In less than a week, there have been over 1200 confirmed deaths of civilians and over 200 fallen soldiers from Hamas’ terror since Saturday morning (6:30AM, October 7, 2023). Funerals are taking place nationwide as it is the Jewish custom to bury the dead within 24 hours of the passing.
There is so much unknown and uncertainty about what is happening. The past week is beyond anything Israel has experienced in the past few decades (even worse than the Intifadas). The only thing certain is we know that God is sovereign. We urge you to lean into Father’s heart as you pray and partner with what He is doing behind the scenes.
Prayer Points:
- Pray for Salvation: Lift up IDF soldiers, Hamas and Hezbollah operatives, as well as civilians in Gaza, Lebanon, and Israel for the Lord’s salvation. Rebuke the enemy’s plans of death and destruction, asking instead for abundant and eternal life.
(Romans 10:1; John 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; John 10:10)
- Pray for the Captive: Intercede for Israelis and others held hostage. Ask for divine protection, especially over vulnerable groups like women, children, and the elderly. Pray for Yeshua’s revelation and miraculous deliverance, liken to Paul’s sudden release in Acts 12.
(Acts 12:5-7; Psalm 91; Psalm 102:19-20; Isaiah 61:1c)
- Pray for Mothers and Wives: Ask for peace and protection for families, especially those with husbands and fathers on the frontline. Pray for God’s comfort to envelop those mourning.
(Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 34:18; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
- Pray for the Soldiers: Pray for divine shielding, courage amid loss, and wisdom for strategy.
(Psalm 91:7; Psalm 144:1-2; Psalm 18:34-36; Joshua 1:9; 2 Samuel 22:3-4; 31-40)
- Pray for Believing Soldiers: Beyond military defenses, pray that their faith becomes a light in the darkness, to know the Presence of God in the midst of battles and worship on the frontlines releases divine victory.
(Exodus 14:14; Deuteronomy 20:4; 1 Samuel 17:47; Zechariah 4:6; Psalm 20:7; Matthew 5:14-16; Psalm 91:2)
- Pray for Unity and Repentance in Israel: Ask for repentance from the divisiveness of the past season and softened hearts to align with Israel’s prophetic destiny.
(2 Chronicles 7:14; Ezekiel 36:26; Joel 2:12-14; Romans 11:25-27; Zechariah 12:10)
- Pray for Deliverance from Trauma: Declare a shield of protection against the mental and emotional toll of war and media. Declare Philippians 4:8-9 over all affected.
(Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:7)
- Pray for Israel’s Leaders: Pray for political and military leaders as they make critical decisions. Ask for divine wisdom to create lasting peace and stability for the nation and region. May they act with the fear of the Lord in their hearts.
(Proverbs 21:1; Psalm 2:10-11; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Proverbs 9:10)
- Pray for Pastors and Shepherds: Uphold spiritual leaders in prayer, especially those not on physical frontlines. They’re busy caring for their flock and visiting grieving families. Pray for their health, wisdom, and ability to comfort and guide their congregations.
(Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2-4; Ephesians 6:19-20; Matthew 25:36; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
- Pray for the Innocent: Pray for divine protection over the vulnerable—women, children, and the elderly—in Gaza and Israel. May God station His angels around them and His mighty hand shields them from physical harm, and that His peace would guard their hearts and minds against trauma.
(Matthew 18:10; Psalm 68:5; James 1:27; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 91:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:3)
- Pray for Unity and Volunteerism: Lift up prayers for a continued spirit of unity and volunteerism among the people living in the affected regions. Ask that collaboration and goodwill would be the defining traits, enabling communities to stand together and help one another in these trying times.
(1 Corinthians 1:10; Galatians 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:16; Philippians 2:1-2)
- Pray for Israel’s Messianic Community as a Whole: For unity among Jewish and Arab believers, for love and forgiveness to heal past wounds. That they may be witnesses to the love of the Father and the Son, standing apart from societal norms. That they may walk in courage, faith, and shalom, serving as a refuge and light to others.
(John 17:20-23; Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:3; Colossians 3:13; 1 Peter 4:8; Matthew 5:14; Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 46:1; Proverbs 18:10; John 14:27; Romans 15:13)
Some of you asked how you can help or support the situation here. Here are a few ways we recommend to get involved:
- Pray. Pray and fast for us in the Land. “My sheep hear My voice.” Press into God’s heart and lean into what He feels over the people and the situation and what He desires. Pray into it. Your prayers make a difference.
- Encourage. If you know someone in the land, encourage them. It could be an Israeli tourist you once met abroad or someone you met while visiting the land. Reach out on social media and write a short note. Especially if they are not believers, let them know you are praying for them and that they are not forgotten. Have grace if you do not hear back, as they might not have the capacity to respond, but send your love and let them know that they are not alone.
- Give. Right now, there are many needs on the ground. Help is needed everywhere. A local has compiled a list of trustworthy local ministries to give you HERE.
- Stay updated. War is heavy, and we are already inundated with so much news and updates of different things happening in the land. Here are reliable news sources for you to read and follow:
- YNet Breaking News: https://www.ynetnews.com/category/3089
- YNet Main Page: https://www.ynetnews.com/category/3083
- Times of Israel: https://www.timesofisrael.com/
- Jerusalem Post: https://m.jpost.com/
- All Israel News www.allisrael.com
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