As we step into the month of December, or Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, we are reminded that this is the season of Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication. Beyond the familiar lights and stories, Hanukkah is one of the most prophetic moments in Scripture. It points back to one of the darkest chapters in Jewish history, and yet reveals how God forms a people who “know their God” and therefore “stand firm and take action” (Daniel 11:32 / NASB) It also is a season historically marked by miracles, a time when God shows Himself faithful in ways far beyond human strength.
In the days of the Seleucid Syrian ruler Antiochus IV, darkness fell suddenly on Israel. He sought to impose Hellenistic culture on the Jewish people and demand worship of the Greek pantheon of gods. What began as an ambition for regional dominance soon turned into targeted hostility toward the Jews. After suffering a military defeat in Egypt, Antiochus turned his frustration toward Israel. Jerusalem was in unrest, the people divided, and Antiochus seized control with brutal force. Innocents were slain, sacred practices like circumcision were banned, Scriptures burned, and obedience to God’s covenant was punished by death. The Temple was desecrated, and everything changed almost overnight.
Yet in that moment, Daniel’s prophecy just centuries earlier unfolded. Those who truly knew their God carried out great exploits. They resisted compromise, remained anchored in covenant truth, and shone like lights in a time of deep spiritual darkness. It was in that very darkness the miracle of Hanukkah happened, when a single cruse of pure oil, enough for only one day, burned for eight days in the Menorah. It was a sign that God Himself sustains His people when human capacity runs out. Hanukkah reminds us that God does not abandon His people in crisis; He multiplies what remains and causes His light to outlast the darkness.
This festival teaches us that the battle between light and darkness is both historic and prophetic. Jesus pointed to these passages in Daniel, urging His disciples to watch, stay alert, and stay faithful. Paul echoed this, warning of coming lawlessness that will again test the people of God. Yet Scripture does not leave us fearful, it promises that pressures refine a people who will shine like stars and turn many to righteousness.
Hanukkah is ultimately about rededication and of cleansing the temple, both the physical one long ago and the spiritual temple we are today. In this season of miracles, we too can expect God to move with unusual grace to sustain what seems lacking, to illuminate what feels hidden, and to strengthen what appears weak.
As we move through this month, let us draw near to the Lord with fresh dedication. Let us pray to truly know Him, to walk in intimacy with Yeshua, and to stand firmly in covenant truth. May the light of His presence push back every darkness around us, and may His people be strengthened for whatever shifts may come quickly among the nations.
May the Lord fill your home and heart with His light in this season of dedication and miracles,
Joshua Gooding Head of Prayer Department International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND THE NATIONS
1. PRAY FOR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE UNITED STATES
Pray for the Lord to daily affirm in the life of US President Donald Trump that he has been placed in power by God as a modern-day Cyrus for this hour. Ask the Lord to give him wisdom and clarity in every decision concerning Israel. Pray that his heart will remain aligned with God’s current plans for Israel and that he will resist any pressure that seeks to undermine US-Israel relations. “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 2:1-2)
2. PRAY FOR THE LORD’S UPROOTING AND NEW PLANTING IN GAZA
Ask God to break the hold of Hamas over Gaza and to uproot every extremist group that brings destruction. Pray that new leaders will spring up in Gaza who want to bring hope for their people and peace with Israel. “See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:10)
3. PRAY FOR THE HOSTAGES WHO ENCOUNTERED THE LORD DURING CAPTIVITY
Ask God to continue drawing their hearts to Him and to use their testimonies to stir the nation of Israel toward seeking the Lord wholeheartedly. Pray that these men and women will gain influence to inspire a new generation to arise, shine and turn fully to God. “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2)
4. PRAY For A STANDARD AGAINST THE RISING TIDE OF ANTISEMITISM ACROSS THE NATIONS
In many places new leaders are openly targeting Jewish communities and creating an atmosphere of fear. As hostility increases, so does the urgency for Aliyah. Pray that the Lord will be a shield and protection for the Jewish people even under oppressive leaders. Also pray for the financial resources, infrastructure, and open doors needed to support the large wave of Aliyah that will soon come. “For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land.” (Ezekiel 36:24)
PRAYER FOR THE ICEJ
5. PRAY FOR A PERMANENT HOME FOR THE ICEJ IN JERUSALEM
The Lord is stirring our hearts to move from renting to owning a dedicated building to serve as the ICEJ’s global headquarters. Pray for divine guidance, provision, and favour to acquire the right facility. Ask that the Lord will lead us to a place that can serve as a center for teaching, training, prayer and global outreach. “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10)
6. PRAY FOR THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES 2026
We are already exploring venue options for Feast 2026, and we ask for prayer that the Lord will grant us favour throughout this process. Pray that He will enable us to choose the right venues where the nations can present themselves before the Lord in Jerusalem next year. “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17)
Events & News
Be in the know – stay updated with our latest articles and events.
Prayer Guide
Dear Prayer Partners,
As we step into the month of December, or Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, we are reminded that this is the season of Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication. Beyond the familiar lights and stories, Hanukkah is one of the most prophetic moments in Scripture. It points back to one of the darkest chapters in Jewish history, and yet reveals how God forms a people who “know their God” and therefore “stand firm and take action” (Daniel 11:32 / NASB) It also is a season historically marked by miracles, a time when God shows Himself faithful in ways far beyond human strength.
In the days of the Seleucid Syrian ruler Antiochus IV, darkness fell suddenly on Israel. He sought to impose Hellenistic culture on the Jewish people and demand worship of the Greek pantheon of gods. What began as an ambition for regional dominance soon turned into targeted hostility toward the Jews. After suffering a military defeat in Egypt, Antiochus turned his frustration toward Israel. Jerusalem was in unrest, the people divided, and Antiochus seized control with brutal force. Innocents were slain, sacred practices like circumcision were banned, Scriptures burned, and obedience to God’s covenant was punished by death. The Temple was desecrated, and everything changed almost overnight.
Yet in that moment, Daniel’s prophecy just centuries earlier unfolded. Those who truly knew their God carried out great exploits. They resisted compromise, remained anchored in covenant truth, and shone like lights in a time of deep spiritual darkness. It was in that very darkness the miracle of Hanukkah happened, when a single cruse of pure oil, enough for only one day, burned for eight days in the Menorah. It was a sign that God Himself sustains His people when human capacity runs out. Hanukkah reminds us that God does not abandon His people in crisis; He multiplies what remains and causes His light to outlast the darkness.
This festival teaches us that the battle between light and darkness is both historic and prophetic. Jesus pointed to these passages in Daniel, urging His disciples to watch, stay alert, and stay faithful. Paul echoed this, warning of coming lawlessness that will again test the people of God. Yet Scripture does not leave us fearful, it promises that pressures refine a people who will shine like stars and turn many to righteousness.
Hanukkah is ultimately about rededication and of cleansing the temple, both the physical one long ago and the spiritual temple we are today. In this season of miracles, we too can expect God to move with unusual grace to sustain what seems lacking, to illuminate what feels hidden, and to strengthen what appears weak.
As we move through this month, let us draw near to the Lord with fresh dedication. Let us pray to truly know Him, to walk in intimacy with Yeshua, and to stand firmly in covenant truth. May the light of His presence push back every darkness around us, and may His people be strengthened for whatever shifts may come quickly among the nations.
May the Lord fill your home and heart with His light in this season of dedication and miracles,
Joshua Gooding
Head of Prayer Department
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND THE NATIONS
1. PRAY FOR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE UNITED STATES
Pray for the Lord to daily affirm in the life of US President Donald Trump that he has been placed in power by God as a modern-day Cyrus for this hour. Ask the Lord to give him wisdom and clarity in every decision concerning Israel. Pray that his heart will remain aligned with God’s current plans for Israel and that he will resist any pressure that seeks to undermine US-Israel relations. “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 2:1-2)
2. PRAY FOR THE LORD’S UPROOTING AND NEW PLANTING IN GAZA
Ask God to break the hold of Hamas over Gaza and to uproot every extremist group that brings destruction. Pray that new leaders will spring up in Gaza who want to bring hope for their people and peace with Israel. “See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:10)
3. PRAY FOR THE HOSTAGES WHO ENCOUNTERED THE LORD DURING CAPTIVITY
Ask God to continue drawing their hearts to Him and to use their testimonies to stir the nation of Israel toward seeking the Lord wholeheartedly. Pray that these men and women will gain influence to inspire a new generation to arise, shine and turn fully to God. “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2)
4. PRAY For A STANDARD AGAINST THE RISING TIDE OF ANTISEMITISM ACROSS THE NATIONS
In many places new leaders are openly targeting Jewish communities and creating an atmosphere of fear. As hostility increases, so does the urgency for Aliyah. Pray that the Lord will be a shield and protection for the Jewish people even under oppressive leaders. Also pray for the financial resources, infrastructure, and open doors needed to support the large wave of Aliyah that will soon come. “For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land.” (Ezekiel 36:24)
PRAYER FOR THE ICEJ
5. PRAY FOR A PERMANENT HOME FOR THE ICEJ IN JERUSALEM
The Lord is stirring our hearts to move from renting to owning a dedicated building to serve as the ICEJ’s global headquarters. Pray for divine guidance, provision, and favour to acquire the right facility. Ask that the Lord will lead us to a place that can serve as a center for teaching, training, prayer and global outreach. “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10)
6. PRAY FOR THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES 2026
We are already exploring venue options for Feast 2026, and we ask for prayer that the Lord will grant us favour throughout this process. Pray that He will enable us to choose the right venues where the nations can present themselves before the Lord in Jerusalem next year. “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17)
Events & News
Be in the know – stay updated with our latest articles and events.
Thursday Dec. 4th
8 AM ET
Featuring: Elliot Chodoff
Thursday Dec. 4th 2PM
ICEJ Canada is co-sponsor