While the Hebrew month of Iyar does not record a single dramatic covenantal breakthrough like Passover or Shavuot, it is filled with events that initiated long transitional processes: the building of the Temple, prolonged wilderness wanderings, and the rebirth of the modern Israel. Many of these events are not spectacular but administrative, like counting the people. They required endurance rather than excitement.
The first giving of manna illustrates this truth. At first, manna was extraordinary, supernatural provision raining daily from heaven. But over time, the miracle became routine. The exciting became monotonous. What was once received with gratitude eventually tested Israel’s patience and revealed their true hearts.
From the beginning, God was clear about His intention to “test” Israel, whether they would walk in His laws (Exodus 16:4 / ESV). The manna was not only provision, but also a trial.
Numbers 11:4-6 (ESV) records the turning point: “Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! … But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.’”
Moses later explained God’s purpose behind this daily provision. “And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart… And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna… that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:2-3 / ESV)
The manna provided bodily nourishment for a multitude to survive the desert. But spiritually, the fixed routine was designed to shape character. Rising before the sun to collect it, eating the same food every day for 40 years, and trusting God for daily provision forced Israel to confront issues of trust, gratitude, endurance and obedience. Many failed the test. They complained and rebelled against God and His leader.
Numbers 11:7 describes manna as like bdellium. Rashi associates it with a pearl that forms when a foreign irritant enters an oyster. Over time, the oyster coats the object layer upon layer until something beautiful emerges. The daily manna was like that grain of sand. It rubbed on Israel’s desire for novelty, control and abundance. But when received in faithfulness, it produced precious humility, patience and reliance on God.
Iyar thus speaks powerfully of transition times when God has already started something but the fulfillment still lies ahead. Faithfulness is not found only in moments of spiritual excitement or extraordinary encounters. It is found in obedience without applause, daily discipline in the Word, and trusting God daily. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “We are leaky vessels and must be filled every day.”
In a world saturated with constant stimulation and instant gratification, Iyar calls us back to the quiet faithfulness of daily dependence. It is this routine obedience and steady intake of heavenly bread that forms pearls of godly character. Let us gather the manna faithfully this month.
Blessings in Christ!
Dr. Jürgen Bühler President International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
Iyar 5786/ May 2026PRAYER POINTS
PRAYER FOR THE ICEJ
1. Pray for the ICEJ and especially our leadership in Jerusalem as they face spiritual battles. We have also received reports of unusual challenges affecting many intercessors, staff, and leaders involved in the ministry. Let us rise in prayer, lifting the shield of faith, and ask the Lord for strength and help in our time of need. “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.” (Psalm 3:3)
2. Pray for the upcoming Jerusalem Summit from June 9 to 11. Ask the Lord to release a clear prophetic message that will challenge and inspire churches and leaders worldwide to stand firm with Israel. ”So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
3. Pray that the Lord would lead the ICEJ in acquiring a permanent building in the Land of Israel. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)4. Over recent months, new opportunities have opened for the ICEJ to support rebuilding efforts along the Gaza border region. Pray for funds to enable us to meet the urgent needs of these communities. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND THE NATIONS
5.Pray for normalization and renewed engagement with the Abraham Accords, that nations in the region such as Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, and others would join these agreements and establish peaceful and cooperative relations with Israel. “It is honorable for a man to stop striving,Since any fool can start a quarrel.” (Proverbs 20:3)
6. Let us pray over the borders of Israel, especially the northern border and the western Mediterranean coast, that the Lord would be a hedge of protection around the land and people. Pray for His covering and protection from any hidden attacks or plans of the enemies of Israel. “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)
7. Pray for wisdom and discernment for the leaders of Israel and the United States as they navigate this critical stage of the conflict with Iran. Ask that God would direct their decisions and strategies, grant clarity under pressure, and guide them in these important negotiations. “Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
8. Pray for the breaking of the leadership of the Mullahs in Iran. That the Lord would establish new leadership that would be favourable to the growing Church and rule in righteousness and justice. “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the foremost of their might. I will set My throne in Elam, and will destroy from there the king and the princes,’ says the Lord… ‘But it shall come to pass in the latter days: I will bring back the captives of Elam,’ says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 49:35, 38-39)
9. Pray that the Lord would establish new and alternative oil supply routes across the region, similar to those that once connected the Middle East westward through Israel and Lebanon to the nations. Ask that these developments would bring blessing and benefit to Israel. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
10. Pray for the persecuted Church worldwide, including believers in Iran and Nigeria, that the Lord would strengthen, protect and sustain them amid their hardships. Pray for courage, endurance, and continued growth of the Church even in difficult and hostile environments. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
Prayer Guide
Dear Prayer Partners,
While the Hebrew month of Iyar does not record a single dramatic covenantal breakthrough like Passover or Shavuot, it is filled with events that initiated long transitional processes: the building of the Temple, prolonged wilderness wanderings, and the rebirth of the modern Israel. Many of these events are not spectacular but administrative, like counting the people. They required endurance rather than excitement.
The first giving of manna illustrates this truth. At first, manna was extraordinary, supernatural provision raining daily from heaven. But over time, the miracle became routine. The exciting became monotonous. What was once received with gratitude eventually tested Israel’s patience and revealed their true hearts.
From the beginning, God was clear about His intention to “test” Israel, whether they would walk in His laws (Exodus 16:4 / ESV). The manna was not only provision, but also a trial.
Numbers 11:4-6 (ESV) records the turning point: “Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! … But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.’”
Moses later explained God’s purpose behind this daily provision. “And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart… And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna… that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:2-3 / ESV)
The manna provided bodily nourishment for a multitude to survive the desert. But spiritually, the fixed routine was designed to shape character. Rising before the sun to collect it, eating the same food every day for 40 years, and trusting God for daily provision forced Israel to confront issues of trust, gratitude, endurance and obedience. Many failed the test. They complained and rebelled against God and His leader.
Numbers 11:7 describes manna as like bdellium. Rashi associates it with a pearl that forms when a foreign irritant enters an oyster. Over time, the oyster coats the object layer upon layer until something beautiful emerges. The daily manna was like that grain of sand. It rubbed on Israel’s desire for novelty, control and abundance. But when received in faithfulness, it produced precious humility, patience and reliance on God.
Iyar thus speaks powerfully of transition times when God has already started something but the fulfillment still lies ahead. Faithfulness is not found only in moments of spiritual excitement or extraordinary encounters. It is found in obedience without applause, daily discipline in the Word, and trusting God daily. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “We are leaky vessels and must be filled every day.”
In a world saturated with constant stimulation and instant gratification, Iyar calls us back to the quiet faithfulness of daily dependence. It is this routine obedience and steady intake of heavenly bread that forms pearls of godly character. Let us gather the manna faithfully this month.
Blessings in Christ!
Dr. Jürgen Bühler
President
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
Iyar 5786/ May 2026 PRAYER POINTS
PRAYER FOR THE ICEJ
1. Pray for the ICEJ and especially our leadership in Jerusalem as they face spiritual battles. We have also received reports of unusual challenges affecting many intercessors, staff, and leaders involved in the ministry. Let us rise in prayer, lifting the shield of faith, and ask the Lord for strength and help in our time of need. “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.” (Psalm 3:3)
2. Pray for the upcoming Jerusalem Summit from June 9 to 11. Ask the Lord to release a clear prophetic message that will challenge and inspire churches and leaders worldwide to stand firm with Israel. ”So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
3. Pray that the Lord would lead the ICEJ in acquiring a permanent building in the Land of Israel. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)4. Over recent months, new opportunities have opened for the ICEJ to support rebuilding efforts along the Gaza border region. Pray for funds to enable us to meet the urgent needs of these communities. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND THE NATIONS
5. Pray for normalization and renewed engagement with the Abraham Accords, that nations in the region such as Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, and others would join these agreements and establish peaceful and cooperative relations with Israel. “It is honorable for a man to stop striving,Since any fool can start a quarrel.” (Proverbs 20:3)
6. Let us pray over the borders of Israel, especially the northern border and the western Mediterranean coast, that the Lord would be a hedge of protection around the land and people. Pray for His covering and protection from any hidden attacks or plans of the enemies of Israel. “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)
7. Pray for wisdom and discernment for the leaders of Israel and the United States as they navigate this critical stage of the conflict with Iran. Ask that God would direct their decisions and strategies, grant clarity under pressure, and guide them in these important negotiations. “Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
8. Pray for the breaking of the leadership of the Mullahs in Iran. That the Lord would establish new leadership that would be favourable to the growing Church and rule in righteousness and justice. “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the foremost of their might. I will set My throne in Elam, and will destroy from there the king and the princes,’ says the Lord… ‘But it shall come to pass in the latter days: I will bring back the captives of Elam,’ says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 49:35, 38-39)
9. Pray that the Lord would establish new and alternative oil supply routes across the region, similar to those that once connected the Middle East westward through Israel and Lebanon to the nations. Ask that these developments would bring blessing and benefit to Israel. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
10. Pray for the persecuted Church worldwide, including believers in Iran and Nigeria, that the Lord would strengthen, protect and sustain them amid their hardships. Pray for courage, endurance, and continued growth of the Church even in difficult and hostile environments. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
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