Watchman’s Prayer Letter

A Guide to Intercessory Prayer for the month of August 2019 ~ Jewish Year 5779

Click here for PDF copy

`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 Delight of the Whole Earth

“It is beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth. Like the utmost heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King.” (Psalm 48:2)

The radiance that will come from Jerusalem in the future will be indescribable.  Jerusalem has such a divine call on her life and an unstoppable destiny ordained by God.  “At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honour the name of the LORD.  No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts” (Jeremiah 3:17).  All enemy nations following the gods of this earth will bow at the feet of Messiah-King in Jerusalem.  Lars Enarson, author of ‘The Joy of the Whole Earth’, says “Jerusalem has to do with the future of the world.”

We see nations joining hands with Israel and bringing their embassies to Jerusalem in these days.  Others are bringing out their nuclear weapons and parading them before the eyes of the world, threatening to destroy Israel and Jerusalem along with it – the city from which God has chosen to rule on earth.  Pride is one of the weapons of the gods of this world.  The arrogant threats of the Iranians, and other radical Islamic regimes, against the Jewish people are an affront to God.  He will reduce them to nothing.

We can pray now that many people will be pulled out of the deception gripping the nations who are cursing Israel and be saved.  “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands ...” (1 Samuel 17:47).  He has chosen Jerusalem, Israel, to place his Name here forever.  “But now I have chosen Jerusalem for my Name to be there …” (2 Chronicles 6:6).  The battles are the Lord’s!  Jerusalem is the place where people from all over the earth will worship the One True God, as well as in their own lands (see Zephaniah 2:10-11).  Let’s keep our eyes on Jerusalem!

May Our Prayers Rise Up to God

Moses consecrated the altar with the anointing oil when the Tabernacle was dedicated (see Exodus 40:9-16).  Incense was burned daily on this altar at the time of the morning and the evening sacrifices.  That was symbolic of the prayers of the people rising up to God (see Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4).

Farmers in Israel are in a real battle, ‘saying nothing is sadder than seeing their land burned.’  Terrorist attacks on Israeli-owned agricultural endeavours has sent Israel’s Fire Departments to battle hundreds of blazes throughout Judea and Samaria recently.  Also, it is thought that Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon have more than 120,000 missiles pointed at Israel ... less visible weapons with dangerous potential have been networks of attack tunnels running underneath Israel’s northern border ... Tunnels almost a mile long nearly became operational in the sense that Hezbollah was almost ready to break out, and then to run to the nearest Israeli community ... less than six minutes running distance’ (Julie Stahl, Chris Mitchell).  In the future, the mother of all battles will be fought over Jerusalem.  Each year we wonder if ‘this year’ will be the year of the Lord’s return as we look around us and see the trouble in the world; with the nations who are against Israel and the nations who are for Israel already in the valley of decision (see Joel 3:14).

It is always a time to pray for Jerusalem and the land which our Lord loves so much (see Psalm 122:6-9).  Keep her in your prayers and in your heart, for she will indeed be the delight of all nations, and of the earth.  But also, please pray for the battles yet to be fought by soldiers in the IDF, sailors on the Mediterranean, and aircraft pilots watching over Israel’s skies.  There is never a day, never an hour, nor even a moment, when Israel is not being watched over by the Lord God of Israel.  “It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end” (Deuteronomy 11:12).  Likewise, modern technology makes it possible to watch every border, every opening to the land and city and village.  Our job is to watch from wherever we are, behind the borders of our own nations.  How many terror attacks have been averted because somewhere an intercessor was praying!

• Intercede fervently for every Israeli man and woman of faith to persevere during the coming days of possible trouble and distress, devastation and darkness.  Israeli news stories carry captions such as, “Next war will be worst in Israel’s history.” (Arutz Sheva, 14/6/2019).  Prime Minister Netanyahu has said to Iran: “Don’t test us!”  In the days ahead, we will need the King of Glory’s help to bring Israel through.  “Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.” (Psalm 24:8)

• Ask God to humble the nations who are boasting against God’s people.  Iran has threatened to destroy Israel in half an hour.  “I have heard the insults of Moab and the taunts of the Ammonites, who insulted my people and made threats against their land ... This is what they will get in return for their pride, for insulting and mocking the people of the LORD Almighty. The LORD will be awesome to them when he destroys all the gods of the land ...” (Zephaniah 2:8, 10-11)

• Thank God we can have a secret place (in him) to be protected from harm and danger.  “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). “Seek the LORD and live ...” (Amos 5:6)

• Proclaim God’s word for victory on all of Israel’s frontlines, borders and vulnerable locations in the land, especially electric utility facilities, nuclear facilities and army bases.  “… the word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines.” (Zephaniah 2:5)

• Beseech God and praise him for being the salvation of his chosen people.  “You came out to deliver your people ...” (Habakkuk 3:13)

• Praise the Lord that a recent rocket which hit a Jewish school (Yeshiva) in Sderot slamming into one of the buildings causing damage, did not harm any of the students seriously.  “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.” (Habakkuk 3:18)

• Pray for a generation of Israelis to turn from every wicked way and seek the Lord. “He who has clean hands and a pure heart ... Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.” (Psalm 24:4-6)

• Pray sincerely that Israel will know that their strength lies in God, not in themselves or military might. “The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.” (Psalm 28:8-9)

From the city destined to be the Joy of the Whole Earth.

Sharon Sanders

Christian Friends of Israel – Jerusalem (UK edited version)

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CFI UK News and Prayer items

At time of writing, Regional Links in Scotland are attending to a CFI resources stall at the Refuel Christian festival and we are preparing a CFI resources stall for the two-week national New Wine Christian festival in Peterborough, taking place over the last week of July and first week of August.  Pray for good conversations, helpful free material to be given out (including the latest ‘In Touch’ magazine) and sales of useful books, DVDs, booklets and pamphlets.  Pray that all of these will encourage Christians toward a fuller understanding of Israel in context – biblically, historically and currently.

Pray for guidance as we start preparations for next year’s CFI / ZF joint lobby day, now set for Wednesday 4th March 2020, especially selecting the right subject(s) to cover – particularly considering the anti-Semitism and prejudice against Israel that dominates certain political parties at present.  Pray too for the opportunities we have to provide discrete assistance to the Britain Israel Trade Union Dialogue – on their stall recently at the national GMB union conference and shortly at the TUC national conference.

Continue to pray as we finalise the plan for the various elements of the CFI Annual Conference in Eastbourne, Friday 6th to Saturday 7th September 2019 and for the contributing speakers.  Pray that many will come (including you our ‘pray-ers’) and benefit from the teaching, fellowship and updates on our work in the UK, as well as in Israel.  It would be great if many from across the generational span can join us, including the younger generation.

We have the date for our next residential Prayer Conference, always a strategic gathering for CFI.  We return to the more easily accessible King’s Park Conference Centre, Northampton from Tuesday 24th to Thursday 26th March 2020.  Pray for our hosts David and Sandra Greer and the team as we discern what focus the Lord would have from us during that time.

Please continue to pray for our Regional Links and Church Links in all their endeavours across the UK, including staff members David and Julia Soakell, who coordinate their activities.

Thank you for praying with us - a vital part of showing Christian friendship,

The CFI UK Team