Shalom Praying Friends,
Every prayer letter I write to you ends with praying for the Peace of Jerusalem. When I read Psalm 122, I only see a clear instruction that isn’t really negotiable. God is always aware and focused on Israel. In fact in Psalm 121, He says He will never slumber or sleep and is always ready to save Israel from the plans of the enemy. He wants us to pray and to remember. And when we pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, we are praying for Messiah’s final return to the city He loves, the New Jerusalem.
We have been so focused on events here in America that it may have been easy to forget our call to the Middle East and Israel. But the enemy never sleeps as well and, without fail, continues to attempt to bait and destroy YHWH’s plans for Israel’s redemption. The key word here is “attempt.” We know YHWH wins in the end. But until then there’s a never ending struggle.
Whether it’s boycotting Israel’s commerce or planning international condemnation for claiming what YHWH gave to Israel (The Land) without equivocation, the enemy roars about biting and chewing in every arena. The Word of God has said that Israel would be a worrisome stone in all the earth. And always someone comes along who thinks they are going to succeed where no one else has to make peace between Israel and its enemies. It will never happen. Especially if land is given away.
Currently Israel is in a time of Tisha B’ Av (July 9-30). The "Three Weeks" between the 17th of Tammuz and the Tisha B'Av have historically been days of misfortune and calamity for the Jewish people. During this time, both the First and Second Temples were destroyed, amongst other tragedies. These days are referred to as the period "within the straits" (bein hametzarim), in accordance with the verse: "All her oppressors have overtaken her within the straits" (Lamentations 1:3).
https://www.aish.com/h/9av/oal/96779149.html?s=lb
It is imperative that we pray YHWH’s will for Israel. Never forgetting nor becoming complacent. Israel’s safety and redemption is of paramount importance to the Lord.
Suggested Prayer Guide:
Lord, as we prepare to engage the enemy, Your Word gives us instruction on the rules of spiritual warfare. We heed Your instructions lest we become unnecessary casualties of war.
We declare that our spirit man is clad with the armor of the Lord and the armor of light. We put on the breastplate of righteousness to protect our heart and our chest cavity and vital organs. We function and conduct our life’s affairs according to Your original plan and purpose for us. It protects our reputation. We gird our loins about with truth. It protects our integrity. We put upon our feet the sandals of the Gospel of peace which guides our every step. We put on the helmet of salvation to renew our minds daily. It protects us from negative thoughts that would derail Your purposes and plans for us. We hold up the shield of faith to thwart every fiery dart of the enemy, it secures our future and our destiny. According to Judges 7:18, with the Word we take up the Sword of the Lord which grants us dominion and authority against the powers of hell. In the name of Yeshua we shall be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.
As we have donned the full armor of God, we stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil that attempts to overcome our minds with dread, fear and hopelessness. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Ephesians 6:11-12
We forbid any retaliation or backlash of the enemy against us in the name of Yeshua. We blind his vision through the pentagram and deafen his ears to our plans and words. We cover ourselves, our families, homes, finances and ministries in the Blood of Yeshua and All means communication and connectivity are covered in the Blood of Jesus and the enemy can’t interfere. We cover our phone lines, our electrical grid systems, our electronic devices and our internet service with the Blood of Jesus.
In the name of Yeshua we bind the strongmen of witchcraft. Proverb 16:18 We bind the prince of the power of the air and abolish demonic frequencies. We bind every scrambling spirit that would attempt to twist the words we pray or hear. We tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt us. Luke 10:19
Holy Spirit of God we ask You to pray through us as we contend for Your chosen people Israel.
Abba Father, In the name of Yeshua, we pray for Israel the apple of Your eye Psalm 17:8, that the nations would not be deceived but would align with Israel. We pray for Godly wisdom for those bartering for peace in the peace process. Let Israel also know that true shalom will come from the Lord and not from man. And not from the United States. The Trump Israel Peace Plan has commitments that include ceding land to the Palestinian Authority which has no inherent right to the land.
You gave Israel to Your Chosen People for an inheritance and it would be an affront to You to give away the gift You have bestowed upon them. Lord we pray that President Trump will not urge, intimidate or convince Prime Minister Netanyahu that it is wisdom to give the blood bought land away, no matter how significant that parcel may be seen as a bargaining tool this time, or ever. In fact we pray that he would completely take a hands off approach and walk away from the “Deal of the Century.” We pray that anyone offering ungodly counsel to President Trump would be removed from their position of influence whether family or friend, in Yeshua’s name and they would be replaced with counsel of truth and Godly direction. A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. Proverbs 1:5
For “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But let Israel and America remember the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7
“O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still. See how your enemies are astir, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people Israel; they plot against those you cherish. “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.” With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you… Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD – that you alone are the Most High over all the earth. Psalm 83:1-5, 18 For “Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:4
In the name of Yeshua we bind the spirit of radical Islam and Jihad against Israel. The battle is not Israel against the Arabs, nor Israel against the Palestinians, but rather, radical Islam is a doctrine of opposition to everyone that is not of their fundamentalist beliefs.
We pray for protection for courageous and fair-minded moderate Muslims speaking out against radical Islam and Jihad. We pray also that Western Democracies not fall victim to the politically correct “tolerance” that allows “creeping Jihad” or “cultural Jihad” to infiltrate their governmental and legal systems, so that parallel communities governed by Sharia Law are created in the midst of the democratic such as our America where it is raising its ugly head. Lord make them a wall to Your people, a fortified wall of bronze. Jeremiah 15:20-21 that they who fight against Israel will not overcome, for You are with Israel to rescue and save them. You have declared You will save Israel from the hands of the wicked and redeem them from the grasp of the cruel.”
Abba Father we pray for reconciliation between Christians and Jews. For Judaism is the root of our Faith. We look to the rock from which we were hewn, and to the hole of the pit from which we were dug. We look to Abraham our father, and to Sarah who bore us.” Isaiah 51:1-2 We have been grafted in and do not boast against the branches. For if we do boast, we must remember that we do not support the root, but the root supports us.” Romans 11:18 How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 and we pray for reconciliation between Arab and Jew in the land of Israel.
Lord You are the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow, and we live to serve You. You desire to bring “Abundant Life” to every season – past, present and future. When Yeshua proclaimed His mission, He said He was sent to heal the brokenhearted and to proclaim liberty to the captives. Isaiah 61:1 - 3 Today we do the same for those in Israel who have tremendous pain from the past, by the power of prayer in the name of Yeshua. The need for healing is not limited to the carnage of the holocaust, suicide bombings in the past, but is also needed because of the continuous firing of mortars and rockets by Hamas on the southern towns of Israel. These attacks have killed dozens of civilians and injured hundreds, but their main effect is their creation of widespread psychological trauma and disruption of daily life among the Israeli population. We ask You Jehovah Rappha, He who heals, to heal the widespread post-traumatic stress among the population of young children, pregnant mothers and the people in general. In Yeshua’s name, cause the rockets and mortars to misfire.
We pray that the joy of the Lord would be the strength of Israel. Nehemiah 8:10 We pray that the anointing bestowed upon David known as the “Davidic anointing” would be graciously poured out over all Israel and to all the nations. We pray that new songs unto the Lord would bring forth deliverance, healing, restoration and joy for those who live in Zion.
Lord when You brought back the captivity of Zion, Israel was like those who dream. Then their mouth was filled with laughter, and their tongues were singing. Then they said among the nations, “the Lord has done great things for us. The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.” Bring back Israel’s captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:5
The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when You Lord bind up the bruises of Your people and heal the wounds You inflicted.” Isaiah 30:26 Abba it was You who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was You who healed them. You led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; You lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them.” Hosea 11:3-4
In Yeshua’s name we bind persecution of Christian Arabs by Muslim Arabs in areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, and those cities where there has been a Christian exodus due to Muslim persecution. This includes the West Bank and Gaza Strip, but also the birthplace and the boyhood town of Yeshua, in Bethlehem and Nazareth. We cover in the Blood of Yeshua, those Israeli Arab Believers - living in Palestinian controlled regions and in surrounding Arab countries - who DO stand with Israel and who DO serve the Lord along with Jewish Believers as the “one new man” in Christ.
Israel we cover you with the Blood of Yeshua which delivers you from the terror of night. YHWH will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague Coronavirus that destroys at midday.” Psalm 91:4 - 6
YHWH You are the God of Truth and in You there is no falsehood. Israel battles not only with Arab armies and radical Islamic Jihadists, but also with overzealous, biased media focus that creates international scorn and criticism. We pray for fair moral clarity and honest media coverage of matters concerning Israel.
We pray that the God of Truth would reveal all truth and that You would not rest until You make Jerusalem a praise of all the earth! Isaiah 62:7 Show Israel Your ways, O Lord, teach them Your paths; guide them in Your truth and teach them, for You are God, Israel’s Savior, and their hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-6
In the name of Yeshua we bind the spirit of the Anti-semite that denies Israel the right to their birthright. Lord You said You would plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land You have given them. Amos 9:15 You kept Your promise in 1948 as it came to pass. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men You abhor. Psalm 5:6
In Ezekiel 36: 22 - 28, You tell us of Your plan to bring the people back. You didn’t say that the people were being brought back because of their own righteousness; rather, You said that You are bringing them back for the sake of Your Great Name. We pray for Israel’s redemption. We declare the Words of the Lord in Isaiah 45:17 “Israel will be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation...”
Ezekiel 36:26 - 28 -
“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a right spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. And you will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people and I will be your God.” Romans 11:26 - 27 - “And so all of Israel will be saved, as it is written: The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
Abraham, Moses, Joshua and David were mighty men of God who led Israel to victory and blessing because they “inquired of the Lord” and they obeyed their God. We pray that today’s Israeli leaders, Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and co-minister Benny Gantz would not trust in their military might or in their friendship with the United States, but instead put their trust in the Lord – The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
We pray for moral clarity among Israeli leaders. We pray for Godly wisdom in every decision they make and the knowledge of how to handle the Palestinian Authority, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Egypt, and other countries with radical Islamic policies. In Yeshua’s name none will be able to to infiltrate the fragile new government coalition and potentially influence peace treaties and economic trade agreements with Israel.
We pray also for Godly wisdom on their part as they interact with an increasingly unfriendly Democratic and Republican American leadership in Congress and enemy fire from the Deep State. We pray that “the Fear of the Lord” would be upon our President Trump, his advisors and elected leaders, as well as on those from other democracies in the world. Pray that our country would choose to be a “Sheep Nation” and stand with Israel in her time of need. Ezekiel 34:17 but would not influence Israel to give up territory and land for peace process.
Israel trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7
We pray that the nations would not be deceived but would align with Israel, that they would receive Godly wisdom for those bartering for peace in the peace process. O Israel, true shalom will only come from the Lord and not from man.
Abba, the youth in Israel are unlike the young people in any other country. They have experienced war and terror since the day they were born, because Israel has experienced war and terror since it was born You are their strength and song. You are their salvation; You are their God. Exodus 15:2-3 In your unfailing love You will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:13
For thousands of years, the Jewish people have looked and longed for the coming of the Messiah - The “Anointed One”…The Deliverer. Open their eyes that they might see truth. Let us now join with the Jewish people in their fervent prayers, that Messiah Yeshua will reveal Himself to them and come dwell in their midst. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Father God when You inspired the writers of scripture, You foreknew the only safe place for Jewish people worldwide is the special homeland that You have given to them for such a time as this. You said You would gather all nations to Jerusalem to fight against it. Jeremiah 29:14 Daily Israel is finding You, and You are bringing them back from their captivity through Aliyah; You are gathering them from all the nations and from all the places where You have driven them.
“Therefore behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that it shall no more be said, “The Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,' but, “The Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had driven them.' For I will bring them back into their land which I gave to their fathers. “Behold, I will send for many fishermen,” says the Lord, “and they shall fish them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain and every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. Jeremiah 16:16
Abba Your Holy Scriptures teach us that God blesses those who bless Israel Genesis 12:3 and prospers those who pray for her peace. Psalm 122:6 Many believe that America has been blessed as a nation not only because it was founded upon Scriptural principles and values, but also because America has been a strong ally and friend to Israel since its re-birth in 1948. The erosion of Christian values among politicians, the desire to be seen as a "tolerant" nation, and the pressure from the international community, the United Nations, the European Union, and the World Bank, all work together with the spiritual ruler of this world to undermine the continued solidarity and support of America for Israel. We cancel that erosion in Yeshua’s name and declare that America will not abandon Israel.
If America and the nations are not to be found among the nations judged by God because they opposed Israel or advocated the dividing of the land, the Church must pray fervently. You call Israel Your heritage and a strike against Israel is a strike against You. Dividing Your land Israel will bring judgement upon the nation(s) who advocate for it. Joel 3:2 We pray President Trump will make the right decision regarding the Trump Israel Peace Plan, personally seeking You for the answer and that whatever that decision will be, America will always stand by Israel. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who stands alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
As commanded in Your Word Abba, we pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces.” For the sake of our brethren and companions, We will now say, “Peace be within you.” Because of the house of the Lord our God we will seek your good. Psalm 122:6-9 AMEN
Stephania
Shofar Sounder