15 JANUARY 2024
Last week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) heard the arguments for and against the motion that Israel is committing genocide in its war on Gaza. South Africa filed the lawsuit in December, in a move welcomed by several countries amid a global chorus for a ceasefire in Gaza. Since the 7th of October, more than 23,000 Palestinians have been killed, with thousands more injured. The UN Chief has called Gaza a “graveyard for children”.
God of truth, whilst we pray for truth to be exposed and international law to be implemented, we remember that true change requires moral and spiritual transformation. We pray for an increase of voices in all avenues, whether on the streets or in the ICJ, to call for an immediate ceasefire and holding injustice accountable. Lord, we are grateful for the beautiful solidarity of South Africa, who are showing us political love.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
On the 12th of January, after the success of the “Emmanuel” play in Jerusalem and Ramallah, Sabeel in collaboration with Youth of Jesus Homeland, and a professional theater production team, held the play in Bethlehem. Around 300 people attended the play. This play, along with many other voices represents a contextual and meaningful understanding of Christ’s incarnation with the current reality in Palestine.
Emmanuel, we thank your Holy Spirit who is working creatively to share messages of love, liberation, justice, and steadfastness. We know that you see the hard work of those who made these plays possible. May you reward them with an increase of creative resistance against structures of oppression, bearing true witness to the incarnated Christ who humbles rulers and lifts up the oppressed.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
During previous Israeli aggressions against Gaza, Israeli authorities refrained from demolitions in East Jerusalem to “ease tensions”. However, the pace of demolition by Israel against Palestinians has increased since October, with a 60% surge in demolished homes reported in 2023. Moreover, Israel has increased its demolitions of homes in unrecognized Bedouin villages in the Naqab desert.
Loving God, our shelter through the storm, may those who are left with nothing, know that they are not forgotten. We ask for the provision of resources so that people’s needs are met. Lord, replace every demolished home with a new home in a liberated land. Lord, provide all Palestinians their daily bread and deliver us from evil.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
On the 13th of January, a Sabeel project called Palaction launched their online campaign. In their online campaign Palaction held a 24hour campaign holding a platform for videos and influencers to share their message of solidarity and advocacy for an immediate ceasefire and the implementation of international law. Palaction seeks to be a global resource for engaging with and supporting the movement for justice in Palestine.
God of justice, we remember the words of the Apostle Paul “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Lord, we believe that whoever and wherever people struggle for freedom through love, your spirit is there. Help us to realize your presence in the struggle for liberation. May Palaction be used as a vessel to express your love.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
After 100 days of war in Gaza, more than 10,000 children, or 1 percent of the total child population in Gaza have been killed, according to a new report by Save The Children. The report also details that Gazan children surviving Israeli aggressions are enduring unspeakable horrors, including life-altering injuries, burns, diseases, inadequate medical care, and losing family and loved ones.
God of peace, you have created each of us in your image and likeness, you sustain us through your songs and melodies of life, even if some people deny this. Help us remember in our faith that every Gazan child who has died, has not passed away from your love. You are all merciful and will replace their pain and suffering with laughter and joy. Lord, as long as we live, the martyred children too will live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them and bear witness to their loss.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Friends of Sabeel globally have been active in their efforts of advocating for justice in Palestine-Israel since the 7th of October. Friends of Sabeel are seen on the streets protesting, holding vigils, organizing petitions and statements, hosting webinars, helping, and fundraising events. This is an illustration of the power of friendship which is proven in dark times.
God of the oppressed, we are thankful for the beautiful solidarity of our friends. We pray that you empower us as one human family to join hands in our struggle for liberation, justice, and peace in Palestine. Aid us in our teamwork and deepen our friendship, so that we become true agents for justice that empower the oppressed holistically. Lord, help us spread the work of Sabeel, promoting it’s vision and working for it’s mission.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches for the countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayers
