As we’ve watched the events of the past several days unfold on social media and our televisions, we’ve been shocked and horrified. Once again reminded of the depravity and evil that exists in our world. Our hearts are grieving for the senseless loss of life and our spirits cry out for justice.
Thousands of miles away we’re left processing and seemingly powerless. What does this mean? Should I be settling accounts and preparing for Jesus to return? Always. Is this a just another in a long list of terror motivated attacks? Yes. Is there anything in the Bible about this? Yes. Is there anything I can do to help? Yes! You’re not powerless.
This isn’t a moment to burry our heads in the sand and go on with life as normal because, “it doesn’t affect me”. The events of the past week have deep Biblical roots and have not only geo-political ramifications but spiritual ramifications as well. This is a moment where God’s army needs to assemble and get into the battle! 1 Corinthians 10:3-4 says, “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.” The greatest weapon we can wield right now is prayer. God is calling His prayer warriors to intercede on behalf of our Israeli brothers and sisters.
How can you pray? We’ve assembled a list of prayers and passages to guide your intercessory prayers. Take a few moments throughout the week to go to battle against the true source of all the evil in the world. Paul said, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Jesus reminds us, “the gates of hell WILL NOT prevail.” Your prayers matter! Israel and Gaza need you fighting for them.
1. Pray for peace
Pray the violence will end, and for peace to settle over Gaza and Israel…beyond understanding.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
2. Pray for unity
Pray for the enemy’s schemes to be revealed and nations to be reconciled.
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
3. Pray for the injured, deceased, and kidnapped Israelis
Pray for families who are grieving and healing from the attack.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:14)
Pray for the safe and quick return of all those taken in the attacks.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalm 34:18)
4. Pray for the children of Israel
Pray that fear and a loss of innocence will be met with a hope and future and that the orphans will be cared for.
Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people. (Matthew 19:14)
5. Pray for the safety of the Israeli Defense Forces and first responders
Pray for the sons and daughters who are risking their lives to protect a nation.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. (2 Samuel 22:2-4)
6. Pray for the leaders of governments
Pray for wisdom as governments decide how to respond and bring this war to an end.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
7. Pray for the residents of Gaza caught in the crossfire
Pray for the protection of those innocent residents paying the price for the evil of others.
Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people. (Psalm 82:3-4)
8. Pray for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done
Pray for the church in Israel and for the Gospel of Jesus to be on display.
Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. (Matthew 16:18)
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. (2 Peter 3:9)
Have more questions? Need help? Email Hello@Christs.Church