A Guide to Intercessory Prayer for the month of October 2021 ~ 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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“The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:19).
In August a team from CFI Jerusalem travelled to worship and pray at strategic locations in Israel including three significant mountains. Each location was distinct, and God gave different prayer strategies at each place. Our four-member team came from different countries: Taiwan, Mexico, South Africa, and the USA. We represented believers from the nations who have been summoned to gather and fight spiritual battles on behalf of Israel through prayer. Over three issues of this prayer letter, I invite you to travel with us to each mountain and pray for Israel.
First was Mount Bental, a strategic military stronghold on the northern border in the Golan Heights. It stands 1,171 metres above sea level and offers breath-taking views of Mount Hermon, the Golan, the borders of Lebanon and Syria. Although no soldiers were visible during our visit, we were told that the Israel Defence Force’s highly sophisticated intelligence system was in operation to closely monitor Israel’s borders.
At the top of this mountain is a disused Israeli army outpost complete with empty bunkers, a network of trenches, some old tanks and artillery. We learned that the Yom Kippur War of 1973 was fought at the base of this mountain when Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel during a High Holy Day (a time when most Jews were fasting). God miraculously gave Israel the victory with their small force of 160 tanks against Syria’s 1,500 tanks! The Syrians retreated but inflicted heavy casualties on Israel. In memory of that, the valley between Mount Bental and Mount Hermon was named the Valley of Tears. Understanding the great price that was paid, we clearly saw another reason why Israel must maintain possession of the territory that God designated for them.
Praying from a mountain top allows you to see things from a broader perspective. Activities unseen from ground level become evident from a higher vantage point. This is also true in the spiritual realm of prayer. Although we may not be able to pray from an actual mountain, we can allow the Holy Spirit to arise in us as we worship and pray. He can give us words and thoughts that transcend what we can see and know from a natural standpoint. We are reminded of God’s lofty viewpoint in Isaiah 55:9 which says, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD.” God has afforded believers an elevated position in prayer. By his Spirit we can see things from a higher perspective. Ephesians 2:6 says, he raised us up with Christ “and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”
As we prayed on Mount Bental facing the Syrian border, we asked God to expose the enemy. Two days later, Israel struck a Hezbollah weapons cache hidden in Syria near the border. To God be the glory! As we moved to pray facing Lebanon, among the other visitors, we began singing, ‘Hallelujah! Ki Malach Eloheinu’ (For our God reigns). After proclaiming God’s greatness in song for several minutes, we departed from that elevated site singing and marching in time to the music.
Our Dear Prayer Warriors:
Thank you for your willingness to ascend with us to a ‘high place’ for worship and prayer. The Lord loves to hear the voice of his children adoring him and calling on his name. “The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.” (Proverbs 15:8). Writing this newsletter was truly a prayer adventure. Reliving and writing about the experiences on that mountain caused my prayers to go even deeper and broader. I hope you will also experience some exciting ‘prayer adventures’ during your time with him. I look forward to joining you again next month when we climb our next mountain in Israel.
Blessings and love to you all,
Wall of Prayer Supervisor
Christian Friends of Israel – Jerusalem (UK edited version)
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Thank God that our time with the CFI UK resources stall at the One Event festival went well, including many useful conversations. And praise God that our Annual Conference also went well. Revd Andy Angel was unable to join us, but David Hoffbrand stepped in at short notice to present three messages based on his book ‘The Jewish Jesus.’ Technical systems ran smoothly, thanks to the audio-visual team at Suncoast Church, and the YouTube livestream gave many more people access.
The conference messages were most relevant to our work and led to an idea for some meetings on Zoom titled ‘Embracing the Jewish Jesus’. Pray for Julia Soakell and Philip Aitchison as they organise these.
Building and security work on the Eastbourne office was halted for most of September while we focused on the conference and other priorities. Please pray that the computer network cabling and remaining work on internal carpentry, security entrance and installation of external low railing, pedestrian and vehicle gates all progress well this month.
Continue to ask for God’s guidance on implementing decisions made at the August trustee meeting. We now have a need to strengthen the staff team again following the departure of Carol Andrews. Pray for God’s blessing upon Carol as she continues to serve our Lord in her new role.
Ask the Lord to bless our Resource Stall at CRE National 2021, Sandown Park, from 12th to 14th October; and to guide Robin Lane as he presents a seminar titled ‘Encouragement from the Biblical Festivals’ there on Tuesday 12th October. Many people are in need of encouragement!
Thank the Lord for his blessings upon us and continue to pray for staff whose health has improved but are still not completely well; and pray too for Andy Angel, that the Lord will grant him a speedy recovery.