Israel: 4 Ways to Pray

On October 7, the world watched in horror as atrocities were unleashed in a surprise attack by terrorists on southern Israel. Now approaching its third week, the crisis continues to intensify.

The highest calling of a believer in times of crisis is to pray. Second Corinthians 10:4 reminds us, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” To assist you in prayer, we’ve provided the following prayer points.

Pray for hostages to be safely returned.

The world was shocked to see the heinous actions of terrorists as they infiltrated communities, murdering the infants, children, and the elderly with brutality while carrying many of the same into captivity to be held as hostages.

There are currently 224 individuals being held hostage by Hamas. The names, ages, and photos of many of them may be found here.

Let’s pray for their safe return to be reunited with their families and friends. Let’s also pray for the families of those being held, that God’s Spirit will comfort them and calm their fears.

Pray for protection of believers and civilians throughout the region.

AG World Missions reports that personnel throughout the region remain safe. Let’s support pastors, Christian workers, and all Christ followers in the region with prayer during these intense times of crisis. May they find strength in the Holy Spirit and know that the constant prayers of their brothers and sisters are supporting them.

Join us in prayer for civilians throughout Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and the surrounding region who suddenly find themselves in the crosshairs of conflict. May God’s hand of protection be on them.

Pray against the rise of antisemitism.

The rise of antisemitism throughout the world in recent years has been undeniable. This has intensified during the current crisis.

Tricia Miller, a member of the AG National Jewish Fellowship, writes, “In the first week alone, antisemitic acts increased exponentially in Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia, and the US. Incidents included calls to ‘gas the Jews,’ the vandalization and removal of posters showing Israelis held hostage in Gaza, and the painting of stars of David on Jewish homes . . . Jewish students on college campuses have been targeted, harassed, and assaulted.”

The recent (2022) AG Statement Against Antisemitism states, “As in times past, the General Council of the Assemblies of God senses an urgency to show unequivocal support of the Jewish people by repudiating every source, vehicle, or channel of antisemitism, and making clear to all people our stand against antisemitism, and all forms of racism against any ethnic group.”

Join us in praying against the scourge of antisemitism and hatred of the Jewish people wherever it may rise.

Pray that the hope of the gospel will shine in the midst of sorrow.

Join us in believing that the Holy Spirit will draw many throughout the world to Christ during the current crisis. May those who grieve find comfort in Him (Matthew 5:4). May those who are weary find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-29). May those committed to violence be radically changed by Him (Acts 9:13-15).

Photo by Shai Pal on Unsplash

AG News