Prayer Guide

Dear Prayer Partners,

This past year has been difficult for Israel on many levels, yet so many Israelis have inspired us with their courage, resilience, and selfless sacrifice. In years to come, much will be written about the momentous days we are in right now, and it is indeed a great privilege to stand with Israel in these trying times. It made me reflect on our founding mandate from Scripture: “’Comfort, yes, comfort My people!’ says your God,” (Isaiah 40:1) So, what do we consider to be a comfort in difficult times like these?

The Israeli people were quickly condemned for their response to the October 7 massacre by Hamas, and they often express to us how alone and misunderstood they have felt ever since. They have prayed, asked hard questions, and examined their lives. Some concluded that they needed to pursue more purposeful and meaningful lives. In this crucible of anger, grief and loss, it is marvellous to begin to see beauty springing up – literally out of the ashes. 

In such times, true friendship is a great comfort. When times are tough, it makes all the difference to walk through the troubles with friends who support you, listen to you, believe your story, set the record straight on your behalf, and come to visit and lend a helping hand when you are in need. At the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, we have been there doing all those things for the people of Israel over the years and especially this past year of war and great loss in this nation. In a recent conversation with Asaf, a farmer in southern Israel, I was delighted to hear how true friends made such a difference in his life and have given him the strength to dream of better days ahead.

Asaf was overwhelmed by the flood of practical assistance and the willing extra hands of Israelis and Christian volunteers flying into the country to help to bring in the harvest. This inspired Asaf and his friends to open an agricultural school in the Eshkol Region even though their community is still evacuated. The idea is to bring young Israelis, ages 15-18, to the South to learn hi-tech agricultural skills while completing their high school studies. They will throw in lessons on Zionism – love of the Land and people – to inspire the next generation to continue to settle and develop the Western Negev. 

With his team full of hope and excitement over the future, they began renovating old buildings and were quickly finished. To their surprise, 30 young people from across Israel started the program on 1 September, with plans for up to 100 more students to join later. A garden has been planted and soon greenhouses will be added as classrooms. Seeing these young people bicycle around areas that have been devoid of residents for over a year, the project has already brought laughter and renewed hope.

Our actions have consequences, as they can bring either light or darkness to those around us. In this season, as we remember the birth of Messiah – our great hope and light – may we be inspired to reflect His light to those around us. As Kurt Kaiser’s gospel song “Pass It On” so aptly says: “It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing…”  

Thank you for your continued prayers for us and for the people of Israel.  

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. May they be full of meaning and joy!

Nicole Yoder
Vice President for Aid & Aliyah
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL

1.  THE NORTHERN FRONT

After 14 months of intense cross-border exchanges, there is a fragile ceasefire taking hold between Israel and Hizbullah in Lebanon. Many Israelis are skeptical about this truce, especially as it seeks to implement UN Security Council resolution 1701 from 2006, which was never enforced in all these years. Yet the deal also severs the linkage Hizbullah made with the fighting in Gaza, leaving Hamas isolated and a hostage deal there more likely. It will take some time to accurately assess whether this is a good agreement or not, but we can thank the Lord for answering our prayers concerning the Hizbullah threat to Israel. Over the recent months, Israel has severely weakened the Iranian-backed terror militia, eliminated its top leaders, and destroyed most of its missile and drone arsenal. Much of this has come about because Israel’s military and intelligence agencies focused on the Hizbullah threat over recent years, and already had plans in place for dealing quick blows to the radical Islamist militia. We also need to pray that Israel will be successful in demanding full compliance with the truce terms by Hizbullah and Lebanon. Please pray that Israel’s leaders will have the wisdom and accurate, timely information to keep the enemy from returning to the border area to threaten communities in northern Israel. Also pray that Hizbullah will not be able to rearm, and that it will completely lose its influence and power over Lebanon. Finally, pray that the 60,000+ Israeli evacuees from northern Israel can safely return to their homes.

2.  THE SOUTHERN FRONT

We can be thankful that the IDF has severely battered and reduced Hamas as a fighting force in Gaza, and that its leadership there has been decimated. Please continue praying that the last remnants of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza will be quickly routed and removed 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, whether through rescue efforts, offers of rewards, or the renewed talks for a Gaza truce and hostage deal on terms favourable to Israel. 

3.  IRAN

Please pray that Israel will stop any threat coming from Iran, whether from missiles, drones, terror attacks, spying operations, cyber attacks, and especially any nuclear threat. Pray that Iran will not be able to harm Israel or Jews abroad. 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 completely break away from the Ayatollahs.

4.  THE HOME FRONT

Please keep praying for the people of Israel as they continue to cope with 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 comfort, patience and renewed hope for the families of the hostages. Pray for the many Israelis traumatized by this prolonged war. Pray for God to use the current difficulties to draw the people of Israel closer to Him and their Messiah.