Friday, March 15, 2024

Prayer Focus
Pray that Hamas will continue in its failure to ignite violence in Judea and Samaria. Pray that the thousands of demonstrators Hamas is expecting in the streets will never materialize. Also ask the Lord for His favor to guide Israel’s security forces as they work to prevent violence from erupting during Ramadan.

Scripture

The way of the LORD is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

- Proverbs 10:29

Prayer Focus
Pray for great wisdom for Israel’s military leaders as they deal with the ever-increasing Hezbollah attacks in northern Israel. Pray for the safety of communities in the north and cry out to the Lord for internal strife among Palestinian leaders that will result in an end to the relationship between Hamas and Hezbollah.

Scripture

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity.

- Proverbs 2:6–7 ESV

Prayer Focus
Plead with the Lord for Israel’s children. Pray that they will not, in fact, become “a lost generation,” but that His intervention will bring healing and trust into their lives. Cry out to Him that He will use this incomprehensible tragedy to make this generation stronger, more grounded and more committed to Him and to Israel than any in the past. Pray for His presence to surround and comfort them during this very vulnerable time as they return to the scene of horror and begin the rebuilding of their lives.

Scripture

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

- Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

Prayer Focus
Thank God for Geert Wilders and his outspoken support for Israel during this time of tenuous backing from the nations. Pray that his bid to become Prime Minister of the Netherlands will be successful, that his government will be effective in dealing with anti-Semitism, and that it will serve as an example to other nations of the blessings to be found in standing with Israel.

Scripture

Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence—as fire burns brushwood, as fire causes water to boil—to make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence!

- Isaiah 64:1–2

Prayer Focus
Pray for Ofir Engel and his family as Ofir struggles with the physical and emotional trauma of his captivity and the loss of loved ones while in Gaza. Ask the Lord to bless him with deep healing, courage and confidence as he shares the horrors of his time as a hostage. Also pray that the Engel family’s message of hope will encourage other families who await the return of their loved ones.

Scripture

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

- Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord for the excellent work of Israeli security forces in thwarting major terror attacks in Jerusalem and for their ongoing efforts to prevent the expansion of the Gaza conflict to the Holy City. Pray for the Old City of Jerusalem where thousands of Muslim worshippers will gather during Ramadan, posing a much more significant potential threat of terror activity.

Scripture

In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save.”

- Zephaniah 3:16–17a

Prayer Focus
Pray that Iran’s ability to smuggle weapons and other military resources into Judea and Samaria will be prevented and their plans to perpetrate an escalation of hostilities during Ramadan will fail. Pray that Israel’s counterterrorism forces will be prepared for whatever scenario presents itself. Also cry out to the Lord for His protection and direction as these young soldiers are tasked with protecting Israel during this volatile season.

Scripture

Consider my enemies, for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. Keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all their troubles!

- Psalm 25:19–22

Prayer Focus
Pray for the reservists who are attempting to find “normalcy” in their lives while dealing with their specific type of trauma. Having witnessed horrific atrocities that they could not prevent, pray that their feelings of helplessness and disappointment will be replaced with renewed confidence. Pray for Sam Sank as he attempts to re-establish himself without guilt or regret, and ask the Lord to strengthen him as he advocates for Israel.

Scripture

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

- Isaiah 43:1–3a

Prayer Focus
Cry out to the Lord that more and more solid evidence of Hamas’s attempts to disseminate false figures for casualties in the war will be found and made known to the international community. Pray that the nations will recognize how disingenuous Hamas is and, at the same time, how remarkable and successful the efforts of the IDF are to prevent unnecessary loss of life while fighting an implacable enemy that protects itself with civilians.

Scripture

For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave…Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.

- Psalm 5:9a–10