August 8th 2024
Last week, the head of the World Health Organization stated that the spread of polio infections amongst children in Gaza is only a matter of time if preventative measures are not quickly taken. Furthermore, there are over 100,000 cases of Hepatitis B recorded in Gaza. The detection of polio and the spread of Hepatitis B in Gaza is another reminder of the dire conditions Palestinians in Gaza are facing.
□ God of hope, we come to you tired, broken, and afraid, crying out, “How long, O Lord?” We are losing faith and falling into despair. Save the people of Gaza from their suffering, save us from our lack of faith, and have mercy on the wicked. Let us remember the words of the Psalmist: “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine” (Psalm 33:18-19).
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Last week, the Druze town of Majd Al-Shams in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights was hit by a rocket which killed 12 children and young people. Israel immediately blamed Hezbollah for the attack which was quickly denied by the Lebanese group. Following the attack, Netanyahu postponed the departure of 150 sick and wounded children in Gaza to receive treatment in the UAE. Israeli government officials who visited Majd Al-Shams were met with protests by the Druze town, calling them to leave.
□ God of peace, comfort the families who are mourning their loved ones. Protect their mourning from being appropriated by political agendas and assure them you see and know their pain. Lord, we plead you to stop the abusive power games by empires who cause so many lives to be lost.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Last week, dozens of interfaith leaders and activists gathered in Washington DC to disrupt a Capitol Hill visit by Christians United for Israel (CUFI). CUFI, which claims to be the largest pro-Israel and Zionist group in the United States with around 10 million members, funds and hosts trips to Israel for US Congress members.
□ God of inclusivity, it is heartbreaking that your name is used to justify violence and supremacy. Illuminate how these theologies of supremacy kill, and forgive those who subscribe to Christian Zionism, unaware of its consequences: “‘…for they do not know what they are doing…’” (Luke 23:34). Lord, as we call upon those who justify violence through the Christian faith, to repent, help us guard ourselves against the temptation of self-righteousness.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Last week, our community received the sad news that Layan Nasser’s administrative detention has been extended for an additional four months. Layan is one of nearly 3,500 Palestinians under administrative detention. In this procedure, no charges are filed, and therefore, no appeals can be raised. Moreover, the detention can be extended indefinitely.
□ God of the imprisoned, bless Layan and the Nasser family who are being persecuted. Lord, we call on the Churches to use their power to show that Layan is not alone in her suffering. Lord, help us be salt and light as we struggle for all those in prison unjustly so you may say “I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Matthew 25:36).
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Last week, Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran. Additionally, the Israeli military claims to have killed a senior Hezbollah commander in a strike on Beirut. These assassinations have halted ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas and escalated the conflict towards an all-out regional war. Iran and other militia groups have vowed to retaliate.
□ Prince of Peace, we have been praying for a ceasefire for many months, and now, more than ever, that possibility seems distant. Lord, amidst our lament, anxiety, and suffering, we pray that we remain faithful in love, even when it is costly. Though it feels like our efforts are in vain, we remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Last week, the Archbishop of Canterbury called on governments to honor the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice concerning Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He emphasized that, having visited Palestinian Christian communities numerous times over the past decades, it is evident to him that the policies enforced by successive Israeli governments in the Occupied Palestinian Territories constitute systemic discrimination.
□ God of truth, whilst most of our faith leaders of the world have failed the Palestinian people and some are changing their stance after only 10 months of devastation in our land, we see progress. Despite this progress, it is not enough. Lord, give wisdom to our churches and leaders to recognize that they must fear God and do justice, rather than fear losing their institutional lives and compromise their vocation of standing with the oppressed.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
□ We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayer for the countries of Cameroon, Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayers