Prayer Guide

“…The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32)

Dear Prayer Partners,

A few weeks ago, we marked the one-year anniversary of October 7, the most tragic day in modern Israel’s history. Soon after that, we celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles with hundreds of pilgrims present in Jerusalem and many more watching online. It was a truly unique Feast, different from all previous years – just as Israel finds herself in a unique situation fighting again for her very survival. The fact that hundreds of Christians paid a solidarity visit to Israel at a time when tourism is at a standstill and most airlines even cancelled their flights sent a strong message of encouragement and comfort to the Israeli people. This is exactly what we as Christians have been called to do.

The war is long and fatigue is setting in across Israel. How should we continue to pray for the Jewish people? I believe the Lord is doing a deep work in this nation and we must exercise patience. In November, we are entering the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, which can serve as a reminder of this important principle.

The world lives in an instant culture. We are used to instant messaging, getting instant answers, or consuming instant food. That is the opposite of waiting. And yet the whole Creation is teaching us a different message. The grain put in the ground does not instantly produce the crop. A planted tree does not instantly bring fruit. A child is not born instantly after conception. And a new Christian does not produce the fruit of the Spirit immediately. In each case, one has to wait to see the results.

I am afraid that many had this kind of expectation when the war broke out: an instant Israeli victory, a miraculous intervention. It turns out to be much more complex. Ultimately, Israel will emerge victorious, but even more important is the impact on Israeli society. God is drawing His people closer to Him. Seeds are being planted in many hearts at this time, amid grief, anxiety and anger. Let us pray that they will fall on good soil and bring fruit in their time. And that we may be the gardeners who water the seed with acts of love and compassion.

The month of Cheshvan is the time in Israel when the weather patterns change: darkness grows, the sky is grey, and it turns cold and rainy. Yet the seeds that have been planted begin to grow beneath the surface. They represent a potential that is yet unseen. Likewise, this dark time in Israel’s history already contains the potential for a spiritual harvest. Let us persevere in our prayers and faith.

Shalom from Jerusalem!

Mojmir Kallus
Vice President for International Affairs
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL

1.  THE NORTHERN FRONT

We can thank the Lord for answering our prayers concerning the threat to Israel from Hizbullah in Lebanon. Over the past two months or so, Israel has been able to severely weaken the Iranian-backed terror militia, eliminate most of its top leaders (including its chief Hassan Nasrallah), and destroy some 70% of its missile and drone arsenal. While Israeli leaders had assessed Hizbullah was capable of firing up to 4,000 rockets per day upon Israel, they are barely launching 5% of that number per day. Much of this is due to the fact that the Israeli military and intelligence agencies focused on the Hizbullah threat over the past decade or more, and already had plans in place on how to quickly deal with it. Thus, we must thank the Lord for the wisdom and preparations they made to confront Hizbullah. Yet the radical Shi’ite militia remains a lethal force that is still able to inflict damage and injuries on Israel. So, please continue to pray that Israel’s leaders will have the wisdom, intelligence and means to press the battle against this enemy and achieve a swift and full victory. Pray that Hizbullah will be completely reduced in power and capabilities, so that it no longer poses a threat to Israel and also loses its grip over the governance and affairs of Lebanon. Pray that the vast majority of Lebanese citizens would boldly rise up and reject Hizbullah’s further influence in the country. Pray for the Israeli evacuees to safely return home to the northern border and for peace to reign in all Israel.

2.  THE SOUTHERN FRONT

Praise the Lord that 90% of the Hamas military command structure and brigade formations in Gaza have been decimated. Also thank the Lord that Hamas leader Yahyeh Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7 massacres last year, was finally eliminated. Please continue praying that the last remnants of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza will be quickly routed and cleansed from the Gaza Strip, so that neither terror militia will have any sway or control over the people of Gaza. Most importantly, please continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining 101 hostages in Gaza. There are fresh efforts to negotiate a hostage release deal, and we should pray they succeed on terms favourable to Israel. 

3.  IRAN

Please pray that Israel will be able to stop any threat coming from Iran, whether from missiles, drones, terror attacks, spying operations, and especially any nuclear threat. Pray that Iran will not be able to harm Israel in any way. Pray that the radical Islamic regime in Tehran will lose its grip on power and be driven from Iran by its own people. Pray that the proxy militias which Iran has recruited, trained and armed across the region will all lose any trust in Iran, and Iran’s regional terror network will break up completely.

4.  THE HOME FRONT

Please continue praying for the people of Israel as they are now dealing with the fallout of more than one year of intense fighting on seven fronts. Pray they will renew their strength and resolve to achieve total victory. Pray that the devastated communities on the Gaza and northern borders will be able to safely return home and start rebuilding their lives. Pray for all the families that have lost loved ones in battle. Pray for the many Israelis traumatized by this prolonged war. Pray that God will use the current difficulties to draw the people of Israel closer to Him and to their Messiah. Pray for Israel’s economy to recover.