Six weeks on from the brutal attack by Hamas terrorists on the Israeli communities bordering the Gaza Strip, we are shocked, stunned and praying as much as we can. We hold on to scriptures like Isaiah 40 verse 1, knowing God can provide a comfort to Israelis that’s better than any other, and a peace that’s beyond understanding – which the world can’t give (John 14:27).
We know:
The LORD is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).
For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: “For his own glory he has sent me to the nations that
plundered you — for anyone who touches you touches the pupil of his eye” (Zechariah 2:8).
And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every
imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5).
- Pray that the whole nation of Israel turns to God in their hour of need, senses that comfort, and comes humbly before God for his deliverance and for his favour.
- Like us, Israel has wandered away from God and his ways throughout history and still does today. We need mercy and Israel does too. Humble hearts make a way to him, to receive forgiveness and mercy in these times. Pray for hearts that are soft and pliable before the Lord, and for the Holy Spirit to challenge all who rally against him.
- With so many of us still stunned by the indescribable horrors of the massacre, we must ask the Lord how to pray and how we can make a difference. Prayer is the key in all situations. We aren’t contending with flesh but against the principalities of darkness (Ephesians 6). But we can pray that the evil motives of hearts are exposed and dealt with by God. We must guard our own hearts from anger. We want to respond and not react. So, pray for yourself and all who are standing with Israel at this time.
- Many parallels have been made to the considerable hatred which built up towards the Jews in the 1930s. We are seeing an unprecedented increase in antisemitism, and Jew-hatred in demonstrations as a result of Isarel’s war with Hamas. In the 1930s there was a clear sense that silence in the face of such hatred was dangerous. Sadly, such a silence was the reality within the Christian Church and general bystanders alike. Pray for courage and boldness for many to stand against such hatred, racism and hard-heartedness – particularly that targeted at the UK’s Jewish communities, schools and synagogues.
- Pray too for the compassion and integrity of the Police in the nation, and especially for the Metropolitan Police in regard to safety in Jewish suburbs and during the huge pro-Palestinian rallies that have taken place since October 7th. Pray for great wisdom for the government here in the UK as they work with the Metropolitan Police on how these can be monitored and policed safely and fairly.
In the ongoing emergency relief work by the CFI Jerusalem team, the Lord has provided essential help, supplies and support to those in Israel who have been hurt, traumatised, or displaced during the Hamas attack and since. Pray for the staff who are working very hard and are often stretched doing tasks quite different from their normal roles. They are acting as the Lord’s hands and feet, showing unconditional love to the Jewish people and all communities touched by these shocking events. God is the Great Healer, and his Holy Spirit is the healing balm needed for each life (2 Corinthians 12:9).
- Please pray for remarkable and miraculous compassion.
- Pray the Lord continues to provide staff, volunteers, finance, vehicles, suppliers and opportunities as the team press on, determined to show Christian love to Israel and that they want to stand with them.
- Pray for those suffering grief, loss, trauma and fear. Pray for miracles and the release or rescue of all the hostages. Many Holocaust survivors were caught up in the atrocities of October 7th, but others will have experienced terrible flashbacks and concerns as the situation unfolded. Pray that God heals their minds and memories.
- Pray for the innocent lives affected in Israel, Gaza, Judea and Samaria. Many have seen and experienced horrific things. Any crisis is an opportunity for God’s love to flood in and bring redemption. Pay for salvation to come to many in Israel at this time. Where a religious spirit has hardened hearts, ask the Lord to soften them and turn hearts to himself.
When darkness increases the light of God shines brighter.
We as Christians must be light and must speak out against savagery and callousness. If we don’t speak out, our silence will not please God. We will lose the chance to show his heart for the Jewish people and that he cares about every life.
If you would like to give towards the following projects this can be done on the phone, via our CFI UK offices and on the CFI UK website.
Under His Wings and Communities Under Attack help a wide range of people, groups and longer-term projects to help the country to rebuild, heal and move forwards. This includes short-term help with winter clothing, hotel stays and treats for children in displaced families, miles away from their homes with little idea when they can return. It will also include trauma counselling and other support for adults and children.
Forsake Them Not continues to work with the ageing population of Holocaust Survivors in Israel, many of whom will have relived days they thought would never happen again. Our team visit, help with medical appointments, listen to their testimonies, bring comfort and much more to these precious people.
Julia Soakell
17th November 2023
