerusalem offices will join with members of the board for a day of brainstorming, visioning, and reflecting on future goals and direction. We pray that this will be a fruitful time and look forward to partners around the world contributing to this process over the next months.
Next Monday, clergy from Palestine and Israel will meet at Taybeh in the West Bank, for Sabeel's two-day annual clergy retreat on the theme of "Pastoral Care". We pray that this will be a time of renewal and inspiration. May the clergy be filled with new energy for caring for their communities.
It was reported this week that Israel's Public Security Minister plans to increase the police presence in East Jerusalem and non-Jewish towns within Israel in order to "strengthen Israeli sovereignty" in those areas. We pray that this plan does not become a justification for more unjust police actions against Palestinians.
This weekend marks the end of Ramadan with the feast of Eid el Fitr, Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), and the beginning of a month of Jewish holy days. We give thanks for God's presence with all of the people of the "Holy Land" and pray that all may live together in just peace and friendship. "How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in harmony." (Ps. 133:1)
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
**Sabeel is organizing a prayer service for peace in Jerusalem that will be held next Thursday, September 24th. Please contact us (prayer[at]sabeel.org) if you are interested in coordinating a similar service in your area.**
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, September 17, 2009
On Friday, Sabeel's Nazareth and Jerusalem offices will join with members of the board for a day of brainstorming, visioning, and reflecting on future goals and direction. We pray that this will be a fruitful time and look forward to partners around the world contributing to this process over the next months.
Next Monday, clergy from Palestine and Israel will meet at Taybeh in the West Bank, for Sabeel's two-day annual clergy retreat on the theme of "Pastoral Care". We pray that this will be a time of renewal and inspiration. May the clergy be filled with new energy for caring for their communities.
It was reported this week that Israel's Public Security Minister plans to increase the police presence in East Jerusalem and non-Jewish towns within Israel in order to "strengthen Israeli sovereignty" in those areas. We pray that this plan does not become a justification for more unjust police actions against Palestinians.
This weekend marks the end of Ramadan with the feast of Eid el Fitr, Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), and the beginning of a month of Jewish holy days. We give thanks for God's presence with all of the people of the "Holy Land" and pray that all may live together in just peace and friendship. "How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in harmony." (Ps. 133:1)
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
**Sabeel is organizing a prayer service for peace in Jerusalem that will be held next Thursday, September 24th. Please contact us (prayer[at]sabeel.org) if you are interested in coordinating a similar service in your area.**
Thursday, September 10, 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, September 10, 2009
Earlier this week, Israel approved the construction of 450 new settlement housing units in defiance of international pressure to freeze all settlement expansion. We pray for strong action from the international community.
This week, Greek Orthodox Bishop Atallah Hanna addressed Sabeel's weekly young adult Bible study group on the topic of the transfiguration. Bishop Atallah engaged in conversation with the participants and discussed everyday interfaith encounters. We praise God for church leaders like Bishop Atallah who take interest in the spiritual formation of young people and in speaking candidly about realities facing Christians in Palestine.
On Thursday, eight Israeli human rights and peace organizations from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are joining together in a public demonstration against settlement activity in East Jerusalem. We pray that the gathering at Jaffa Gate will draw helpful attention to the injustices being committed in Jerusalem by the Israeli government.
Nightly raids by the Israeli military continue in the West Bank town of Bil'in, one center of the Palestinian nonviolent resistance movement. In recent months, the military has undertaken regular early morning incursions and has targeted leaders of the nonviolent resistance organized against the route of the Separation Wall that cuts the villagers off from their fields. We pray that leaders and participants in the nonviolent resistance to the Occupation will find strength and resilience to continue in their struggle.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, September 10, 2009
Earlier this week, Israel approved the construction of 450 new settlement housing units in defiance of international pressure to freeze all settlement expansion. We pray for strong action from the international community.
This week, Greek Orthodox Bishop Atallah Hanna addressed Sabeel's weekly young adult Bible study group on the topic of the transfiguration. Bishop Atallah engaged in conversation with the participants and discussed everyday interfaith encounters. We praise God for church leaders like Bishop Atallah who take interest in the spiritual formation of young people and in speaking candidly about realities facing Christians in Palestine.
On Thursday, eight Israeli human rights and peace organizations from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are joining together in a public demonstration against settlement activity in East Jerusalem. We pray that the gathering at Jaffa Gate will draw helpful attention to the injustices being committed in Jerusalem by the Israeli government.
Nightly raids by the Israeli military continue in the West Bank town of Bil'in, one center of the Palestinian nonviolent resistance movement. In recent months, the military has undertaken regular early morning incursions and has targeted leaders of the nonviolent resistance organized against the route of the Separation Wall that cuts the villagers off from their fields. We pray that leaders and participants in the nonviolent resistance to the Occupation will find strength and resilience to continue in their struggle.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, September 03, 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, September 3, 2009
In his final address to the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, general secretary Rev. Samuel Kobia called Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories a "sin against God." We are thankful for Kobia's strong public statement about the need for justice in Palestine/Israel. We pray for Kobia's successor, Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit. May he find the resources to meet the many challenges he will face.
On Tuesday morning, Israeli military forces entered Jalazoun Refugee Camp north of Ramallah. Using live ammunition, concussion grenades and tear gas, the military kidnapped several young men, injured three paramedics responding to the attack, and shot and killed Mohammad Riyadh Nayef (a 15 year old boy). We pray for Mohammad's family and the thousands of other Palestinian families affected by military incursions in the West Bank and Gaza each week. May God give them abundant strength, courage, and comfort.
This week in Jerusalem, Fr. Jean Nyembo (who is currently volunteering at Sabeel) will present the Sabeel community with a glimpse at life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nyembo will speak about how he hopes to use his experiences in Palestine to influence his home community and how to apply the lessons from this conflict to the conflict in the Congo. We pray for peace and justice in that land and pray that international solidarity will help bring new hope to the Congolese people.
Last Saturday, Sabeel staff joined with over two hundred Israeli peace activists in a candlelight vigil in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem. People gathered to demonstrate against the eviction of the al-Hanoun and al-Ghawi families. Settlers now occupy the homes with the approval of the government. We thank God for the support shown by so many Israelis and we pray that more Israelis will take action to end injustice in Israel and Palestine.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, September 3, 2009
In his final address to the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, general secretary Rev. Samuel Kobia called Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories a "sin against God." We are thankful for Kobia's strong public statement about the need for justice in Palestine/Israel. We pray for Kobia's successor, Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit. May he find the resources to meet the many challenges he will face.
On Tuesday morning, Israeli military forces entered Jalazoun Refugee Camp north of Ramallah. Using live ammunition, concussion grenades and tear gas, the military kidnapped several young men, injured three paramedics responding to the attack, and shot and killed Mohammad Riyadh Nayef (a 15 year old boy). We pray for Mohammad's family and the thousands of other Palestinian families affected by military incursions in the West Bank and Gaza each week. May God give them abundant strength, courage, and comfort.
This week in Jerusalem, Fr. Jean Nyembo (who is currently volunteering at Sabeel) will present the Sabeel community with a glimpse at life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nyembo will speak about how he hopes to use his experiences in Palestine to influence his home community and how to apply the lessons from this conflict to the conflict in the Congo. We pray for peace and justice in that land and pray that international solidarity will help bring new hope to the Congolese people.
Last Saturday, Sabeel staff joined with over two hundred Israeli peace activists in a candlelight vigil in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem. People gathered to demonstrate against the eviction of the al-Hanoun and al-Ghawi families. Settlers now occupy the homes with the approval of the government. We thank God for the support shown by so many Israelis and we pray that more Israelis will take action to end injustice in Israel and Palestine.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wednesday, August 26, 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, August 27, 2009
Students in the West Bank and Jerusalem will soon begin the new school year. In spite of the severe shortage of teachers and classrooms, we pray that these students will have a productive and educational year. May their teachers have the creativity to inspire, the compassion to anticipate difficulties, and the wisdom to teach in meaningful ways.
Nine members of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Middle East study team are visiting Jerusalem this week as part of their trip to the region. The team was asked by the PC(USA) General Assembly to "prepare a comprehensive study, with recommendations, that is focused on Israel Palestine within the complex context of the Middle East." We pray that their meetings will be beneficial and that the Presbyterian Church (USA) continue to pursue a peace based on justice.
For more information: http://www.pcusa.org/oga/newsstories/israel_palestine_apr17_09b.htm
As "swine flu" continues to spread through the Middle East and millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca during the month of Ramadan, we pray that the Hajj pilgrimage will not rapidly escalate the transmission of the H1N1 virus. We also pray for strength and wisdom for the professionals who are working to eradicate the disease and bring healing to the sick.
This week, Rev. Naim Ateek is meeting with churches, individuals, and peace groups in Scotland to discuss the contemporary theological and political issues facing Palestinians. We pray that this tour will reach many people and will encourage many communities in their struggles to bring about a just peace in Palestine and Israel.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, August 27, 2009
Students in the West Bank and Jerusalem will soon begin the new school year. In spite of the severe shortage of teachers and classrooms, we pray that these students will have a productive and educational year. May their teachers have the creativity to inspire, the compassion to anticipate difficulties, and the wisdom to teach in meaningful ways.
Nine members of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Middle East study team are visiting Jerusalem this week as part of their trip to the region. The team was asked by the PC(USA) General Assembly to "prepare a comprehensive study, with recommendations, that is focused on Israel Palestine within the complex context of the Middle East." We pray that their meetings will be beneficial and that the Presbyterian Church (USA) continue to pursue a peace based on justice.
For more information: http://www.pcusa.org/oga/newsstories/israel_palestine_apr17_09b.htm
As "swine flu" continues to spread through the Middle East and millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca during the month of Ramadan, we pray that the Hajj pilgrimage will not rapidly escalate the transmission of the H1N1 virus. We also pray for strength and wisdom for the professionals who are working to eradicate the disease and bring healing to the sick.
This week, Rev. Naim Ateek is meeting with churches, individuals, and peace groups in Scotland to discuss the contemporary theological and political issues facing Palestinians. We pray that this tour will reach many people and will encourage many communities in their struggles to bring about a just peace in Palestine and Israel.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, August 20, 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, August 20, 2009
This weekend marks the start of the Islamic month of Ramadan. The month of fasting will begin in the heat of summer and we pray for safety and health for all our Muslim brothers and sisters who will participate. May this month be a joyful time of worship and fellowship.
Israeli border officials have stepped up their pressure on people traveling to Palestine. Recently, Israel unilaterally began issuing some travelers "Palestinian Authority Only" visas at the Allenby crossing from Jordan, thus making it impossible for the visa holders to travel from the West Bank into Israel. We pray for those affected by this violation of international law and hope that pressure on Israel will stop this arbitrary and unjust action.
For more information: http://thefastertimes.com/Palestine/2009/08/06/is-this-what-an-israeli-apartheid-stamp-looks-like/
The rise in violence and crime within Israel has caused a record number of Israelis to apply for gun permits. We pray for an end to corruption, hate crimes, organized crime, and domestic violence in Israel, and in all countries around the world. May we seek peace by establishing just societies instead of carrying more and more weapons.
Last week, Nora Carmi of Sabeel spoke to the United Church of Canada as the Church considered boycotting Israeli goods in order to help end the Israeli Occupation. Although the Church chose not to pursue a boycott, the option was left open for individual churches. We pray that this decision will motivate many people and churches to pursue grassroots actions in their local communities to help bring about justice.
For more information: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/The-United-Church-Of-Canada-1030587.html
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for the many countries of the Pacific islands: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, August 20, 2009
This weekend marks the start of the Islamic month of Ramadan. The month of fasting will begin in the heat of summer and we pray for safety and health for all our Muslim brothers and sisters who will participate. May this month be a joyful time of worship and fellowship.
Israeli border officials have stepped up their pressure on people traveling to Palestine. Recently, Israel unilaterally began issuing some travelers "Palestinian Authority Only" visas at the Allenby crossing from Jordan, thus making it impossible for the visa holders to travel from the West Bank into Israel. We pray for those affected by this violation of international law and hope that pressure on Israel will stop this arbitrary and unjust action.
For more information: http://thefastertimes.com/Palestine/2009/08/06/is-this-what-an-israeli-apartheid-stamp-looks-like/
The rise in violence and crime within Israel has caused a record number of Israelis to apply for gun permits. We pray for an end to corruption, hate crimes, organized crime, and domestic violence in Israel, and in all countries around the world. May we seek peace by establishing just societies instead of carrying more and more weapons.
Last week, Nora Carmi of Sabeel spoke to the United Church of Canada as the Church considered boycotting Israeli goods in order to help end the Israeli Occupation. Although the Church chose not to pursue a boycott, the option was left open for individual churches. We pray that this decision will motivate many people and churches to pursue grassroots actions in their local communities to help bring about justice.
For more information: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/The-United-Church-Of-Canada-1030587.html
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for the many countries of the Pacific islands: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, August 13, 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, August 13, 2009
We pray for Palestinian unity. The Fatah Bethlehem conference last week was an opportunity for all members of Fatah to meet and address the future of the Palestinian people. We pray that the different factions unite around common goals to work together for a just peace.
We pray for relief for Gaza. On Monday, Israel has bombed Gaza tunnels along the border with Egypt. For Palestinians, the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt have become the only conduit for essential supplies, made scarce by Israel's blockade of the territory.
We pray for a resolution of the fundamental problem of the closure of Gaza and we pray for the strength of the people of Gaza as they suffer during this hot summer.
We pray for the Sabeel clergy trip as West Bank clergy, those who could get permits, traveled together to the north to meet with fellow clergy from around Israel to speak about the current situation in Shuf'amr as well as next year's Palestine-Israel clergy conference.
We pray for the United Church of Canada as they discuss the question of how to respond to the Occupation as a denomination and in particular, their consideration of boycott, divestment and sanctions as a church.
We pray for thoughtful dialogue and results that lead towards a peace rooted in justice.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, August 13, 2009
We pray for Palestinian unity. The Fatah Bethlehem conference last week was an opportunity for all members of Fatah to meet and address the future of the Palestinian people. We pray that the different factions unite around common goals to work together for a just peace.
We pray for relief for Gaza. On Monday, Israel has bombed Gaza tunnels along the border with Egypt. For Palestinians, the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt have become the only conduit for essential supplies, made scarce by Israel's blockade of the territory.
We pray for a resolution of the fundamental problem of the closure of Gaza and we pray for the strength of the people of Gaza as they suffer during this hot summer.
We pray for the Sabeel clergy trip as West Bank clergy, those who could get permits, traveled together to the north to meet with fellow clergy from around Israel to speak about the current situation in Shuf'amr as well as next year's Palestine-Israel clergy conference.
We pray for the United Church of Canada as they discuss the question of how to respond to the Occupation as a denomination and in particular, their consideration of boycott, divestment and sanctions as a church.
We pray for thoughtful dialogue and results that lead towards a peace rooted in justice.
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