Dear Church Family –
Saturday, Iran fired as many as 300 missiles, rockets, and drones at Israel. 99% of them were intercepted and shot down. What did get through did only minor damage to an Israeli military base. God protects and helps His people.
Iran’s version of Islam believes that their Mahdi (their version of the Messiah) will appear and dominate the world only after the Muslim world has destroyed Israel. Iran characterizes Israel as the “little Satan,” and The U.S. as the “great Satan.” Iranian leaders have also bought into Marxist ideology and critical theory which says that the oppressed (which they consider Iran to be) must overthrow the oppressor (which they believe to be the Western world—the U.S. and Europe).
This morning I came across a helpful way to pray for Israel put together by crosswalk.com. (I added the final one).
1. Pray for Peace
Pray for peace within Israel's borders and among its inhabitants, as well as with neighboring nations. Psalm 122:6 - “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’”
2. Pray for Leadership
Pray for wisdom, integrity, and guidance for Israel's leaders, that their decisions may lead to justice and peace. Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
3. Pray for Protection
Ask for God’s protection over the nation from external threats and internal strife, safeguarding its people. Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
4. Pray for Reconciliation
Pray for reconciliation among the diverse groups within Israel, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims, fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation. Ephesians 2:14 – “For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.”
5. Pray for Spiritual Renewal
Pray for a spiritual awakening across Israel, that individuals and communities would come to recognize deeper spiritual truths and values. Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
6. Pray for Salvation
Pray for the salvation of both Israelis and Arabs. Romans 10:1 “…my heart's desire and my prayer to God for [Israel] is for their salvation.”
Thanks for praying. Thanks for helping spread the gospel. Thanks for your love for, and response to, God’s Word yesterday. And thanks for your encouraging words! In Christ – Pastor Tim