The first Sunday of every October is the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem. The Bible calls us to pray for Israel, and in Psalm 122, it specifically talks about praying for Jerusalem.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem— “May those who love you be at peace!”
––Psalm 122:6
In Isaiah, we are urged to pray fervently and give God no rest in our prayers for Jerusalem.
On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set watchmen. All day and all night, they will never hold their peace. “You who remind Adonai, take no rest for yourselves, and give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
––Isaiah 62:6–7
Here are five ways to pray for Jerusalem’s peace, along with some Scriptures to inspire your prayers for peace in Jerusalem.
Peace at and within her borders
Israel is surrounded by several nations who deny her right to exist and want to destroy her. Israelis living near the Gaza border know that emergency sirens could sound at any moment, meaning a Hamas or Islamic Jihad rocket is coming their way. Within Israel’s borders, and in Jerusalem, there are Palestinian areas that are home to many people who wish harm to Israelis. Pray for peace both at and within Israel’s borders.
No more will violence be heard in your land, devastation nor destruction within your borders. But you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.
––Isaiah 60:18
He puts shalom within your borders. He satisfies you with the finest wheat.
––Psalm 147:14
Let the mountains bring shalom to the people, and the hills righteousness.
––Psalm 72:3
Peace in Homes
Our homes are our sanctuaries, our places of shelter from stresses of the noisy outside world. We all want peace in our homes – security and peaceful relationships where each family member can flourish in a safe, nurturing, restful environment. Pray for peace within Jerusalem’s homes.
All your children will be taught by Adonai. Your children will have great shalom.
––Isaiah 54:13
Thus you will say: ‘Long life! And shalom to you, shalom to your house and shalom to all that is yours.
––1 Samuel 25:6
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
––Psalm 4:8 NIV
May there be shalom within your walls— quietness within your palaces.
––Psalm 122:7
Peace on the Streets
For decades, Palestinian enemies of Israel have committed acts of violence – terrorism – on Israel’s streets. Random stabbings, car-rammings and other assaults among them. Pray for God’s protection and that He would grant peace on Israel’s streets.
… Adonai, You will establish shalom for us, for all our works You have done for us.
––Isaiah 26:12
The streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.
––Zechariah 8:5
[Of wisdom:] Her ways are pleasant ways, and all of her paths are shalom.
––Proverbs 3:17
… those promoting shalom have joy.
––Proverbs 12:20b
Peace in the Government
The Bible commands us to pray for those in authority over us so that we can live in peace. King Solomon knew the responsibility on his shoulders. When God invited him to ask whatever he wished of Him, Solomon requested wisdom. And God gave Israel peace in the land because of it throughout Solomon’s reign. Pray for wisdom and peace within Israel’s government.
Therefore, first of all I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people— for kings and all who are in authority—so we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and respectfulness. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.
––1 Timothy 2:1–3
…administer the judgment of truth and shalom in your gates.
––Zechariah 8:16
Adonai gave Solomon wisdom as He promised him, so there was shalom.
––1 Kings 5:26
Peace in Spirit – Knowing Yeshua (Jesus)
What good is momentary earthly peace if the end is suffering an eternity apart from God, where there is no peace. Jerusalem, Israel and Jewish people worldwide need Yeshua (Jesus). He is the only means God established to reconcile our sin-scarred relationship with Him. Pray for spiritual peace for Jewish people everywhere.
Indeed, I will bring it health and healing, and I will surely heal them. I will reveal to them an abundance of shalom and truth.
––Jeremiah 33:6
Therefore, having been made righteous by trusting, we have shalom with God through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.
––Romans 5:1
But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities. The chastisement for our shalom was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
––Isaiah 53:5
Shalom I leave you, My shalom I give to you; but not as the world gives! Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid.
––John 14:27
