Friday, June 14, 2024

Prayer Focus
Ask the Lord to give wisdom to Israel so that they do not agree to something that will not be honored and upheld by an entity whose ultimate goal is to remove the Jewish presence from “the river to the sea.” Pray that the world leaders, who are trying to pressure Israel, will see the duplicity of Hamas, a terrorist organization that cannot be trusted.

Scripture

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is destruction; their throat is an open tomb; they flatter with their tongue. Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.

- Psalm 5:9–10

Prayer Focus
Intercede for Israel’s government as her leaders have different views on how to achieve a victory over Hamas. Pray that this most recent change in the government will not embolden Israel’s enemies. Pray that Israel’s leaders will instead look to the Lord and cry out to Him for the solution, just as King Hezekiah did when he was faced with an impossible situation.

Scripture

And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD…Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God… Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the LORD, You alone.

- Isaiah 37: 14, 17, 20

Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord for each woman who carries the name “Ruth” or “Naomi,” whether they came from the Diaspora (Jewish population outside of Israel) or were born in the Land. Thank Him for the rich heritage of the first Ruth, a Moabite woman, which has come down through the generations and for beauty of her devotion to Naomi. Pray that we, too, will love God’s people with that same intensity.

Scripture

But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.”

- Ruth 1:16–17

Prayer Focus
While we rejoice with the families of the four hostages who were released, we remember those who remain captive in Gaza. Beseech the Lord on their behalf, asking Him to be very near to those who have been held in unimaginable conditions for eight months. Pray for their loved ones who are suffering along with them.

Scripture

As one whom his mother comforts, so I [the LORD] will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

- Isaiah 66:13

Prayer Focus
Pray for Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, head of the IDF’s northern command and all those serving under him, asking the Lord to strengthen and equip them. Pray that they will have accurate intelligence as to the enemy’s plans and for confusion among the leaders of Hezbollah. Pray that Israelis who have been forced from communities along the northern border will soon be able to return to their homes.

Scripture

It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places. He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

- Psalm 18:32–34

Prayer Focus
As the voices of world leaders rise in condemnation of Israel, pray that hearts in this country would look to the Lord to be a shield and defense. Proclaim these powerful words: “But God” as an encouragement to the nation and people through whom God has chosen to reveal Himself to the world.

Scripture

LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah

But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.

- Psalm 3:1–3

Prayer Focus
Pray that the media would not be so quick to believe the inflated and inaccurate claims put out by Hamas. Pray that the men and women who represent Israel to the press would be strengthened and encouraged to stand firm in the face of constant media bias and accusations against Israel.

Scripture

Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

- Psalm 40:4

Prayer Focus
Give thanks for the sovereignty of the Lord, who has called the city of Jerusalem “My city,” and has chosen to allow foreigners to participate in its welfare. Rejoice as we consider His hand at work through the actions of Cyrus, king of Persia thousands of years ago and more recently through the British monarchy.

Scripture

“I have raised him [Cyrus, King of Persia] up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways; he shall build My city and let My exiles go free, not for price nor reward,” says the LORD of hosts.

- Isaiah 45:13