Sorrow and Hope

Friday, April 5, 2024

Every week, we post seven to ten news stories from Israel with a suggested prayer focus and scripture for each one, guiding readers how to pray for Israel’s most urgent needs. This Prayer Update is also sent to over 18,000 subscribers every Friday by e-mail. Sign up HERE if you would like to receive this Prayer Update by e-mail.

Prayer Focus
Pray for the loved ones of the WCK workers as they deal with this tragic loss. Pray that the Lord will bring them comfort, peace and strength in light of the publicity and uncertainty surrounding their deaths. Cry out to the Lord that messages like this one from Col. Richard Kemp will come to the attention of the nations, causing them to recognize the hypocrisy in the reactions of world leaders and to understand that such tragedies—though deeply regrettable—are inescapable in war. Pray that they will place the blame squarely on Hamas, who forced Israel into a war Israelis have been trying to avoid for decades.

Scripture

Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man! For You are the God of my strength.


- Psalm 43:1–2a

Prayer Focus
Beseech the Lord that this outrageous request be categorically denied by the UNSC. Cry out to Him that the United States will be true to their promises of stalwart friendship and support for Israel, as will other nations who claim to be “friends” of the Jewish state, and will veto any such bid.

Scripture

You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth.


- Deuteronomy 23:23 ESV

Prayer Focus
Pray that Iran’s threats will prove to be nothing more than saber rattling as they have done often in the past. But also cry out for Israel’s readiness to deal with whatever might be on the horizon, even a confrontation with Iran.

Scripture

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD.


- Proverbs 21:31

Prayer Focus
Praise God for the amazing willingness of Jews around the world to leave the comfort and familiarity of their homes and professions and move to Israel during a time of war. Pray that Israeli bureaucracy will not impede a seamless transition professionally and in everyday life for each one who heeds God’s call to return to their ancient homeland.

Scripture

“For behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “that I will bring back from captivity My people Israel and Judah,” says the LORD. “And I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.”


- Jeremiah 30:3

Prayer Focus
Pray for healing and restoration for each of the four police officers injured in this attack. Pray they will know the presence of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and will trust Him as they return to duty. Also beseech the Lord again for an end to this type of lone-wolf violence.

Scripture

Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.


- Isaiah 60:18

Prayer Focus
Thank God that no one was injured or killed in these UAV attacks. Pray for ongoing protection for Israel’s airspace, that these aerial intruders will fail to inflict any harm to people or property, and for Israel’s ongoing quick responses to destroy them before they enter Israeli territory.

Scripture

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.


- Psalm 91:7

Prayer Focus
Pray for a mighty move of God that will infuse this volatile situation with common sense and a recognition of the truth. Ask the Lord to enlighten world leaders of the dangers of their arrogant insistence on Israel’s capitulation and the rebuilding of Gaza as an “advance post against world Zionism” under Hamas control.

Scripture

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.”


- Malachi 4:1 ESV