During the Hebrew month of Av, we remember one of the darkest seasons in Israel’s history. On Tisha B’Av, the ninth of Av, the Jewish people commemorate the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, first by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and centuries later by the Romans under Titus. These two events, occurring on the same day on the Jewish calendar, stand as solemn reminders of God’s righteous judgment.
The prophet Jeremiah explains that Jerusalem’s fall resulted from centuries of rebellion. Despite God’s patient calls to repentance through His prophets, the people persisted in pride and worldly ways, losing their sensitivity to sin and following false promises of peace.
Finally, the time came when judgment could no longer be delayed. The Lord declared, “Even if Moses and Samuel stood before Me, My mind would not be favorable toward this people.” (Jeremiah 15:1) Even Israel’s greatest intercessors could not reverse what had become an irreversible judgment. Jeremiah even calls Nebuchadnezzar “My servant” (Jeremiah 25:9) as God’s instrument of correction, reminding us that He can use even pagan rulers to accomplish His sovereign purposes.
There is an old saying, “the mills of God grind slowly.” God is extraordinarily patient, giving people and nations ample opportunity to repent. Yet His patience is not without end. Jeremiah’s warning echoes into the New Testament, where Revelation 13:10 reminds us that a time is coming when God will bring judgment, first on the Church, and then – as the Book of Revelation makes clear – on the whole world. In that hour, believers will need two qualities above all else to be an overcomer: faith and endurance.
This also was part of the Apostles’ Gospel message. Peter proclaimed that Yeshua is the One appointed by God “to be Judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42). Paul likewise called everyone to repent before God “…because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness” through the risen Messiah (Acts 17:31).
The month of Av therefore remains deeply relevant for the Church. It reminds us that God’s judgment is real, but so is His mercy. Jeremiah repeatedly points to one hope – repentance, or teshuva (to turn back) in Hebrew. “If you will return, O Israel,” says the Lord, “Return to Me; And if you will put away your abominations out of My sight, then you shall not be moved.” (Jeremiah 4:1).
As we reflect during this season, let us invite the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, expose every hidden sin, and draw us back into wholehearted devotion to the Lord. None of us knows how near the fulfillment of these prophetic events we may be, but we do know that God is calling His people to live in faith, holiness and expectancy. We must remain in readiness to faithfully proclaim the whole Gospel, stand firm in truth, and shine as witnesses for the Lord until He comes.
Blessings in Christ!
Dr. Jürgen Bühler
President
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
MONTHLY PRAYER POINTS
PRAYER FOR THE ICEJ
Pray for the leadership and staff of the ICEJ. Ask the Lord to strengthen, protect and refresh our leaders, staff, and their families. Pray for wisdom, unity, and a fresh anointing as they minister during this critical season. Ask God to continue opening new doors for our ministry and to empower every message proclaimed from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 40:29-31; Isaiah 11:2-3; Ephesians 6:19)
Pray for our Feast of Tabernacles celebration from September 25-30, to be held under the theme “The Lord Roars From Zion!” (Joel 3:16) Pray that the Lord would prepare every detail of the Feast and draw believers from every nation to Jerusalem. Ask Him to lead every speaker, worship leader, volunteer, and participant. Pray for many to encounter the Lord and hear His voice. Pray that His prophetic Word would once again go forth from Zion to the nations. (Isaiah 2:2-3; Isaiah 30:18-21; Zechariah 14:16)
Pray for the ongoing ministry of the ICEJ. Pray for God’s provision and direction as the Christian Embassy continues expanding its ministry, including plans for a permanent home in Jerusalem. Ask the Lord to establish every work according to His perfect will and continue raising up Christian leaders worldwide who will stand firmly with Israel in line with the Holy Scriptures (Psalm 127:1; Isaiah 62:6-7).
PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND THE NATIONS
Pray for renewed momentum surrounding the Abraham Accords. Pray that more nations in the Middle East would pursue peace, cooperation, and stronger relations with Israel, and especially Lebanon at this time. Ask the Lord to bring stability and open doors for reconciliation across the region (Psalm 85:10).
Pray for security along Israel’s borders. Pray especially for the northern border and Judea/Samaria, where Iran is still trying to launch rocket and terror attacks. Ask the Lord to watch over the nation, expose every hidden threat, and guard the people of Israel from all violence and harm (Psalm 121:4).
Pray for Israel, the United States, and Iran. Pray for wisdom and discernment for the leaders of Israel and the United States during this critical time concerning Iran. Ask the Lord to guide every decision and lead them in paths that preserve peace and security.
Pray also for regime change in Iran, which is truly the only real path to defeat the powers behind the Islamic Revolution and its obsession with destroying Israel. Pray that God would give the people of Iran the right moment and the means to overthrow the evil clerical regime and its military support base in Tehran. Pray that new authorities would be raised up who pursue justice, peace, and greater freedom for their people. Intercede for the protection, boldness, and continued growth of the underground Church in Iran (Proverbs 11:14; Jeremiah 49:35, 38-39).
Pray for new opportunities for economic cooperation, trade, and regional partnerships across the Middle East. Pray that the Lord would bring greater stability and blessing to Israel and its neighbours. Ask the Lord to guide these developments according to His purposes (Deuteronomy 28:12).
Pray for the Jewish people worldwide as they face a vicious wave of antisemitism since the October 7 terror invasion from Gaza in 2023. Pray for their protection and well-being, and for many more to consider and decide to make Aliyah to the Jewish homeland in the Eretz Israel.
Pray that all the false accusations against Israel concerning genocide and other outrageous charges will be exposed and refuted. Pray that those spreading these lies and conspiracy theories against Israel and the Jews, especially on the Internet and in the Media, would repent and embrace the Jewish people. Pray that more Christians would repent from their rejection of Israel, and come to appreciate the enduring election over Israel for our sake (Genesis 12:3; Psalm 105:13-15; Romans 11:28-29).
Events & News
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Prayer Guide
Dear Prayer Partners,
During the Hebrew month of Av, we remember one of the darkest seasons in Israel’s history. On Tisha B’Av, the ninth of Av, the Jewish people commemorate the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, first by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and centuries later by the Romans under Titus. These two events, occurring on the same day on the Jewish calendar, stand as solemn reminders of God’s righteous judgment.
The prophet Jeremiah explains that Jerusalem’s fall resulted from centuries of rebellion. Despite God’s patient calls to repentance through His prophets, the people persisted in pride and worldly ways, losing their sensitivity to sin and following false promises of peace.
Finally, the time came when judgment could no longer be delayed. The Lord declared, “Even if Moses and Samuel stood before Me, My mind would not be favorable toward this people.” (Jeremiah 15:1) Even Israel’s greatest intercessors could not reverse what had become an irreversible judgment. Jeremiah even calls Nebuchadnezzar “My servant” (Jeremiah 25:9) as God’s instrument of correction, reminding us that He can use even pagan rulers to accomplish His sovereign purposes.
There is an old saying, “the mills of God grind slowly.” God is extraordinarily patient, giving people and nations ample opportunity to repent. Yet His patience is not without end. Jeremiah’s warning echoes into the New Testament, where Revelation 13:10 reminds us that a time is coming when God will bring judgment, first on the Church, and then – as the Book of Revelation makes clear – on the whole world. In that hour, believers will need two qualities above all else to be an overcomer: faith and endurance.
This also was part of the Apostles’ Gospel message. Peter proclaimed that Yeshua is the One appointed by God “to be Judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42). Paul likewise called everyone to repent before God “…because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness” through the risen Messiah (Acts 17:31).
The month of Av therefore remains deeply relevant for the Church. It reminds us that God’s judgment is real, but so is His mercy. Jeremiah repeatedly points to one hope – repentance, or teshuva (to turn back) in Hebrew. “If you will return, O Israel,” says the Lord, “Return to Me; And if you will put away your abominations out of My sight, then you shall not be moved.” (Jeremiah 4:1).
As we reflect during this season, let us invite the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, expose every hidden sin, and draw us back into wholehearted devotion to the Lord. None of us knows how near the fulfillment of these prophetic events we may be, but we do know that God is calling His people to live in faith, holiness and expectancy. We must remain in readiness to faithfully proclaim the whole Gospel, stand firm in truth, and shine as witnesses for the Lord until He comes.
Blessings in Christ!
Dr. Jürgen Bühler
President
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
MONTHLY PRAYER POINTS
PRAYER FOR THE ICEJ
PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND THE NATIONS
Events & News
Be in the know – stay updated with our latest articles and events.
(weekly 5+ min)
SCARBOROUGH
Sun. Aug. 16th
5:30 PM
ISRAEL
Fri-Wed. Sep. 25th-30th