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 28, 2011
Al-Masih Qam ~ Christ is Risen
Sabeel Jerusalem sends Easter greetings to all of our friends. We ask that you keep the Christians of the Holy Land, the Middle East, and around the world in your prayers during this special time, especially those who continue to face many challenges. We pray that this celebration of the resurrection will bring a renewal of faith, of commitment to the marginalized and oppressed and of dedication to work for justice and peace in our communities and around the world.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Eritrea, Ethiopia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, April 21, 2011
► As Sunday was Palestinian Prisoner's Day, we remember current political prisoners and the over 700,000 Palestinians who have been detained by Israeli authorities since 1967, about 20% of the total Palestinian population in the West Bank and Gaza, many without charges or trials. In commemoration of this day, 6,000 Palestinian prisoners launched a one-day hunger strike to protest Israeli measures and internal Palestinian divisions. We pray for an end to this devastating tactic of arrests and for prisoners, their families and communities who are forced to face it on a daily basis.
► We pray for the family, friends and wider community whose lives were touched by last week's murder of two men who dedicated their lives to justice and peace. Juliano Mer-Khamis, son of a Palestinian-Israeli Christian father and Jewish-Israeli mother and founder of Jenin Refugee Camp's Freedom Theatre in the West Bank, was shot by a masked man in Jenin, while Vittorio Arrigoni, a prominent International Solidarity Movement activist, was hanged by a radical Salafist group in Gaza. May their lives motivate us all in the work for justice and peace in Palestine.
► Our prayers are with our Jewish brothers and sisters remembering the anguish of slavery and the release from oppression by God's hand with Passover. We pray that remembering this past will open ears to current cries for freedom from the oppressive Israeli occupation, which during festivals like Passover causes even more suffering with actions such as the military "general closure" of the West Bank.
► We pray for Christians in Jerusalem and around the world as we celebrate Holy Week and Easter. We especially remember the many Palestinian Christians who face great difficulties to obtain special permits to cross Israeli checkpoints, which are especially slow or even closed due to Passover, in order to worship in East Jerusalem, and those who are denied permits and so cannot come to celebrations in East Jerusalem. We pray for a time where all people can freely access and worship in their holy places.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Djibouti, Somalia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, April 14, 2011
► We pray that a complete cease-fire and end to the blockade of Gaza will come out of the recent lull in the flare-up between Gaza and Israel which climaxed this past weekend in the deadliest three days since the war on Gaza in 2008-9, with 19 Palestinians killed and 120 mortars fired into southern Israel. We pray for an end to the cycle of violence that has caused so much pain and death in Gaza and fear and damage in Israel.
► As talks between Israel and Palestine continue to stall, we pray for a renewal of commitment from all parties to work for peace, in spite of actions that suggest otherwise such as the approval last week of the construction of 942 new housing units in Gilo, an illegal Israeli settlement on the edge of East Jerusalem in the West Bank. This comes as part of a series of recent announcements for new settlement construction, which is illegal under international law. In addition, the US postponed a Quartet meeting which was supposed to be held this Friday to discuss how to restart Israeli-Palestinian talks, saying "it wasn't the right time." We pray for now to be the time for peace.
► Our prayers continue to be with people everywhere challenging their governments to make reforms. We especially pray for the people of Syria as the month-long protest movement, which includes calls for an end to the 48 year old emergency law, continues to grow despite violent government crackdowns. May the courage it takes to protest strengthen across the Middle East and speak truth to those in power in a way that they will listen.
► We pray for the Holy Week and Easter programs: Sabeel Nazareth's children's Easter Program at the Carmelite Convent on Tuesday, April 12; the Nazareth Young Adult's special Easter Bible Study and dinner on Thursday, April 14; and the Easter Egg Hunt and games for 140 children from disadvantaged families in Jerusalem and Bethlehem co-organized by Sabeel Jerusalem and the Catholic Scouts on Friday, April 15.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Taiwan
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, April 14, 2011
► We pray that a complete cease-fire and end to the blockade of Gaza will come out of the recent lull in the flare-up between Gaza and Israel which climaxed this past weekend in the deadliest three days since the war on Gaza in 2008-9, with 19 Palestinians killed and 120 mortars fired into southern Israel. We pray for an end to the cycle of violence that has caused so much pain and death in Gaza and fear and damage in Israel.
► As talks between Israel and Palestine continue to stall, we pray for a renewal of commitment from all parties to work for peace, in spite of actions that suggest otherwise such as the approval last week of the construction of 942 new housing units in Gilo, an illegal Israeli settlement on the edge of East Jerusalem in the West Bank. This comes as part of a series of recent announcements for new settlement construction, which is illegal under international law. In addition, the US postponed a Quartet meeting which was supposed to be held this Friday to discuss how to restart Israeli-Palestinian talks, saying "it wasn't the right time." We pray for now to be the time for peace.
► Our prayers continue to be with people everywhere challenging their governments to make reforms. We especially pray for the people of Syria as the month-long protest movement, which includes calls for an end to the 48 year old emergency law, continues to grow despite violent government crackdowns. May the courage it takes to protest strengthen across the Middle East and speak truth to those in power in a way that they will listen.
► We pray for the Holy Week and Easter programs: Sabeel Nazareth's children's Easter Program at the Carmelite Convent on Tuesday, April 12; the Nazareth Young Adult's special Easter Bible Study and dinner on Thursday, April 14; and the Easter Egg Hunt and games for 140 children from disadvantaged families in Jerusalem and Bethlehem co-organized by Sabeel Jerusalem and the Catholic Scouts on Friday, April 15.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Taiwan
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, April 7, 2011
► As we celebrate Palestinian Children's Day on April 5, we pray for all the children whose experience of a normal life is disrupted by military occupation, but who nevertheless are the hope and future of peace in this land. We especially remember the children in the Daughters of Charity St. Vincent home for children, who enjoyed an afternoon with participants on Tuesday through a Sabeel joint Community-Clergy Lenten program.
► Our prayers are with all those whose homes have been demolished or threatened with demolition. According to UNRWA, March saw the third consecutive month of record highs for Palestinian buildings in the West Bank demolished by Israeli authorities. The past month's demolition of seventy-six homes caused the forced displacement of 158 people, including 47 children. We pray for an end to this destructive policy that devastates the heart of a family's life and secure foundation for the future.
► We remember in prayer the residents of Beit Ommar, a Palestinian town in the West Bank with an active nonviolent resistance movement, who have experienced increasing violence and military closure since an Israeli settler opened fire on a funeral procession on March 21. For over two weeks Israeli forces have surrounded and terrorized the town, entrances have been blocked, a fence is being constructed around part of the town, and dozens of residents have been detained. We pray that plans for a more permanent blockade being considered by Israeli forces will not be implemented and that the residents of the town may live in peace.
► On Tuesday, April 12, Sabeel will lead a Contemporary Way of the Cross as part of the Lenten program for the community, clergy and youth. As participants follow the Via Dolorosa linking the original events of Jesus' suffering on Good Friday with the continued suffering of the Palestinian people who live under occupation today, we pray that this transformative path of suffering and hope inspired by the resurrection will also be experienced by the many international pilgrims coming for Easter.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
East Timor, Indonesia, Philippines
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, April 7, 2011
► As we celebrate Palestinian Children's Day on April 5, we pray for all the children whose experience of a normal life is disrupted by military occupation, but who nevertheless are the hope and future of peace in this land. We especially remember the children in the Daughters of Charity St. Vincent home for children, who enjoyed an afternoon with participants on Tuesday through a Sabeel joint Community-Clergy Lenten program.
► Our prayers are with all those whose homes have been demolished or threatened with demolition. According to UNRWA, March saw the third consecutive month of record highs for Palestinian buildings in the West Bank demolished by Israeli authorities. The past month's demolition of seventy-six homes caused the forced displacement of 158 people, including 47 children. We pray for an end to this destructive policy that devastates the heart of a family's life and secure foundation for the future.
► We remember in prayer the residents of Beit Ommar, a Palestinian town in the West Bank with an active nonviolent resistance movement, who have experienced increasing violence and military closure since an Israeli settler opened fire on a funeral procession on March 21. For over two weeks Israeli forces have surrounded and terrorized the town, entrances have been blocked, a fence is being constructed around part of the town, and dozens of residents have been detained. We pray that plans for a more permanent blockade being considered by Israeli forces will not be implemented and that the residents of the town may live in peace.
► On Tuesday, April 12, Sabeel will lead a Contemporary Way of the Cross as part of the Lenten program for the community, clergy and youth. As participants follow the Via Dolorosa linking the original events of Jesus' suffering on Good Friday with the continued suffering of the Palestinian people who live under occupation today, we pray that this transformative path of suffering and hope inspired by the resurrection will also be experienced by the many international pilgrims coming for Easter.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
East Timor, Indonesia, Philippines
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 31, 2011
► We hold in prayer everyone whose life has been affected by the recent wave of violence in the past weeks. We especially remember all of those injured or killed by the unclaimed bomb in West Jerusalem last Wednesday, by the Israeli air strike bombings of Gaza, by projectiles fired from Gaza into Israel, and by the continued settler and military violence and harassment of Palestinians in the West Bank. We pray for the time when children can play, students can go to school and people can live their daily lives without fear.
► We pray for the ongoing nonviolent resistance to Israel's illegal occupation, colonization, and expropriation of land as people in Israel, Palestine and around the world commemorate Land Day on Wednesday, March 30, remembering the 1976 general strike and protests against massive land expropriation in which Israeli security forces killed six young Palestinian citizens of Israel. We also pray for equality for all of the citizens inside the state of Israel who suffer from growing racism and discrimination, most recently evidenced through newly-passed laws, including a law making it illegal for any body receiving public funds to commemorate the Nakba (the Arabic word for "catastrophe" by which Palestinians remember the events of 1948); a law allowing small communities in Israel to screen potential new residents who do not "fit with the social fabric" of the community; and a law enabling Israel's Supreme Court to revoke the citizenship of anyone not considered loyal to the state.
► We continue to pray for all those calling for greater freedoms and reforms, especially for the people of Syria and Jordan as government responses to protests turn more violent and deadly. We pray that Jordan's announcements of future reforms and the Syrian cabinet's resignation on Tuesday will be followed with more serious reforms and democratic changes.
► Ten leaders from Kairos Palestine, including Rev. Naim Ateek, will be travelling around South Africa in the coming week in order to inform South Africans about the work of Kairos Palestine and to share with each other their respective Kairos moments. We pray for smooth travels to and in South Africa, and that this will be an enlightening and inspiring time to learn from each other's work for equality in their own contexts.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 17, 2011
► We hold in prayer the family and friends of the five members of the Fogel family who were horrendously and criminally murdered last Friday in the illegal Israeli settlement Itamar, close to Nablus. As the investigation continues with no obvious suspects, we pray for the quick apprehension and trial of the murderers.
► We also remember the Palestinian families who have suffered from violent settler attacks protected by the Israeli army in retaliation to the murder in Itamar this past week, even though those who committed the crime remain unknown. We pray that the cycle of violence, repaying one wrong with another, will be broken.
► Our prayers are with everyone in Japan as they face the ongoing trauma and damage from last Friday's major earthquake, aftershocks, tsunami and ensuing nuclear crisis. We especially pray for comfort and relief for those who have lost loved ones, homes and workplaces, for the safety of everyone in danger of nuclear radiation and for insight and strength for those responding to this disaster, including those working to keep the nuclear damage under control. We also remember the nuclear facilities around the world, many of which are in tsunami or earthquake prone areas, including in Israel, and pray for people and politicians as the question of the safety of nuclear power plants is revisited.
► We pray for all the participants and leaders of current and upcoming Sabeel programs. On Tuesday, Sabeel started its community Lenten Program; this year's focus on fasting, charity and prayers will include visits to nursing homes and orphanages over the next three weeks, as well as taking part in the Contemporary Way of the Cross. In addition, this Friday and Saturday young adults from Jerusalem, Nazareth and the West Bank will join together to plant olive trees in Beit Jala.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, March 17, 2011
► We hold in prayer the family and friends of the five members of the Fogel family who were horrendously and criminally murdered last Friday in the illegal Israeli settlement Itamar, close to Nablus. As the investigation continues with no obvious suspects, we pray for the quick apprehension and trial of the murderers.
► We also remember the Palestinian families who have suffered from violent settler attacks protected by the Israeli army in retaliation to the murder in Itamar this past week, even though those who committed the crime remain unknown. We pray that the cycle of violence, repaying one wrong with another, will be broken.
► Our prayers are with everyone in Japan as they face the ongoing trauma and damage from last Friday's major earthquake, aftershocks, tsunami and ensuing nuclear crisis. We especially pray for comfort and relief for those who have lost loved ones, homes and workplaces, for the safety of everyone in danger of nuclear radiation and for insight and strength for those responding to this disaster, including those working to keep the nuclear damage under control. We also remember the nuclear facilities around the world, many of which are in tsunami or earthquake prone areas, including in Israel, and pray for people and politicians as the question of the safety of nuclear power plants is revisited.
► We pray for all the participants and leaders of current and upcoming Sabeel programs. On Tuesday, Sabeel started its community Lenten Program; this year's focus on fasting, charity and prayers will include visits to nursing homes and orphanages over the next three weeks, as well as taking part in the Contemporary Way of the Cross. In addition, this Friday and Saturday young adults from Jerusalem, Nazareth and the West Bank will join together to plant olive trees in Beit Jala.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 17, 2011
We give thanks for the example of successful nonviolent resistance the people of Egypt give to the world with the stepping down of President Mubarak on Friday and pray for a smooth and meaningful transition to democracy. Our prayers are also with the people who continue in their struggles for more freedom in Algeria, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Yemen, and other places around the world.
As the new PA Cabinet is being formed, we pray for Palestinian unity and a democratic government to govern a future Palestinian state when the occupation ends.
Our prayers for safety and wellbeing are with the international and local travelers and pilgrims to Bethlehem for Sabeel's 8th International Conference, Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness and Resistance. We continue to pray for the participants, speakers, organizers, staff and volunteers as everyone prepares in the last days before the conference.
Please continue to pray next week for the Conference, which takes place in Bethlehem from February 23-28, 2011: for open hearts and minds for the participants, wisdom and clarity for the speakers, and strength and patience for the organizers, staff and volunteers.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
This week: Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain
Next week: France, Germany
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 10, 2011
We pray for all those affected by the recent increase of illegal settlement construction in East Jerusalem. Last week several Israeli Knesset members, Jerusalem councilmen, and former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee attended the cornerstone-laying ceremony for settler housing units on the Mount of Olives, with intentions for further expansion. This week the Jerusalem City Council approved the plans for settler apartments in Sheikh Jarrah whose construction will cause the eviction of a number of Palestinian families. We pray that the national and international community will not let this settlement construction that is illegal under international law and destructive for peace go unheeded.
Prices of essential items such as food, water and gas are steadily increasing in Israel and Palestine, the Middle East, and all over the world. We pray for everyone for whom this is a hardship, especially for those who already struggle to make ends meet and for whom this is an additional burden.
Our prayers remain with the people of Egypt; we especially give thanks for the Christians and Muslims working together for a better nation and protecting each other during Muslim prayers and Christian services. May they be encouraged and strengthened, and continue to give inspiration and hope across the Middle East.
We pray for the upcoming Sabeel conference, Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness, and Resistance, that is now less than two weeks away. We remember the people from Africa and Latin America who were unable to get visas to join us for the conference. We also give thanks for the international volunteers who have arrived in Jerusalem and for the affirming atmosphere of teamwork among all the staff preparing for the conference.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 17, 2011
We give thanks for the example of successful nonviolent resistance the people of Egypt give to the world with the stepping down of President Mubarak on Friday and pray for a smooth and meaningful transition to democracy. Our prayers are also with the people who continue in their struggles for more freedom in Algeria, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Yemen, and other places around the world.
As the new PA Cabinet is being formed, we pray for Palestinian unity and a democratic government to govern a future Palestinian state when the occupation ends.
Our prayers for safety and wellbeing are with the international and local travelers and pilgrims to Bethlehem for Sabeel's 8th International Conference, Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness and Resistance. We continue to pray for the participants, speakers, organizers, staff and volunteers as everyone prepares in the last days before the conference.
Please continue to pray next week for the Conference, which takes place in Bethlehem from February 23-28, 2011: for open hearts and minds for the participants, wisdom and clarity for the speakers, and strength and patience for the organizers, staff and volunteers.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
This week: Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain
Next week: France, Germany
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 10, 2011
We pray for all those affected by the recent increase of illegal settlement construction in East Jerusalem. Last week several Israeli Knesset members, Jerusalem councilmen, and former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee attended the cornerstone-laying ceremony for settler housing units on the Mount of Olives, with intentions for further expansion. This week the Jerusalem City Council approved the plans for settler apartments in Sheikh Jarrah whose construction will cause the eviction of a number of Palestinian families. We pray that the national and international community will not let this settlement construction that is illegal under international law and destructive for peace go unheeded.
Prices of essential items such as food, water and gas are steadily increasing in Israel and Palestine, the Middle East, and all over the world. We pray for everyone for whom this is a hardship, especially for those who already struggle to make ends meet and for whom this is an additional burden.
Our prayers remain with the people of Egypt; we especially give thanks for the Christians and Muslims working together for a better nation and protecting each other during Muslim prayers and Christian services. May they be encouraged and strengthened, and continue to give inspiration and hope across the Middle East.
We pray for the upcoming Sabeel conference, Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness, and Resistance, that is now less than two weeks away. We remember the people from Africa and Latin America who were unable to get visas to join us for the conference. We also give thanks for the international volunteers who have arrived in Jerusalem and for the affirming atmosphere of teamwork among all the staff preparing for the conference.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 3, 2011
We pray for the wellbeing, safety and fulfillment of all people everywhere who seek social justice, freedom and truth. We pray that rulers will listen to the just cries of their people.
Our prayers are with the family, friends, and community of Yousef Fakhri Ikhlayl, a 17-year-old youth from Beit Ommar who was very involved in community building and non-violent initiatives with Palestine Solidarity Project. Last Friday he was shot in the head by illegal Israeli settlers while in his family vineyard; at his funeral procession the next day Israeli soldiers fired tear gas, sound grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets. As violent settler attacks in the West Bank increased this past week, we pray for the security of all and an end to this occupation that encourages such violence.
We give thanks for Israelis who are willing to stand up against injustice as they protest outside the Jerusalem offices of the Jewish National Fund, who is responsible for the 11th demolition of the Bedouin village Al-Arakib. We pray for the dozens of people who were shot with sponge bullets, brutally beaten and arrested during the demolition and for the dozens of families who lost their homes in the middle of winter.
As we enter the month of February, Sabeel's 8th International Conference, Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness and Resistance, to be held in Bethlehem from February 23-28, draws ever closer. We pray for the over 160 participants coming from 10 different countries, the speakers, and the conference organizers as they enter the last few weeks of preparation for what appears to be a more timely gathering than ever on this topic.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Ireland; United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, January 27, 2011
We pray that this week's release of the "Palestine Papers," un-verified leaked documents from the past ten years of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations concerning East Jerusalem, refugees and the right of return, and more, do not distract attention away from what is really needed: a restart to serious peace talks based on justice and international law.
We pray for leaders all around the world to actively support a just peace in Israel and Palestine. We give thanks for Peru's recognition of a "free and sovereign" Palestinian state and especially we pray for President Obama with the State of the Union Address this week, that this year the United States will take a bolder and more even-handed approach in their role resolving this conflict.
Our prayers are with the people of the many countries in the region who are experiencing political, social and economic upheaval, especially Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Yemen. May human rights and the representation of all peoples in the world be upheld without resorting to violence.
We hold in prayer two of Sabeel's programs on Friday: women from Jericho, Jerusalem, Nazareth and Ramallah will join together for a day visiting the different churches, the YMCA and the refugee camp in Jericho, among other activities; while the Nazareth young adult group will visit Cana of Galilee with a bible study in the church. We pray that all participants will be spiritually, emotionally and physically nourished from these gatherings.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, January 20, 2011
We pray for people around the world working for freedom, justice and peace:
We pray for the people of Tunisia as they work to rebuild democracy after removing a corrupt leader through popular resistance;
We pray for the movement in Israel to work "for democratic values, freedom of speech, equal rights for citizens and the end of the occupation" that motivated thousands of demonstrators to gather in Tel Aviv last Saturday to protest the possible Knesset investigation into the funding of Israeli "left-wing" human rights organizations; and
We pray for ICCO of the Netherlands as they stand up against pressure from the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs to change their policy that includes supporting organizations who endorse BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions).
Our prayers are with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the patron of International Friends of Sabeel, as he lately has been personally targeted with slanderous attacks because of his outspokenness for a just peace in Israel and Palestine and especially because of his call for the Cape Town Opera to not perform in Tel Aviv when there is not freedom for everyone to attend. We pray that the petition-pledge of support for him, found at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/defend-tutu/, will encourage and strengthen him in his ministry.
We give thanks for the time of fellowship, volunteering and fun together in the Galilee for the young adults from the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Galilee who came on the joint Nazareth-Jerusalem Sabeel trip last weekend. Most of the young adults from the West Bank are only able to enter Israel and Jerusalem when they are granted permits over the Christmas season, making this trip a special opportunity. As these permits now expire we remember in prayer the many Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza whose movement is severely and unjustly restricted.
As the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins this Saturday we join the Christians in Jerusalem and our brothers and sisters around the world in praying for a renewed commitment to active unity as we struggle for justice, peace and equality for all people.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Western Sahara, Tunisia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 3, 2011
We pray for the wellbeing, safety and fulfillment of all people everywhere who seek social justice, freedom and truth. We pray that rulers will listen to the just cries of their people.
Our prayers are with the family, friends, and community of Yousef Fakhri Ikhlayl, a 17-year-old youth from Beit Ommar who was very involved in community building and non-violent initiatives with Palestine Solidarity Project. Last Friday he was shot in the head by illegal Israeli settlers while in his family vineyard; at his funeral procession the next day Israeli soldiers fired tear gas, sound grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets. As violent settler attacks in the West Bank increased this past week, we pray for the security of all and an end to this occupation that encourages such violence.
We give thanks for Israelis who are willing to stand up against injustice as they protest outside the Jerusalem offices of the Jewish National Fund, who is responsible for the 11th demolition of the Bedouin village Al-Arakib. We pray for the dozens of people who were shot with sponge bullets, brutally beaten and arrested during the demolition and for the dozens of families who lost their homes in the middle of winter.
As we enter the month of February, Sabeel's 8th International Conference, Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness and Resistance, to be held in Bethlehem from February 23-28, draws ever closer. We pray for the over 160 participants coming from 10 different countries, the speakers, and the conference organizers as they enter the last few weeks of preparation for what appears to be a more timely gathering than ever on this topic.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Ireland; United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, January 27, 2011
We pray that this week's release of the "Palestine Papers," un-verified leaked documents from the past ten years of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations concerning East Jerusalem, refugees and the right of return, and more, do not distract attention away from what is really needed: a restart to serious peace talks based on justice and international law.
We pray for leaders all around the world to actively support a just peace in Israel and Palestine. We give thanks for Peru's recognition of a "free and sovereign" Palestinian state and especially we pray for President Obama with the State of the Union Address this week, that this year the United States will take a bolder and more even-handed approach in their role resolving this conflict.
Our prayers are with the people of the many countries in the region who are experiencing political, social and economic upheaval, especially Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Yemen. May human rights and the representation of all peoples in the world be upheld without resorting to violence.
We hold in prayer two of Sabeel's programs on Friday: women from Jericho, Jerusalem, Nazareth and Ramallah will join together for a day visiting the different churches, the YMCA and the refugee camp in Jericho, among other activities; while the Nazareth young adult group will visit Cana of Galilee with a bible study in the church. We pray that all participants will be spiritually, emotionally and physically nourished from these gatherings.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, January 20, 2011
We pray for people around the world working for freedom, justice and peace:
We pray for the people of Tunisia as they work to rebuild democracy after removing a corrupt leader through popular resistance;
We pray for the movement in Israel to work "for democratic values, freedom of speech, equal rights for citizens and the end of the occupation" that motivated thousands of demonstrators to gather in Tel Aviv last Saturday to protest the possible Knesset investigation into the funding of Israeli "left-wing" human rights organizations; and
We pray for ICCO of the Netherlands as they stand up against pressure from the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs to change their policy that includes supporting organizations who endorse BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions).
Our prayers are with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the patron of International Friends of Sabeel, as he lately has been personally targeted with slanderous attacks because of his outspokenness for a just peace in Israel and Palestine and especially because of his call for the Cape Town Opera to not perform in Tel Aviv when there is not freedom for everyone to attend. We pray that the petition-pledge of support for him, found at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/defend-tutu/, will encourage and strengthen him in his ministry.
We give thanks for the time of fellowship, volunteering and fun together in the Galilee for the young adults from the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Galilee who came on the joint Nazareth-Jerusalem Sabeel trip last weekend. Most of the young adults from the West Bank are only able to enter Israel and Jerusalem when they are granted permits over the Christmas season, making this trip a special opportunity. As these permits now expire we remember in prayer the many Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza whose movement is severely and unjustly restricted.
As the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins this Saturday we join the Christians in Jerusalem and our brothers and sisters around the world in praying for a renewed commitment to active unity as we struggle for justice, peace and equality for all people.
With the Prayer Cycle of the World Council of Churches, we pray for:
Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Western Sahara, Tunisia
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle.html
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