On Monday October 7th the people of Israel, and those who stand with them, remembered the terrible massacre which occurred one year before and the consequences of the ensuing war with Hamas.
Every life within Israel has been affected by the atrocities that were committed on at least four main sites. For almost every family in Israel, trauma, loss and grief have become major parts of their lives. At CFI UK we want to continue to be prayerful for them, in solidarity and in compassion.
Across the nations, CFI and 40 other Christian ministries were involved in marking the day with physical events and in encouraging prayer:
- for the return of the hostages and all evacuees to their homes
- for the defeat of terrorism and the renewal of peace in the region.
Psalm 56:9 says He stores up our tears and the tears of Israel. It is only God who sees all things, judges all things and is the God of Miracles – the hope for the whole world. Remembering is a very important responsibility in Jewish thinking and culture. In Hebrew, remembering is zakar, and this isn’t merely a head activity, or raking thoughts in search of something, but a body activity. It’s an action employing our hands, feet or lips. Our prayers are that remembering.
In a CFI UK online event, our International Directors, Tristan and Galya Hall, brought us updates on the many opportunities that the Lord has provided for us to be a blessing to many communities and individuals in Israel since October 8th.
Please join us in praying for:
- The 97 hostages still in the Gaza Strip one year on, including around 33 believed to be dead. Pray for compassionate, proper burials for those who have died in captivity.
- Give thanks for some miraculous rescues and pray for more to be freed. Pray that the Father sends his angels to guide and protect and encourage all still alive. Pray for hope in God in each person affected.
- Multitudes of family members` lives are devastated and in limbo, many friends and neighbours are affected too. Pray for God’s comfort for them, a healthy grieving process for those who have lost loved ones. Ask God to help CFI continue to befriend them and help practically, where the Lord leads.
- Pray for the wounded, whether physically or mentally. Ask for the Father’s healing, and that the Comforter may restore hearts and minds, break off fear and heal all trauma supernaturally (Isaiah 40:1).
- Remember all the children of Israel and Gaza before God and pray for the protection of these innocents.
- Many in Israel are deeply affected by the war, one year on, the uncertainty and risks from enemies on Israel’s borders and beyond. Pray for those who are unable to function properly or work and need financial help. Pray that more are led to ask for help and that we can continue to be a blessing through our projects and Emergency Fund.
- Where people have been seriously injured, pray for good medical care as Israel’s resources are often stretched. Pray for those who need operations and specialist equipment. Many are still hospitalised in critical condition and need miracles. Pray for endurance for those with life-changing injuries.
- Pray that the scriptures reminding us of God’s heart for Israel will be a constant reminder to the world to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and that God is forever the God of Israel. He will fulfil all his promises in his word (Joel 3:16, Genesis 12:7).
For more ways to pray email [email protected]
Julia Soakell
October 2024