Praying for Israel seems to be either wholly on or completely off the radar of Believers. Here are five reasons we should be praying for Israel and Jerusalem, especially this October 6.
1. It’s “The Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem” (DPPJ)
The purpose of the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem (DPPJ) is to draw Believers together to focus on supporting and praying for peace in the Land of God’s Chosen People. According to the organization’s website, their call is for “sustained, fervent, informed global intercession for the plans and purposes of God for Jerusalem and all her people.”
This unifying event is observed the first Sunday of every October near the season of Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Local congregations can participate by focusing their worship services around the theme and hosting prayer events. There are also larger gatherings in various regions of the U.S., in Washington, D.C. and Jerusalem that individuals can attend. Personal prayer of individuals is vital as well.
Why else should we pray for Jerusalem?
2. God tells us to
The most compelling reason to pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem is that God tells us to. Psalm 122:6 instructs, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem – ‘May those who love you be at peace!’”
It’s as simple as that.
3. The Nation of Israel remains God’s Chosen People
In Genesis 12:3, God makes a powerful statement revealing His favor toward Israel. He told Abraham, “My desire is to bless those who bless you, but whoever curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” He reaffirmed through Moses that Israel was destined to be His people when He said He would bring His people out of Egypt (Exodus 6:7). God does not break His promises, and nothing in the New Covenant indicates that He has cast Israel aside. Yeshua (Jesus) said He was sent to the lost house of Israel (Matthew 15:24). Romans 1:16 teaches that the Gospel is for “the Jew first.” If God continues to make the Jewish people a priority, we should too.
4. The Land of Israel belongs to God for His people and purposes
Throughout Scripture, God has made statements about the Land of Israel that He has not revoked. He declares Israel His Land (Leviticus 25:23), Land that He has given to the Nation of His people (Genesis 15:18). Though at various times God chastised them by moving them out of the Land, He always promised to bring them back (Amos 9:14–15, Zechariah 8:7–8, Jeremiah 31:7–9). In 1948, He – just as He said – gathered Jewish people from the four corners of the globe back to Israel with the overnight rebirth of Israel as a nation-state (Isaiah 43:5–6, 66:8, Ezekiel 36:24–26).
Israel and, specifically, Jerusalem, remain a central element in Last Days’ events. The Temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem (Revelation 11:1), and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem will recognize Yeshua as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10). The final battle against Israel will take place in Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2–3), and Yeshua will return to Earth there (Zechariah 14:4). When God makes all things new, He will bring down from Heaven the New Jerusalem from which Yeshua will rule and reign (Revelation 21:2–3).
Israel occupies a special place in God’s Kingdom. It behooves us to support His people in the Land and pray about all that concerns them.
5. In today’s age, it’s even more appropriate to pray for Israel and the Jewish people
Historically, the Church has been responsible for much persecution against Jewish people. Today’s Church cannot undo or make up for past crimes – done in the Messiah’s name though not in His Spirit. But this shameful history makes it even more appropriate for the universal body of Believers to pray for Israel and her people.
If you’d like some specific ways to pray for Israel on the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem – and all year – we have some resources for you.
For specific prayer points to help guide you through your Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, see 10 Ways to Pray for Israel Today.
For more ways to pray for Israel, visit our website where you’ll find helpful resources for praying the Scriptures for Israel and Jewish people everywhere.
For more information about how you can join in prayer and encourage your congregation to participate, visit www.daytopray.com.
