Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.”
For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.
Psalm 122: 6-9.
Israel marked a very significant and sad day in early August known as Tisha B`Av (9th day of the month of Av). This is a day in the Hebrew calendar when many tragedies affected Israel and the Jewish people repeatedly through history. Things like the destruction of the first and second temples, and the expulsion of Jews from various countries, all happened on the exact same day of the year. This year, that sadness took on a starker sense for those living in the Land of Israel (of all cultures) and Jewish communities outside Israel.
Within Israel tensions are very high. Many support the need to rid the world of Hamas and other terrorist organisations; many are tired and traumatised by the conflict; and many long to bring the hostages home. Consider what God wants for Israel from Psalm 122. Hostage families are in constant anxiety, hugely concerned at the complexities within Gaza and its tunnels, where their loved ones are.
- Pray for the hostages and their families to know God’s love and peace.
- Remember that in Isaiah 40:1 we are told to ask God to comfort Israel.
- Remember too that God is a miracle worker and can bring good from the worst situations.
Political tensions are heightened as other nations attempt to help with negotiations or judge Israel and its government. Unity is the best approach for any nation threatened every day with forces who want to annihilate them. The economy is obviously affected by the war too, with many losing their jobs and tourism badly affected.
- Pray for all government leaders and those in authority: pray they are supernaturally made aware of God’s wisdom and not their own (Proverbs 14:12). Ask God to constantly remind Israel that he has offered to be their Defender and Redeemer.
- Scripture says eventually the nations will come against Israel (Zechariah 12:3). Pray for a deep respect for God’s word and an awareness of his purposes for Israel within those nations and the church at large.
- Pray that God brings to all aspects of Israels government a discernment and security intelligence that only he can provide. Pray that all political parties revere the Lord and the Scriptures.
- Pray that Israel’s economy is buoyant and recovers well. Pray that many reach out to God as their provider.
Children have been badly affected in this war inside Gaza and the greater area of Israel. Because of Hamas tactics, schools and hospitals are used as shields by terrorists. This has brought much misery and death to the Gazan people.
- Cry out to God for mercy and grace for all the innocents in Gaza. Pray for healing and compassion to be shown to them. Pray they too know God’s unfathomable love and comfort but also that he gives them courage and insight to be able to shake off the shackles of corrupt, uncaring authorities.
- This year in Israel, Summer Camps can go ahead but only inside buildings and with groups of 100 or less. Pray these times of fun, sport, recreation etc. are blessed, safe and bring relief and laughter to the children.
- Pray where tension and trauma have badly affected youngsters, that they have people to talk to and that they themselves are able to pray for God to draw near to them and breakthrough in these difficult areas.
- Pray for CFI Jerusalem staff as they continue to sponsor days of fun, with visits to theme parks for some who have endured tension and trauma in the months since the war started. Please pray we can continue to fund these. Pray that where our staff are meeting families at Hostage Square regularly, deep conversations will reveal spiritual needs and then prayer can melt both hearts and the problems.
- Children are now getting ready for a new school year. CFI staff from our Jerusalem office have been able to give out new school bags recently in Ashkelon and we are able to tell them they come with love from Christians. Pray that more people are able to see this love in action through our projects in Israel and that we can continue to be the Lord’s hands and feet in the land at this awful time for Israelis and Gazans.
Julia Soakell
August 2024
