A Guide to Intercessory Prayer for the month of January 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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“I appeal to you brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
In these days of heightened spiritual warfare, it is crucial that the Body of Messiah be unified. The enemy uses the age-old tactics of deception and fear to divide believers from one another because he knows that a kingdom, city, or house divided against itself will fall (see Matthew 12:25).
The Scriptures admonish believers to remain united through the Spirit of God; this is even more important where they are in a small minority. The Apostle Paul instructs the Christians in Ephesus to, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called” (Ephesians 4:2-4).
Since the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948, God has summoned various Christian ministries to serve in Israel. We may work in differing regions of the Holy Land or have a different focus, but our purpose should be the same – to bless the nation of Israel for the glory of God.
We are part of the same body. “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:4-5).
In December, the CFI Jerusalem team travelled to Har Bracha (Mount of Blessing) and enjoyed a time of sweet fellowship, encouragement and prayer with the families of HaYovel. Over the last 15 years, this non-profit organisation has brought Christian volunteers from all over the world to serve the Jewish farmers in Israel. They have been fulfilling the prophetic word which says, “Outsiders will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your vineyards” (Isaiah 61:5). How amazing it is to see God’s promises coming to pass in this way!
Due to Covid travel restrictions and fewer workers, HaYovel found alternate ways to assist the Israeli farmers. The farmers view them as an asset to their community and have come to their defence when others wanted them to leave. HaYovel also launched a social media platform to give factual and accurate reports from Israel. It was such an inspiration to meet and pray with our fellow brothers and sisters in Messiah! “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).
Worship the Lord for the certainty of his word. Whatever Jesus said, will come to pass! “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
Thank the Lord for raising up believers in Jesus from Jewish, Arabic, and Christian backgrounds to worship and serve him together in spirit and truth. In Israel, small groups of pastors, ministry leaders, and intercessors from these communities meet monthly for worship, prayer, and encouragement. “I will pour out my Spirit on all people … Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28-29).
Intercede for the labourers who are hindered from coming to the Holy Land to serve. Many would-be volunteers have been striving to answer the call to Israel but are prevented by rules and regulations. Although said in a different context, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:2). Ask the Lord to open the gates to Israel! “These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open” (Revelation 3:7).
Beseech God for believers in the nations. Please pray we will not be distracted from hearing God’s instructions for these days by the noise and clamour from the enemy. Now is the time to listen to God’s voice. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalms 46:10).
To my brothers and sisters around the world, may the year 2022 bring us closer to one another and to our Messiah. As always, we need the body of Messiah.
In God`s love,
Linda D. McMurray
Wall of Prayer Supervisor
Christian Friends of Israel – Jerusalem (UK edited version)
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Thank the Lord for sustaining us through another year, including a late opportunity to contribute an article in Israel Bonds’ magazine KOL (voice in Hebrew). It has been a busy period prior to the break, planning ahead for the New Year.
We invite as many as are able to join us for our CFI UK residential Prayer Conference Tuesday 5th - Thursday 7th April 2022 at King’s Park, Northampton. We will follow government guidelines in place at the time. Please pray we can meet in person. Pray for David and Julia Soakell who will host the conference – that they know the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they compile the programme, and for all who will be sharing on the various topics into which we can pray.
Pray for the joint CFI UK and Zionist Federation Parliamentary lobby day on Wednesday 9th March. Pray the committee room is available and we get the best presenters to brief on the lobby topic, presently envisaged as expressing thanks for the proscribing of Hamas’ political wing and requesting the same for the ‘popular front for the liberation of Palestine’ (PFLP).
Continue to pray that the Lord guides our recruitment in the roles of office administration / exhibition representation and IT systems management, including our advertising for candidates. Pray too for the final completion of the building work and for staff as we settle into the refurnished space.
As always, your prayers are greatly valued,