April 25th, 2024
On the 19th of April, Iranian air defense shot down drones over Isfahan, according to state media. This escalates regional tensions following Iran’s retaliatory strike on Israel after an attack against its diplomatic premises in Syria. Israel’s action came after the alleged US approval of a potential Israeli invasion in Rafah, in exchange for Israel’s agreement to avoid an all-out military assault on Iran. Gaza is still being bombed and the death toll is rising with every hour that passes.
● Prince of peace, although many of us are fearful of further regional escalations, may we not forget your precious children in Gaza who continue to suffer so terribly. Lord, how awful are empires which use Palestinian lives as pawns to maintain a violent status quo. We hold on to our faith that you are a just God, and we remember Isaiah’s words: “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless” (Isaiah 10:1-2).
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
On the 18th of April, Professor Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian was arrested in her home in the Old City of Jerusalem, reportedly for incitement to terrorism, violence, and racism. During the arrest, the police also confiscated her mobile phone, computer, documents, and books by Mahmoud Darwish. This arrest was pushed forward by a campaign by students, right-wing activists, and politicians. However, Professor Shalhoub-Kevorkian was later released under the condition of being reinterrogated.
● Divine creator, we are worried and angry following Professor Shalhoub-Kevorkian’s arrest, which violates the right of freedom of speech and academic freedom. We thank you for the brave Palestinian thinkers who challenge the structures of injustice through intellectual activism. Remind us, Lord, that we ought to love you with all our mind. We plead that you protect Professor Shalhoub-Kevorkian and vindicate her name from false accusations and slander.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
On the 24th of April, Sabeel will be holding its 4th preparatory webinar for the 2024 Sabeel Conference titled “Christophobia and the Persecution of Christians”. This webinar will discuss the persecution of Christians and how Christian Zionism exacerbates tensions for Palestinian Christians. The webinar will have expert speakers such as Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton, Rabbi Brant Rosen, and Rev. Dr. Paul McAllister.
● Incarnated God, Sabeel as a part of the living prophetic tradition of Palestinian Christianity has been resisting Christian Zionism for decades. Lord, your name is invoked for supremacy and hatred, distorting your inclusive and just character. We, the living stones, suffer so deeply from our Christian Zionist siblings and urge them to repent. Let this webinar remind us that, “whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has brought on blindness” (1 John 2:11).
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
On the 22nd of April, Jews around the world marked the beginning of Passover. Passover commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt as written in the book of Exodus. Passover is observed by avoiding leaven, and highlighted by the Seder meal which includes four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus.
● God of deliverance, we remember how the Hebrew midwives disobeyed Pharaoh and that you heard the cries of the enslaved (Exodus 2:23). Lord, remind us that no one can celebrate the essence of Passover if they are enslaving others and promoting supremacy. Lord, in these times of darkness give us the hope that we will one day, like Miriam on the other side of the Red Sea, sing songs of freedom.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
From April 25th to May 5th, Annie Sakkab’s short documentary “The Poem We Sang” will hold its world premiere at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. The film follows a Palestinian director as she ruminates on the generational trauma caused by the loss of a family home and forced migration, transforming lifelong regrets into a healing journey of creative catharsis, and bearing witness. “The Poem We Sang” will be eligible for the Award for Best Short Documentary, as well as the Audience Award.
● God of life, we thank you for using creativity for healing and goodness. Remind us that all of us have different gifts and talents which reflect the image of God in us. We remember the words of the Apostle Peter, “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received” (1 Peter 4:10). Lord, let us serve one another by ending oppression and setting free those who live in tyranny.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
Over the recent weekend, Israeli settlers and forces raided the West Bank. Notably, the Nour Shams Refugee Camp bore the brunt of the assault, where water and electricity were cut along with extensive infrastructure damage. At least 19 Palestinian were killed, including minors. Additionally, in a separate incident in another area of the West Bank, an ambulance driver was killed while on route to evacuate Palestinians injured in attacks by Israeli settlers. This weekend marked one of the deadliest episodes in the West Bank in years.
● Holy God, give us sight to recognize the cause of violence in our land. We pray for all those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. Lord, only you know the full extent of suffering in Palestinian refugee camps. We plead that you intervene and stop the cycle of violence and hate which settler colonialism creates and restore your good creation through liberation.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
● We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayer for the countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer