26-9-2024

Last week, in two mass terrorizing attacks, over 4,000 people were injured and 20 people killed in Lebanon by hacking and exploding pagers and electronic devices manufactured by Motorola. While Israel claimed the killings were a targeted campaign to assassinate Hezbollah members, casualties included three children as young as 6 and many civilians.

Caregiving God, no place feels safe as long as the oppressor acts with impunity. Holy Spirit, be with the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who are responding with bravery and conviction. Give them peace as they grieve the loss of many of their co-workers and console the injured. As we pray for the people of Lebanon, we ask you to bring peace, justice, accountability, and reconciliation to the world.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, it was revealed by both the head of UNWRA and the Israeli National Security Council that the Israeli government has stopped issuing visas to members of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This comes on top of an ongoing entry ban of international media to report freely from inside Gaza, funding cuts to UNWRA, and at a time when several senior UN officials are not given permission to visit Gaza and/or are prevented to travel to the West Bank including East Jerusalem.

God of Compassion, we lift up the aid workers in Palestine who serve with courage and dedication. Strengthen them in their mission, guiding their hands and hearts as they bring healing, hope, and relief to those in need. Fill them with a steadfast commitment to peace, and inspire them to promote the dignity and flourishing of all people in the land.

We also ask that You be with the local civil society organizations and communities. Empower them to continue their vital work of care, advocacy, and support, even in the face of great challenges. Grant them resilience, wisdom, and the resources they need to sustain their efforts.

Lord, in Your mercy… hear our prayer.

Last week, aid groups reported that Israel is intentionally starving Palestinians in Gaza by blocking 83% of required food aid. As a result, Palestinians in Gaza on average eat 1 meal every 2 days.

Greatest Provider, hear the cries of your starving children and provide them with your daily bread. Sustain them in their time of need and grant them strength and resilience in the face of forced hunger and despair. We ask for your intervention to move the hearts of those in power to act with compassion, to bring the delivery of essential aid, and to protect those working tirelessly to provide for the hungry. Fill Gaza and all of Palestine with your provision and peace, and may your grace bring dignity to the suffering and oppressed.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, Israeli settlers armed with weapons and IOF protection stormed an elementary school in Jericho, physically assaulting children and school staff. The ongoing Israeli invasion into the occupied West Bank has seen escalating settler violence with IOF backing while Israel continues daily raids in multiples cities. Another place of education, Dar-al-Kalima University near Bethlehem, was also attacked during Israel’s assault at the nearby Dheisheh refugee camp, disrupting the daily activities of students and staff.

God of Justice, We grieve the violence against children and places of learning in Jericho and Bethlehem. Protect the innocent and strengthen those who stand for peace and justice. In the face of settler and military oppression, empower the Palestinian people to rise with courage and dignity. Transform hearts hardened by hatred, and bring an end to the occupation that causes such suffering. Let Your justice flow like a mighty stream, so that all may live in peace and freedom.

Lord, in Your mercy… hear our prayer.

Last week, local media disclosed that the Israeli government is attempting to recruit around 30,000 asylum seekers from African countries to the country by offering them permanent residency if they join the occupation state’s armed forces in their war in Gaza. Recruitment efforts of African refugees come at a time when the Israeli army is facing severe shortages of soldiers. As a result of the shortage, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled in June that ultra-Orthodox Jews, a population that has long been exempted from military service, are now subjected to the military draft.

God of the Oppressed, we are outraged about the exploitation of vulnerable communities to further the purposes of war and violence. Protect asylum seekers, especially those in this region. May they find refuge, safety, and human dignity, rather than being coerced and used as pawns in the machinery of oppression, dehumanization, and genocide. Empower those who stand for peace and give courage to those resisting the forces of violence. Let your love transform hearts and bring healing to this world in dire need of your mercy and forgiveness. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

Last week, because of the student movement, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ended a joint American Israeli arms manufacturer partnership. MIT is the first American university to do so since October when student demonstrations started.

Holy God, amidst worsening atrocities, steps towards a flourishing peace may seem small and insignificant. Yet, we give gratitude to the steady hand of justice and put trust in your timing, knowing that you are the merciful provider of all things. Grant us patience, resolve, and sumud to continue pursuing change, even when the road seems long and winding. Bless the courage of students and people of consciousness that they may rise up and be faithful agents of your will.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Peru.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer