March 27th, 2025
Last week, the ceasefire broke in the middle of the night, with Israeli attacks killing over 700 Palestinians in the span of 3 days. In the renewed attacks, Israel bombed a hospital as well as blocked movement from the North to the South. This push comes after 20 days of an aid blockade on Gaza, with displaced Palestinians running out of water and flour.
Holy God, there are no words left to describe our pain. We can only echo the words of the Psalmist: “Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.” (Psalm 31:9) Lord continue to be near to the grieving, the terrified, the displaced. Hold them in their suffering and do not let this evil stand. We pray for an immediate cessation of violence and for justice to come to Gaza and all the people of the land.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
On March 21st, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire launched a 40-day fast in solidarity with Gaza’s children after the renewed genocide campaign began in Gaza. In a statement announcing her fast, she condemned global governments, especially the U.S., U.K., and EU, for their complicity. Amid Ramadan and Lent, she urges fasting and prayer for a just, nonviolent world.
God of love, we lift up Mairead Maguire and all who fast in solidarity with Gaza’s children. As she hungers for justice, may her witness stir the conscience of the world. In this season of Ramadan and Lent, may our fasting and prayers help us recenter justice in our everyday actions.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Sabeel is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Deborah Ann Berubé on March 13, 2025. Devoted to Palestinian liberation, she was a frequent member of many of Sabeel’s online events. In lieu of flowers or donations, her family has requested a donation to the Esleem family in Gaza, who are dear friends of hers: gofund.me/c7eceac1
God of mercy, we lift up the life of Deborah Ann Berubé. We give thanks for her witness, for her unwavering commitment to justice, and for the community she nurtured with her presence. Comfort all who grieve her loss. In her memory, may we remain faithful to the struggle for liberation, carrying forward the work of justice with courage and compassion.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Israel approved the recognition of over a dozen new settlements in the occupied West Bank, upgrading existing outposts. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the move, saying, “We raise the flag, we build and we settle,” calling it a step toward “de facto sovereignty” over the territory. The decision, seen as a violation of international law, deepens Palestinian displacement and further entrenches Israeli control over the West Bank.
God of the oppressed, we lift our voices in sorrow as we witness the deepening wounds of injustice in the land. The powerful seize what is not theirs, displacing families and uprooting communities. Strengthen those who resist injustice through nonviolence, restore what has been broken, and let truth shatter the lies of conquest. May the land be a place of home, not exile; of hope, not despair. Until that day, keep us steadfast in love and faithful in the work of liberation.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Last week, Sam Buhour spoke at Sabeel’s Kumi Now session on the political economy and justice in Palestine. The video can be viewed on Kumi Now’s Youtube Channel. Sabeel hosts Kumi Now every Tuesday at 6 PM Palestine time to learn and engage in nonviolent action. You can register here: tinyurl.com/kumionline
Holy Creator, we give thanks for voices like Sam Bahour, who speak with wisdom and clarity on the struggles of Palestine. Bless the work of Sabeel and Kumi Now as they gather in faith and action, seeking a path of justice through nonviolence. May their efforts inspire hearts, awaken consciences, and move the world toward righteousness. Strengthen all who labor for justice and let their witness bear fruit in a future of peace and dignity for all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
