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 17, 2010



In the wake of the flotilla disaster, pressure to lift the siege on Gaza continues to grow from all over the world. We pray that against all odds, the rising tide of international consciousness and the spirit of nonviolence will prevail, and the blockade of Gaza will finally be lifted.



Today Sabeel celebrates the inauguration of Friends of Sabeel France. Friends in France have been active in the pursuit of justice and peace for years already, but today they become a registered organization. We thank God for their service and pray many more in France will be inspired to seek peace and pursue it.



This week, Sabeel will be convening a regional workshop in Bethlehem for Christian and Muslim clergy to brainstorm ways of fostering mutual respect and understanding between our faith communities. We pray this initiative will encourage the Palestinian community to work together for a just peace.



Today the Sabeel Study Circle will meet with Mark Braverman, a Jewish-American clinical psychologist who now devotes himself to the cause of peace in historic Palestine. We give thanks for committed people like Mark and their courageous witness for truth and peace, and we pray for God's blessings on their work.



This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:



Brazil


http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle/week-25-brazil.html




Wave of Prayer for Thursday, June 10, 2010




Following Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla, there are calls for an independent investigation into the events that transpired. Thus far, Israel refuses to participate in such an inquiry. We pray that any investigation will be independent and fair, rather than another tool of misinformation. "You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."



Sabeel board member, Jean Zaru, has been awarded the Anna Lindh Memorial Fund Prize. The committee recognized that, "During her entire life, Jean Zaru has chosen non-violence to resist the oppression under which she lives. Non-violence because it exposes and challenges the structural violence on all levels. Non-violence because it makes the oppressors realize that they, too, are victims of the violence they impart." We thank God for Jean's work and pray that others will be inspired to stand courageously and work lovingly for justice.



As summer vacations begin, more tourists are traveling to Israel and Palestine. May these groups be inspired to seek out the stories and the people that they do not normally encounter. We pray that they will have their eyes opened to the need for a just peace in this land.



In recent days, scores of important religious, political and civil society groups have spoken forcefully about the need to lift the siege on Gaza. People who are often quiet are silent no more. We pray that this momentum will build into a political force capable of toppling the siege and ending the Israeli military occupation in Palestine. May we all recognize our individual roles in the work of justice.



This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:

Angola, Mozambique

http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=3379

Sabeel's Litany for Gaza





In the early morning, on May 31, 2010, Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla of 6 ships bound for the Gaza Strip, carrying nearly 700 people and a cargo of medical supplies, pre-fabricated homes, building supplies, and educational materials. The ships were attempting to break the internationally condemned Israeli blockade that, since June 2007, has prevented virtually all people and goods from entering or exiting the Gaza Strip (with the exception of insufficient humanitarian supplies and some aid workers). As the Israeli forces boarded the ships, at least 9 flotilla participants were killed while nearly 60 participants and 10 soldiers were injured. Eventually, all the ships were rerouted and the flotilla participants were arrested or deported. The siege on Gaza continues.

Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre in Jerusalem will hold a day of fasting and prayer on Monday, June 7, for the members of the flotilla, the people of Gaza, and for peace in Palestine and Israel. This litany is offered as a resource for individuals and congregations to use, in part or in whole. It can be adapted and read by 2 or 3 voices. We encourage pastors to use the litany in their Sunday services.



Thus says the Lord: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord. [Jeremiah 9:23-24]



Eternal God, arbiter of justice and champion of peace, reach into the deep pit of violence, despair, and ruthlessness that shapes the lives of so many in Palestine and Israel. The nations are in an uproar, kingdoms totter, people cry out.



You, O God, are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.



Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. [Matthew 5:9]

Grant, O God, healing to the men and women injured during the Israeli military assault. Bring grace and consolation to those who mourn the dead.



Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be filled.



Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. [Hebrews 13:3]



God who has proclaimed release to the captives and freedom to the oppressed, may all who have been taken prisoner for their involvement in the flotilla return safely home. We remember these and others who are unjustly detained.



The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, who has sent me to proclaim release to the captives...and to let the oppressed go free.



"Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth." [Psalm 46:10]



Lord of all, make known to all in Palestine and Israel that your love extends to all people, that might is not right, that fear begets fear, that love conquers all. Give hope to the many who, in love, speak and act boldly for justice.



There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.



From the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, "Peace, peace," when there is no peace. [Jeremiah 6:13-14]



God of Justice, we pray that the nations of the world will no longer stand idly by, but uphold the rights of the oppressed in Gaza, the West Bank, and around the globe . We, the peoples of many lands, "reaffirm [our] faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small." [UN Charter: Preamble]



Your judgements are just, O Lord, you will hold all nations accountable for what they have done, and also for what they have left undone.



Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. The effect of justice will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. [Isaiah 32:16-18]



God who offers life in abundance, break the chains of injustice that shackle the people of Gaza. May the blockade that limits food and medicine, toys and cement, culture and trade, friendships and families be swiftly ended. May the people of Gaza and of the West Bank be brought together in unity.



They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. For like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. [Isaiah 65]



"In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." [Matthew 7:12]



God of equity, who knows no distinction between race or creed or colour, help us to be ever impatient in our encounter with injustice and abuse. As ambassadors for Christ, do not allow our hearts to be hardened, but let us live your message of justice, peace and reconciliation.



God, in your grace, transform the world.

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 3, 2010





The Israeli attack on the Gaza Flotilla resulted in numerous deaths, dozens of injuries, and hundreds of arrests. Almighty God, comfort the bereaved, heal the injured, and grant freedom to the prisoners. We pray that you will strengthen each of us to do what is necessary to end the siege on Gaza. Help us to recognize and to fight the structures of oppression, wherever we may encounter them.



The Tent of Nations, a farm and peace center near Bethlehem, recently received 9 demolition orders for homes and sheds located on the property. Situated on land belonging to the Nassar family for 4 generations, the Tent of Nations is now surrounded on all sides by Israeli settlements. We pray that this latest attempt to displace Palestinians from their land will be unsuccessful. May the military occupation that enables such oppression swiftly come to an end.



This week is the World Week of Prayer for Palestine Israel. In a time when solidarity and action are met by such extreme violence, prayer is especially important. May our prayers throughout the week prevent our frustrations from turning to bitterness, encourage us to love our enemies, and remind us of the hope found in Christ.



Sabeel invites you to participate in a day of prayer and fasting in solidarity with the people of Gaza and the passengers of the flotilla. The day long fast will be held Monday, June 7. That evening, Sabeel and other Jerusalem organizations are hosting a prayer service. The litany for that service will be distributed in the next few days so that individuals and churches around the globe can join in prayerful action.***



This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:

Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=3380





We have written a litany for Gaza that we will use during our communion service on Thursday and in the Monday prayer service that will follow our day of fasting.





Sabeel's Litany for Gaza





In the early morning, on May 31, 2010, Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla of 6 ships bound for the Gaza Strip, carrying nearly 700 people and a cargo of medical supplies, pre-fabricated homes, building supplies, and educational materials. The ships were attempting to break the internationally condemned Israeli blockade that, since June 2007, has prevented virtually all people and goods from entering or exiting the Gaza Strip (with the exception of insufficient humanitarian supplies and some aid workers). As the Israeli forces boarded the ships, at least 9 flotilla participants were killed while nearly 60 participants and 10 soldiers were injured. Eventually, all the ships were rerouted and the flotilla participants were arrested or deported. The siege on Gaza continues.

Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre in Jerusalem will hold a day of fasting and prayer on Monday, June 7, for the members of the flotilla, the people of Gaza, and for peace in Palestine and Israel. This litany is offered as a resource for individuals and congregations to use, in part or in whole. It can be adapted and read by 2 or 3 voices. We encourage pastors to use the litany in their Sunday services.



Thus says the Lord: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord. [Jeremiah 9:23-24]



Eternal God, arbiter of justice and champion of peace, reach into the deep pit of violence, despair, and ruthlessness that shapes the lives of so many in Palestine and Israel. The nations are in an uproar, kingdoms totter, people cry out.



You, O God, are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.



Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. [Matthew 5:9]

Grant, O God, healing to the men and women injured during the Israeli military assault. Bring grace and consolation to those who mourn the dead.



Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be filled.



Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. [Hebrews 13:3]



God who has proclaimed release to the captives and freedom to the oppressed, may all who have been taken prisoner for their involvement in the flotilla return safely home. We remember these and others who are unjustly detained.



The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, who has sent me to proclaim release to the captives...and to let the oppressed go free.



"Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth." [Psalm 46:10]



Lord of all, make known to all in Palestine and Israel that your love extends to all people, that might is not right, that fear begets fear, that love conquers all. Give hope to the many who, in love, speak and act boldly for justice.



There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.



From the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, "Peace, peace," when there is no peace. [Jeremiah 6:13-14]



God of Justice, we pray that the nations of the world will no longer stand idly by, but uphold the rights of the oppressed in Gaza, the West Bank, and around the globe . We, the peoples of many lands, "reaffirm [our] faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small." [UN Charter: Preamble]



Your judgements are just, O Lord, you will hold all nations accountable for what they have done, and also for what they have left undone.



Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. The effect of justice will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. [Isaiah 32:16-18]



God who offers life in abundance, break the chains of injustice that shackle the people of Gaza. May the blockade that limits food and medicine, toys and cement, culture and trade, friendships and families be swiftly ended. May the people of Gaza and of the West Bank be brought together in unity.



They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. For like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. [Isaiah 65]



"In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." [Matthew 7:12]



God of equity, who knows no distinction between race or creed or colour, help us to be ever impatient in our encounter with injustice and abuse. As ambassadors for Christ, do not allow our hearts to be hardened, but let us live your message of justice, peace and reconciliation.



God, in your grace, transform the world.


Wave of Prayer for Thursday, May 27, 2010




Early Monday morning Israeli forces raided the East Jerusalem village of Issawiyeh and imposed a curfew on the residents, who, though living legally within the borders of Jerusalem, hold West Bank identification and cannot enter the city without prior permission. We pray for the safety of these villagers, and hope these injustices will not only be noticed, but also acted upon by the international community.



This Saturday, the Sabeel communities in Jerusalem and Nazareth will be joining church-related organizations and peace builders in conjunction with the World Week of Peace for Palestine and Israel, to lift up prayers for an end to the separation of families on both sides of the Separation Wall. May the actions of this week inspire new advocates for peace and renew our vocation to serve those in need.



We remember also prisoners of conscience all over the world, and particularly Mordechai Vanunu, the renowned whistleblower for Israel's nuclear program, who was imprisoned on Sunday, having been sentenced to serve six months in jail for allegedly breaking parole.



In the spirit of Pentecost, we pray for unity among religious and political leaders, and for the Middle East Council of Churches. We hope that in our world of turmoil and strife, our leaders will have the clarity of mind to see beyond their differences and be bold for the sake of peace and justice.



This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:

Botswana, Zimbabwe



Wave of Prayer for Thursday, May 20, 2010





Already, this week has seen numerous nighttime incursions into Palestinian communities by Israeli military forces. Young men from Nablus and Bethlehem have been pulled from their homes in the early morning hours and taken to undisclosed locations for questioning. We pray for the many families terrorized by this tactic each week.





Nine ships have set sail for Gaza, bearing some 10,000 tons of reconstruction supplies for the 1.5 million besieged Palestinians living there. The Freedom Flotilla has confirmed their intention to sail in spite of Israel's naval blockade and previous attempts to ram supply ships. May the much needed supplies reach port without incident and we pray that other movements to end the siege of Gaza will be inspired by this courageous nonviolent action.



The World Council of Churches is inviting people to join in a week of advocacy and action for a just peace in Palestine and Israel from May 29 to June 4. As groups to pray, educate and advocate for a just peace, we pray that many people will use this opportunity to put their faith-inspired commitment to justice into practice. We also give thanks for the inspiring and exciting events that will be held in communities around the world.



For more information, visit www.worldweekforpeace.org



Later this week in Nazareth, Sabeel will host a Bible study for children from various denominations. The children will explore the theme "The Feast of Ascension and Pentecost" and will participate in activities and crafts. We pray for the many ways that the seeds of ecumenism and tolerance are sown in each generation. May we always be mindful of the examples we set and the lessons we teach.



This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:

Malawi, Zambia

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 13, 2010




Today the Christians in Jerusalem will join the worldwide Christian family in celebrating the Ascension of Christ. On Saturday, Nakba Day, Christians will join their Palestinian brothers and sisters in mourning the loss of their land, their country and so many members of their families. Throughout the week, marches, rallies, and other non-violent demonstrations for peace and justice will be taking place in Palestine and Israel. May our prayers for justice be heard by the ascended Christ and may we all find fresh hope and encouragement in the struggle for freedom.



The Sabeel young adults will spend two days in Galilee this weekend, volunteering in Tiberias and commemorating Nakba Day in solidarity with Palestinians from the village of Al-Bassa, which was forcibly depopulated in 1948 and remains in ruins to this day. We pray that the participants will enjoy the community building and solidarity of being together from north and south, and that their activities will bind them together and offer mutual support.



The coordinators for Friends of Sabeel will gather for two days to discuss and strategize new ways to develop the ministry of Sabeel and its partners and further advocate for a lasting and just peace in this land. May God bless this meeting as we refresh and renew the bonds and spirit of our mission.



Sabeel is blessed with many people who volunteer their time and energy to help. Last Monday, one of Sabeel's long-time friends and committee members passed away in Nazareth. We give thanks for all our volunteers and supporters, and especially for Abla, and pray for her family and friends at this sad time.



This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:

Kenya, Tanzania

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 6, 2010




This week, the board of Sabeel will hold their semi-annual General Assembly. We pray for wisdom for these decision-makers as they strategize and plan exciting new ways to expand Sabeel's work towards a just peace.



On Friday, Christian clergy from the Galilee will gather at the Sabeel office in Nazareth. The ecumenical group will have a Bible study and will discuss opportunities for conversations with other religious communities within Israel. May this meeting and the events that stem from it promote tolerance between various faith groups.



Israeli soldiers destroyed a mosque in the Gaza Strip and settlers torched a mosque near Nablus on Tuesday. We pray for the many people who face these and other provocations and yet steadfastly refuse to violently retaliate. May they be comforted in these times of trial.



Even before proximity talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority have begun, the forecast for the negotiations is bleak. Projected to begin in the middle of the month, these talks are the first to take place since Israels attack on Gaza last January. In spite of this, we pray that these talks will move us one step closer to a just peace for all people in Israel and Palestine.



This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:

Sudan, Uganda

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 29, 2010

On Sunday, several dozen settlers marched through the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan demanding the eviction of the area's Palestinian residents. The ensuing police involvement and clashes are yet another burden on a community that faces housing demolitions, evictions and settlement expansion. God of compassion, hear our prayer for all facing homelessness, in Palestine and around the world.

Each week, hundreds of people take part in nonviolent demonstrations against the arbitrary "shoot-to-kill" buffer zone that separates farmers from their fields alongside the Israeli fence around the Gaza Strip. This weekend, two Palestinians and an international activist were shot and wounded there. We pray for all people who put themselves in difficult places in the name of justice and peace.

On July 21st, Sabeel will host their 5th annual young adult conference, an opportunity for young people from around the world to spend 12 days with Palestinian young adults on an alternative pilgrimage. It is our prayer that young adults from many different countries will take this chance to learn and understand and that they will be inspired to share their experiences when they return home.

As this prayer is being written, Israeli police and soldiers are standing on the street in front of Sabeel, stopping Palestinian buses and detaining every young man that passes. Some of the men are released after a 45 minute delay and signing a legal document, some are put in a police van and taken elsewhere, and all must undergo a humiliating and frustrating i.d. check. For these men and all Palestinians who experience daily harassment, we pray for an end to the Israeli occupation.

This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:

Eritrea, Ethiopia


Wave of Prayer for Thursday, April 22, 2010

The Kairos Palestine Moment of Truth document, written by the Palestinian Christian community about the sin of the Israeli occupation, is being widely discussed and debated. There have been critical voices which denigrate the document and its authors. We pray that the cry from the heart of Palestinian suffering will be heard and people will respond with action and advocacy.

Israel continues to forcibly oppress and relocate Bedouin communities in the Negev. Just last week, three homes belonging to Bedouin Israelis were destroyed by Israeli police and many home demolition orders were served in the unrecognized village of El-Araqib in order to clear land for the Jewish National Fund to plant a forest. We pray that Israel will begin to respect the rights of all its citizens.

On Friday, Sabeel will host an event in Jericho for Palestinian Christian clergy and their spouses. The group will discuss opportunities for upcoming events with Muslim sheikhs, as well as paying a visit to the Melkite church in Taybeh. We are thankful that such ecumenical events can take place and pray that bonds among the different churches will remain strong.

Sabeel is currently recruiting and interviewing candidates for several positions in Jerusalem and Nazareth. We pray that this process will find talented individuals to help expand Sabeel's ministry of justice and peace.

This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:

Djibouti, Somalia

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 15, 2010



A recently revealed Israeli military order that goes into effect this week, allows for the deportation and eviction from the West Bank of tens of thousands of people. Palestinians born in Gaza, foreign-born spouses of Palestinians, and international activists are likely to be the primary targets of the policy but the ambiguous wording puts nearly the entire population of the West Bank at risk. We pray that this injustice is stopped before families and communities are torn apart. For more information, see http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1162075.html or http://www.hamoked.org.il/news_main_en.asp?id=901

April 17th marks "Prisoners Day" in Palestine. On this day we remember the nearly 8,000 Palestinians currently held in Israeli jails-including the 259 people being held in "administrative detention" without charge or trial and 337 minors (41 of whom are under the age of 16). Currently, many prisoners are enduring a hunger strike in order to raise awareness about the poor conditions in which they are kept. We pray that their message will be heard by those in positions of power. May they find comfort and justice.

This week marks a time of transition for Friends of Sabeel-UK. Anne Clayton will assume the role of coordinator from Jennifer Oldershaw. We are very grateful for Jennifer's 5 years of dedicated service and are excited to work with Anne in the years to come. We offer thanks to God for the witness of Friends of Sabeel-UK and other Friends of Sabeel chapters around the globe.

As the English-speaking Sabeel Witness Visit and the Dutch Sabeel Witness come to an end, we pray for the dozens of participants who will soon return home to share what they experienced. May they find powerful ways of communicating to their families and friends about the need for a just peace in Palestine and Israel.


This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan



Sabeel Easter Message
30 March 2010


According to the Gospel of John, Jesus witnessed to the truth before religious and political leaders prior to his crucifixion and death. Two statements stand out from that encounter:

To the guard that struck Jesus on the face before the high priest Annas, Jesus replied, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?" (18:23); and to the Roman Governor Pilate, Jesus said, "For this I was born, for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice"(18:37).

In the history of the Israel/Palestine conflict, the Israeli establishment has successfully manipulated the truth, distorted the facts, and fabricated myths about the origins of the conflict and the reality of life under occupation. Israel then fed this propaganda to people around the world. Falsehood has been sold as truth.

Recently, some world leaders have been discovering the extent of Israeli manipulation. Could we be approaching a decisive time in the conflict when the truth, the reality, and the facts are becoming so transparent they cannot be ignored anymore? The foundations of injustice and oppression are shaking. It is time for all of us to stand up and be courageous witnesses to truth and justice which can be the bases for a genuine peace.

In the Passion narrative, Jesus challenges those who would ignore or suppress the truth and stands firm in his witness and commitment to the truth. It is an important lesson for our political and religious leaders. It is equally a message for all of us who continue to witness and to confront the reality of the injustice and oppression of the Israeli occupation. To speak truth to power is the heritage of all faithful believers.

At this Easter season, inspired by our risen and living Christ, let us pray for courage: courage to witness to truth and courage to work for its vindication in the ending of the occupation and the establishment of a just peace that will embrace all the people of our land.

The truth will set us free.

Happy Easter to all.

Naim Ateek
Sabeel Jerusalem

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 1, 2010

For the week of Passover, Israel has enforced a closure on the entire West Bank. Until next Tuesday, very few Palestinians can enter Jerusalem, including Palestinian Christians hoping to participate in Holy Week and Easter activities. Also, in response to a nonviolent protest on Palm Sunday, Israel has barred international tourists from visiting Bethlehem. We pray for freedom of movement and freedom of worship for the many people who are still denied both.

Last week, Israel approved more settlements in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem. In response, Israelis and Palestinians held a protest on Friday. Michael Solsberry, an Israeli leader of the nonviolent protest, was among the participants arrested in their homes later that night following Shabbat dinner. We pray for courage for the leaders of nonviolent movements throughout Israel and Palestine. May they continue to speak out boldly in spite of the efforts to silence them.

At a time when President Obama is publicly pressuring Israel to freeze settlement expansion and engage in the peace process, support from his government and constituency is vital. We pray that the American people and their elected officials will support their President and will have the will to maintain pressure on Israel to respect international law.

We pray for Sabeel's staff and volunteers in Palestine and Israel, and Friends of Sabeel leaders and members around the world. Negative reactions to Sabeel's work are common and sometimes progress seems slow. May we all draw strength from Christ's message of hope, justice and truth. We give thanks to God for the life-giving prayers, encouragement, and action of our friends around the globe.


This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore