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The Scars of Trauma

Friday, October 11, 2024

Every week, we post seven to ten news stories from Israel with a suggested prayer focus and scripture for each one, guiding readers how to pray for Israel’s most urgent needs. This Prayer Update is also sent to over 18,000 subscribers every Friday by e-mail. Sign up HERE if you would like to receive this Prayer Update by e-mail.

Prayer Focus
In the face of unimaginable pain and suffering on the part of the hostages and their loved ones, unjust accusations from world bodies like the ICC and the UN and outright lies on social media, Israelis have shown incredible resilience. Thank the Lord that you can stand in support of this people and nation who are demonstrating His faithfulness each and every day. Pray for continued unity and endurance in the Jewish community, both in Israel and around the world.

Scripture

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.


- Proverbs 17:17

Prayer Focus
Give thanks that it is the Lord who defends Israel and not the US or any world power. Pray that Israel’s leaders, both political and military, will continue to seek Him alone rather than put confidence anywhere else.

Scripture

And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians.”


- Exodus 14:25

Prayer Focus
As the people of Israel enter the second year of war, pray for those who mourn. Give thanks for the Amasalem family and all those who choose to serve and encourage others in memory of their fallen loved ones. Pray that, as a result of their example, all Israel will continue along the path Moses set out when he encouraged them to “choose life.”

Scripture

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.


- Deuteronomy 30:19

Prayer Focus
Pray that this Yom Kippur will truly be a special and sacred time of reflection and repentance as the people of Israel seek God's face. Ask for divine protection over their hearts and minds, shielding them from distractions and war, so they can focus on the presence of the Lord.

Scripture

“This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you…It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever.”


- Leviticus 16:29, 31

Prayer Focus
Pray for a “day after” solution that will safeguard the interests of Gazan civilians while also providing security for Israelis living along the Gazan border. Pray that any plans of Hamas to continue its terror regime will be exposed as the leaders of these two groups hold talks.

Scripture

But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?… God understands its way, and He knows its place…And to man He said, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.”


- Job 28:12, 23, 28

Prayer Focus
Pray that all plans to commit terror attacks will be discovered before they can be carried out. Pray for Israel’s security personnel, border police and all those who stand on the frontlines, protecting her civilians. Ask the Lord to comfort the family of Sgt. Shira Chaya Suslik who fell as she defended Israelis in Beersheva.

Scripture

These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.


- Proverbs 6:16–19

Prayer Focus
Pray that Israel will not yield to pressure from the international community with regard to a ceasefire but will finish removing the threat of Hezbollah’s rockets on her northern border. Pray that the Israeli families who have been displaced from their homes in northern communities will be able to return quickly and live without fear of terror attacks.

Scripture

“I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,” says the LORD your God.


- Amos 9:15

Prayer Focus
Give thanks for the clear-sighted letter of support for Israel written by retired US military commanders. Pray that their recognition of Iran’s threat to the world will be recognized by leaders in the West. Pray that the US government would return to a position of unwavering support for Israel as they fight on behalf of all those in democratic nations.

Scripture

Consider and hear me, O LORD my God; enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him” lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.


- Psalm 13:3–5

Prayer Focus
Pray that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant will have wisdom like that of King Solomon as they seek to determine the best course for the nation amid the shifting alliances between world powers. Pray for unity in the Security Cabinet which works with these three leaders to determine foreign and defense policy.

Scripture

And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt.


- 1 Kings 4:29–30

Prayer Focus
Cry out on behalf of all those Israelis who saw and experienced unthinkable barbarity on October 7, praying for healing of memories. Pray for the peace of God to surround them, comfort them and give them renewed hope. Pray for those in the mental health profession who are helping the survivors as well as the first responders to achieve full recovery.

Scripture

The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace.


- Psalm 29:11