Healing for Israel
The last hostage is home and laid to rest, and for the first time since 2014, there are no Israeli citizens held captive in Gaza. I have heard it said by former hostages, and even members of the Messianic Jewish community in Israel, that the nation would not truly begin to move forward from October 7th until all the hostages were home. That time has come.
But what does moving forward look like, after such trauma — personal trauma, trauma in families and communities, and trauma that has held a nation captive for over two years? Israel needs healing. For some, that process may come quickly. For others, perhaps most, the process will be long.
Today, let’s pray for healing. And let’s make it an ongoing part of our prayers for Israel and the Jewish people. Even the Jewish people who don’t live in Israel have been deeply impacted by the events of October 7. They need healing as well. Here are some ways we can pray:
- The healing of broken hearts and crushed spirits. That the Lord will help people begin to rebuild their lives, even if their former lives seem shattered beyond repair – Psalm 34:18
- Believers in Israel to receive healing from the God of all comfort and be sources of comfort for others who have also lost so much – 2 Corinthians 1: 3–5
- The many ministries and congregations that you help support through Jewish Voice Ministries. Many of them offer powerful help to hurting Israelis through biblical counseling, various forms of therapy, and creative arts ministry. They also help rebuild lives through tangible and financial resources, as well as support in navigating the practical realities of tragedy and transition – Philippians 1: 3–6
- The Lord to protect His people from further harm, and also from living in fear – Isaiah 41:10
- The Lord’s compassion to move mightily throughout Israel, bringing salvation and healing of every kind – Matthew 9:35–36
- All Israelis – the Jewish people and their neighbors – to come to know and trust in Jesus, Yeshua, who Himself suffered great pain and rejection, but also took our pain, suffering, rejection and sin upon Himself on the cross for our sakes – Isaiah 53: 3–4
Let’s Pray
Oh, God of all comfort, be with Your Jewish people in Israel —and their neighbors — as well as the Jewish people around the world. Even though terror and evil have come against Your people, You declare that You are the One who restores them to health and heals their wounds (Jeremiah 30:17). Reveal Yourself not only as Healer, Protector and Messiah, but as Savior as well. May You mend broken hearts, make lives new, and spring up true hope that is grounded in You. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
