19-9-2024

Last week, in the early hours of dawn, Israel dropped at least 4 U.S. made 2000-lb bombs on 20 tents in Al-Mawasi Khan Younis, which was a “designated safe zone.” The sheer force of the bombs created 10-meter-deep craters and caused an entire camp of tents to disintegrate. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to dig through mounds of sand and rubble to locate any remaining signs of life buried under the crater. After almost a year of death and violence, eyewitnesses say this was one of the most horrific massacres since the genocide started.  

• God of the Oppressed, we come to You burdened and grieved by the evil and destruction. We lift the people of Al-Mawasi Khan Younis, whose suffering echoes the countless cries of the displaced, the oppressed, and the forgotten. In our grief, we can only think of the words of Amos 5:24: “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” We pray that the weight of injustice be lifted and that those orchestrating the destruction of a people be judged before You and the world.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, UNWRA reported that about 530,000 children in Gaza received polio vaccines. However, the UN was unable to confirm the 3rd phase of the polio vaccine campaign after Israeli forces held up the UN convoy at gunpoint.  

• Divine Protector, we hold in prayer the children of Gaza, their families, and all those working to bring healing of all forms in the midst of unimaginable violence. We give thanks for protection and health, and we ask your continued divine protection over them. Holy Spirit, continue to accompany the UN workers and all humanitarian teams who strive to be agents of your will. Open the eyes of leaders and decision-makers, so they may be moved towards cooperation, justice, and the preservation of life. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, the Tent of Nations had their long-awaited court hearing regarding the re-registration of their land. The Tent of Nations was hoping that the hearing would bring about a just outcome after a 33-year long legal battle to protect the farm from confiscation. Unfortunately, the land registration committee did not hold a substantive session and delayed the proceedings because of what it claimed was a technical mistake by the committee secretary. However, the committee decided to set up another close date for the next session and delaying the proceedings to 17th September 2024. 

• God of All Creation, we lift up the struggle of the Daoud family, who for over three decades have been peacefully resisting efforts to destroy and confiscate their land. Soften the hearts of those in power, so that justice and truth may prevail and the land may continue to serve as a place of reconciliation, community, and peace. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, in the third week of invasions into the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces killed at least five Palestinians.  Three people were killed in a drone attack on a vehicle in the city of Tulkarem while another was killed by an Israeli sniper in the Far’a refugee camp, near the city of Tubas. The killings took the overall death toll from Israel’s large-scale militarised operation, launched in the West Bank on August 28, to at least 50. The figure included several people who were killed in an air attack on Tubas. In Tulkarem, the IOF also abducted 5 PRCS paramedics. 

• God of Mercy, we come before you with heavy hearts, grieving the loss of life and the unrelenting violence that has engulfed the West Bank. We pray for the people of Tulkarem, Tubas, the Far’a refugee camp, and elsewhere in the West Bank who endure the constant threat of violence and death. Shield them, O Lord, from the devastation that surrounds them. In the face of military power and occupation, we ask for your divine intervention to break the cycles of violence. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, a leaked Israeli Foreign Ministry cable revealed that Israel was lobbying U.S. members of Congress to pressure South Africa to drop its genocide case against Israel at the UN’s top court. South Africa has until 28 October 2024 to present to the ICJ its reasons for continuing legal action against Israel over violations of the Genocide Convention.  

• God of Truth, we lift up this moment to You, where nations stand at a crossroads of accountability.  We pray for wisdom, courage, and protection for the leaders of South Africa as they seek justice through the International Court of Justice. May a world where international law and human dignity be upheld and your justice and love shines. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, British trade unions voted on a motion at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) conference to demand all arms trading with Israel be ended immediately, sending a clear message to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to stop British arms from supporting genocide. This vote is significant because the TUC conference, which represents 5.5 million workers and 48 unions, is an important voting base for the Labour Party. 

• Loving God, in the face of such injustice, we do not forget the reminders of your mercy and love. We lift up the people of conscience who are agents of your love through their actions and voices. As we ask the Holy Spirit to continue guiding them in courage and conviction, we pray that leaders around the world, especially Prime Minister Keir Starmer, may hear this call for peace. Open their hearts so that they may be moved by the cries of those affected by genocide and occupation, and may the strength of the 5.5 million workers in the UK be a force for the transformation of this world.
  Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
• We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer