Pray For Israel NOW More Than Ever
By: Joyce Picker
We are in a critical time right now not only for Israel but also for the United States. This is Day 6 of the war in Israel. It is remarkable that the promise in Psalm 122:6 is for those who “love Jerusalem,” and therefore we understand that the these prayers are motivated by love for God’s holy city.
Pray because Psalm 122:6 actually commands us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. This Psalm — attributed to King David — instructs the people of God: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. And it’s interesting to note: the very name Jerusalem includes this hope for peace. The last part of Jerusalem, “salem,” comes from the Hebrew word “shalom,” which means peace, wholeness and completeness. When we pray for the peace of Jerusalem we are praying for the cessation of temporal hostilities — such as terror and missile attacks, and the enmity that exists between Israelis and Palestinians. But most of all, we are praying for the eternal peace that will come with the return of the Messiah.
We receive daily reports from close friends who live in Israel, who keep us informed with what’s happening every day.
This is a portion of the report as of today:
“Israel prepares for a long conflict. Current estimates say that over 1300 Israelis have been murdered, over 3,300 injured and around 200 abducted into Gaza, including women, children, and the elderly. The IDF now says it has details of all the hostages being held in Gaza, but in a terrifying development, Hamas has threatened to begin executing its prisoners if Israel continues airstrikes against the Strip. The terror organization also refuses to negotiate on the hostages’ release until the end of the conflict.
Rocket barrages continue from Gaza. Direct hits in the city of Sderot, one of the areas hardest struck by the initial attack, seriously injured several Israelis, and moderately injured others. The injured have been evacuated to a hospital in Ashkelon. Around 500,000 residents of Southern Israel have been evacuated to safe locations, as the IDF continues to prepay the way for an imminent ground invasion of Gaza.
There have been multiple successful infiltrations by terrorists on Israel’s northern border, which it shares with Lebanon. In response to continued periodic rocket fire from Lebanon, the IDF has struck various sites in Southern Lebanon aerially. Additionally, in breaking news as of this writing, the IDF has struck both of Syria’s international airports in order to prevent terrorists and weapons from coming into Syria from Iran. Unconfirmed reports say that an Iranian plane was about to land, just before the strikes but was forced to U-turn.
In Judea and Samaria, Israeli security forces are working around the clock to stop terror attacks before they happen. Five terror attacks have been prevented as of today Thursday 10-12-23.
The United States, Great Britain, France, Italy and Germany released a joint statement in condemnation of Hamas and in support of Israel’s right to self-defense. US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken also landed in Israel on Thursday for a meeting with PM Netanyahu during which he confirmed the US support for Israel. This has already been expressed in arms package s on the way to Israel and in a US aircraft carrier which was moved to just outside Lebanese territorial waters in the Mediterranean Sea.
Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis are returning from trips abroad to volunteer for reserve duty and be with their countrymen during this difficult time.”
Please pray and ask your congregations and churches to pray:
For an immediate cessation of the attack by Hamas.
For Hizballah to remain outside the conflict.
For protection over Israels citizens.
For protection over Israels soldiers.
For wisdom for Israels government and military leaders.
For a stable and unified emergency government.
For continued international backing.
For an immediate release and return of kidnapped Israelis both military and civilian.
For the Lord’s peace to rule over the land and in the hearts of all in Israel.
Because the re-establishment of the nation of Israel in the Land is a sign of God’s faithfulness. It’s hard to believe that modern Israel was re-established such a short time ago, but it is a signpost of God's faithfulness to his covenant and promises. The survival of the Jewish people and their return to the Promised Land of Israel is a clear testimony that God keeps the promises of His Word.
We must pray because the Jewish people gave the world the Bible and the Messiah! The Good News came out of Israel — and it is our joy and privilege to pray that they, too, will receive it. And not only to pray, but to actively share this loving and transformational message of the Messiah with Jewish seekers — person-to-person, heart-to-heart especially during this crucial time in History. This is the time and the place for the Jewish people to seek Messiah and understand it is He who fights our battles.
Those who bless Israel are participating in the unfolding of God’s promises to the Jewish people — and praying for the peace of Jerusalem is one of the most important ways you and I can do this. When we do, we will receive what money can never buy — His presence in our lives, which is the very source of His shalom.
Father, I thank you that you rally your prayer warriors to pray without ceasing right now and until this conflict comes to an end. Night and day, place Israel on our hearts so we never forget to pray. Let us witness your Greatness and Power and let us be witnesses to the salvation of a nation! We love you and praise you. We know this will have a favorable, heavenly outcome. Amen.
Please take a look at our other blogs on the website. We pray they minister to you wherever you are. Take a look at the Biblical Feasts of the Lord. Take a look at some of the past Blog Teachings which explain what the Feasts of the Lord are and how relevant they are today.
Scripture is quoted from the Tree of Life version.