The year 2026 begins with tremendous challenges for both the Church and Israel. Secularism is on the rise, biblical values are eroding, free speech is under attack, and antisemitism has reached dangerous levels. Harsh criticism of Israel and Jews is even emerging among conservative Christians.
Yet good things are happening, too! Israel’s victories against Hamas, Hizbullah and Iran means the Middle East is in a better place than two years ago. For the first time in decades, Lebanese Christians have hope. There also are signs of renewal in many Western churches. While traditional churches continue to decline in numbers, Evangelical churches have encouraging growth among the younger generations. The UK Bible Society even speaks of a “quiet revival” occurring across Britain. Further, many churches are developing a renewed awareness of Israel. The October 7 terror invasion and ensuing wave of antisemitic protests made it clear to many that being neutral towards Israel is no longer an option. The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk also has sparked a youth revival in America, with a strong emphasis on supporting Israel.
Clearly, we stand at a crossroads that calls for a decision not merely between good and evil, but between the old default and the path God has prepared for us. We need to ask ourselves where do we stand on God’s purposes? Where do we stand on the Gospel? Where do we stand on Israel? And what about our personal relationship with Christ? Do we still hear the voice of the Good Shepherd?
Historian Christopher Clark, in his book Sleepwalkers, describes how Europe in the early 1900s “sleepwalked” with open eyes into the catastrophe of World War One. I fear that many Christians today are sleepwalking into our current turbulent times. They attend church every Sunday, raise their hands at the right moments, and never fail to give an offering, yet many are drifting through these last days burdened with the cares of this world. To them, Paul’s warning to the Romans is still relevant today: “…you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep” (Romans 13:11 / ESV).
As we enter the new year, this is an appropriate moment to take stock of our lives—or as Paul continues in the same passage: “The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12 / ESV) Are we awake, or are we simply sleepwalking through the same religious routines as last year? As people of prayer, let us enter this year seeking the Lord for a fresh touch in our lives. Let us pray for revival, not only in our churches but in our own hearts. Let us repent of anything that separates us from God’s purposes and keeps us from fulfilling them.
As with every year, the ICEJ begins the new year with a season of prayer and fasting. Together, we want to draw nearer to God, discern the great opportunities He has prepared for us, and identify the areas where we need to amend our ways. We will pray for exciting new initiatives the Lord has placed upon our hearts and believe for another season of growth for the ICEJ family worldwide. Please join us in our daily Global Prayer Gatherings and, as a spiritual family, let us start the new year united together in prayer.
I look forward to praying with you.
Dr. Jürgen Bühler
President
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
MONTHLY PRAYER POINTS
PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND THE NATIONS
1. PRAY FOR THE HOSTAGES WHO ENCOUNTERED THE LORD DURING CAPTIVITY Let us continue to 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)
2. PRAY FOR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE UNITED STATES Pray that God would ensure US President Donald Trump and other leaders around the world will stand with Israel at this time. Ask the Lord to guide their heart to be faithful to the Lord and His purposes for Israel. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
3. PRAY FOR THE LORD TO SEND LABOURERS INTO GAZA Ask God to break the hold of Hamas over Gaza and to uproot every extremist group that brings destruction. Pray that God would send Christian workers in aid organizations to lead the people to encounter Jesus. “Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:38)
4. PRAY AGAINST THE RISING TIDE OF ANTISEMITISM ACROSS THE NATIONS In December, during a time of celebration for the Jewish community in Bondi Beach, Australia, tragedy struck. Gunmen opened fire as the community gathered to light the Hanukkiah on the beachfront, leaving 15 people dead and 41 injured. The enemy seeks to sow fear and intimidation. Please pray that the Lord would protect Jewish communities around the world and give them a sense of His peace. Also pray that God would draw the Jewish people back home to Israel. “For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land…” (Jeremiah 24:6a)
PRAYER FOR THE ICEJ
5. PRAY FOR A PERMANENT HOME FOR THE ICEJ IN JERUSALEM The Lord is prompting us to transition from leasing to securing a permanent building to serve as the ICEJ’s global headquarters. Pray for His wisdom, provision, and favour in identifying and acquiring the right property. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
6. PRAY FOR THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES 2026 We are reviewing venue options for Feast 2026. As we seek the Lord’s direction, please pray that He would guide us to select the ideal locations where pilgrims from the nations can gather to present themselves before the Lord in Jerusalem next Sukkot. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Prayer Guide
Dear Prayer Partners,
The year 2026 begins with tremendous challenges for both the Church and Israel. Secularism is on the rise, biblical values are eroding, free speech is under attack, and antisemitism has reached dangerous levels. Harsh criticism of Israel and Jews is even emerging among conservative Christians.
Yet good things are happening, too! Israel’s victories against Hamas, Hizbullah and Iran means the Middle East is in a better place than two years ago. For the first time in decades, Lebanese Christians have hope. There also are signs of renewal in many Western churches. While traditional churches continue to decline in numbers, Evangelical churches have encouraging growth among the younger generations. The UK Bible Society even speaks of a “quiet revival” occurring across Britain. Further, many churches are developing a renewed awareness of Israel. The October 7 terror invasion and ensuing wave of antisemitic protests made it clear to many that being neutral towards Israel is no longer an option. The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk also has sparked a youth revival in America, with a strong emphasis on supporting Israel.
Clearly, we stand at a crossroads that calls for a decision not merely between good and evil, but between the old default and the path God has prepared for us. We need to ask ourselves where do we stand on God’s purposes? Where do we stand on the Gospel? Where do we stand on Israel? And what about our personal relationship with Christ? Do we still hear the voice of the Good Shepherd?
Historian Christopher Clark, in his book Sleepwalkers, describes how Europe in the early 1900s “sleepwalked” with open eyes into the catastrophe of World War One. I fear that many Christians today are sleepwalking into our current turbulent times. They attend church every Sunday, raise their hands at the right moments, and never fail to give an offering, yet many are drifting through these last days burdened with the cares of this world. To them, Paul’s warning to the Romans is still relevant today: “…you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep” (Romans 13:11 / ESV).
As we enter the new year, this is an appropriate moment to take stock of our lives—or as Paul continues in the same passage: “The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12 / ESV) Are we awake, or are we simply sleepwalking through the same religious routines as last year? As people of prayer, let us enter this year seeking the Lord for a fresh touch in our lives. Let us pray for revival, not only in our churches but in our own hearts. Let us repent of anything that separates us from God’s purposes and keeps us from fulfilling them.
As with every year, the ICEJ begins the new year with a season of prayer and fasting. Together, we want to draw nearer to God, discern the great opportunities He has prepared for us, and identify the areas where we need to amend our ways. We will pray for exciting new initiatives the Lord has placed upon our hearts and believe for another season of growth for the ICEJ family worldwide. Please join us in our daily Global Prayer Gatherings and, as a spiritual family, let us start the new year united together in prayer.
I look forward to praying with you.
Dr. Jürgen Bühler
President
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
MONTHLY PRAYER POINTS
PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND THE NATIONS
1. PRAY FOR THE HOSTAGES WHO ENCOUNTERED THE LORD DURING CAPTIVITY
Let us continue to 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)
2. PRAY FOR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE UNITED STATES
Pray that God would ensure US President Donald Trump and other leaders around the world will stand with Israel at this time. Ask the Lord to guide their heart to be faithful to the Lord and His purposes for Israel. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
3. PRAY FOR THE LORD TO SEND LABOURERS INTO GAZA
Ask God to break the hold of Hamas over Gaza and to uproot every extremist group that brings destruction. Pray that God would send Christian workers in aid organizations to lead the people to encounter Jesus. “Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:38)
4. PRAY AGAINST THE RISING TIDE OF ANTISEMITISM ACROSS THE NATIONS
In December, during a time of celebration for the Jewish community in Bondi Beach, Australia, tragedy struck. Gunmen opened fire as the community gathered to light the Hanukkiah on the beachfront, leaving 15 people dead and 41 injured. The enemy seeks to sow fear and intimidation. Please pray that the Lord would protect Jewish communities around the world and give them a sense of His peace. Also pray that God would draw the Jewish people back home to Israel. “For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land…” (Jeremiah 24:6a)
PRAYER FOR THE ICEJ
5. PRAY FOR A PERMANENT HOME FOR THE ICEJ IN JERUSALEM
The Lord is prompting us to transition from leasing to securing a permanent building to serve as the ICEJ’s global headquarters. Pray for His wisdom, provision, and favour in identifying and acquiring the right property. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
6. PRAY FOR THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES 2026
We are reviewing venue options for Feast 2026. As we seek the Lord’s direction, please pray that He would guide us to select the ideal locations where pilgrims from the nations can gather to present themselves before the Lord in Jerusalem next Sukkot. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Events & News
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JERUSALEM
February 2nd – 6th 2026