A Guide to Intercessory Prayer for the month of July 2022 ~ Jewish Year 5782
`I will stand upon my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what he will say to me,
and what I will answer.` (Habakkuk 2:1)
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“‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”
(Luke 10:36-37).
24th February 2022 was the day that Russia invaded Ukraine. Since then, the war has continued to rage. Over 30 nations have responded to this crisis by sending financial aid, emergency supplies or military equipment to enable Ukraine to defend itself. Numerous countries, including Israel, have welcomed Ukrainians fleeing death and destruction. “From the start of the war in Ukraine, the State of Israel has received more than 15,000 new immigrants, and this is a source of great national pride,” said Israel’s Immigration and Absorption Minister Pnina Tamano-Shata.
The most popular Israeli cities for these olim (immigrants) to settle in are Netanya, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa. The prophet Isaiah exalted the Lord for rescuing Israel in their time of trouble, saying, “You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall …” (Isaiah 25:4). God has demonstrated his role as a rescuer through the lives of these immigrants from Ukraine.
Israel offers temporary housing to these new citizens who must settle and find an apartment within a month. This task can be daunting for people who may be traumatised from seeing death and destruction and possibly leaving family members behind to help defend their homeland. They desperately need our prayers! CFI Jerusalem has come alongside over 500 new citizens from Ukraine to help them start a new life in Israel through the Open Gates outreach. Project supervisor Tiina Danilevski and her team offer compassion and comfort to the newcomers as they provide them with personal items, household articles, and the Tanach (Jewish scriptures).
A few weeks ago, a young Ukrainian woman told me her story of escape during this war. She visited Jerusalem several years ago, and once, during her worship time in the Holy City, she experienced an immersion in the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). She returned to Ukraine a new person, painting pictures of visions that God gave her. When the Russian attack began, she and her family had to flee from their home in Kharkiv with only 20 minutes to grab clothing. Some people in her community hid in bomb shelters or the kehila (congregations) for protection, safety, and companionship. There were major traffic jams as people scrambled to leave the area. She said it was frightening to see once-beautiful places in total ruin. At one point, her family stayed in a big house near an airport where 16 people shared living quarters.
During days of very little sleep, she continually prayed Psalm 91, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2). Eventually, her parents felt it was time to move out of that house and make room for others who were arriving. Shortly after her family left, Russia attacked the airport and that area was bombed. Once again, Psalm 91 was proven true, “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you” (Psalm 91:7).
When Ukraine pushed back the Russian army from Kharkiv, the young woman and her family were able to return to their home to gather some belongings. She said the Lord instructed her to take a painting that he had inspired her to create, and she obeyed. Because her family had dual citizenship in another country, the females and grandparents were allowed to leave Ukraine and immigrate to that country. Her father drove for 36 hours without sleep to get his family to safety although he and his son have remained in Ukraine to help defend the nation.
The young woman was very grateful for God’s provision and protection. She felt she should return to Jerusalem to give her original painting to those who had blessed her spiritually. Therefore, she chartered a weekend flight to Israel to deliver her gift and immediately returned to her family. This gift represented her thanksgiving offering to God. “What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD” (Psalm 116:12-13).
Praise God for being our shelter. The young woman from Ukraine said that there have been many miracles of protection among the members of her kehila (congregation) during this war. “I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples” (Psalm 108:3). “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted” (Job 9:10).
Intercede for people coming from traumatic situations and trying to start a new life in a different place. Although they may be bitter like Naomi in the Book of Ruth, ask God to send them someone like Ruth to walk with them through a difficult transition. “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go …’” (Ruth 1:16). Has God summoned you to be like Ruth? It may be hard work, but the outcome will glorify God!
Pray that the hearts of the new immigrants will be soft, fertile ground for the Spirit of God to blossom forth among them. “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants” (Isaiah 44:3).
In his Sermon on the Mount, Yeshua (Jesus) taught his followers, “You are the light of the world … let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16). In these times of spiritual darkness, when we come alongside people in crisis with Yeshua’s attitude and heart, let our prayers and actions turn their focus toward God. As we serve in this manner, our lives will bring him glory.
In his love,
Linda D. McMurray
Wall of Prayer Supervisor
Christian Friends of Israel – Jerusalem (UK edited version)
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Thank God for his blessing upon our CFI UK Resources Stall at the Big Church Festival on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th June – the weekend of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. Many people visited our stall, resulting in good sales of our resources and a good number of significant conversations. The organisers say that the overall attendance exceeded 35,000!
Praise God for enabling Jacob Vince and his wife Kate to travel to Israel in time for CFI Jerusalem’s AGM – despite their original flight being cancelled at short notice. Please pray that there will be ongoing fruit from conversations with CFI Jerusalem staff and International Representatives, as well as visits to some other groups we support in the Land of Israel.
Thank the Lord that several members of staff have been able to take some annual leave during the month of June, after a very busy start to the year. Most of us in employment in the UK take it for granted, but it is a great blessing to have time allotted for leave whilst still on full pay.
Please pray for the Mandate 100 Luncheon for Parliamentarians that will be hosted by Caroline Ansell MP on Wednesday 6th July in Portcullis House, London. Ask the Lord to improve MPs’ understanding of the significance of the Mandate and the important role to which Britain was called.
Ask the Lord for his favour upon our teams as we take the CFI UK Resources Stall to the New Wine United festival for both weeks: 23rd to 28th July and 29th July to 3rd August. Last time the festival ran was in 2019, so it will be good to meet old friends again and to make new contacts.
Continue to pray for the preparations for our Annual Conference to be held 2nd and 3rd September; and do plan to join us ideally physically, or alternatively online.
Thank you so much for your support in serving our Lord and Saviour.