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
Pray for Israel’s leaders, especially Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as they face considerable pressure from the US administration to agree to a cease-fire proposal. Pray that PM Netanyahu will keep his eyes upon the Lord and remain steadfast in his determination not to compromise Israel’s security in any way. Proclaim the blessing that King David spoke to his son Solomon, asking the Lord to give him wisdom and understanding.
Scripture
Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.
Prayer Focus
Pray for the citizens of Israel who have been facing the uncertainty of if, when and where Hezbollah (and Iran) will respond to the recent deaths of terrorist leaders. Pray that they will remain strong and resolute, trusting in God to protect and shield them from all harm.
Scripture
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Prayer Focus
Rejoice and give thanks for yet another piece of tangible, physical proof of the millennia-long Jewish existence in Jerusalem that archaeologists recently discovered. Recall those Scriptures that proclaim Jerusalem as the eternal city, the one where the Lord has chosen to dwell.
Scripture
For the LORD has chosen Zion [Jerusalem]; He has desired it for His dwelling place.
Prayer Focus
Continue to intercede for this incredibly complex situation, where agreement to Hamas’s terms will lead to an unacceptable lack of security for the residents of Israel’s southern communities. Cry out on behalf of those Israelis still held hostage in Gaza and for their loved ones, who are suffering along with them. Pray for the Lord to intervene as He did with the people of Amalek in the days of Samuel the prophet.
Scripture
Thus says the LORD of hosts: “I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt.”
Prayer Focus
In the midst of economic uncertainty, pray that Israeli citizens and her leader will look to the Lord for answers and not to the world’s assessment of the situation. Pray especially that the Lord will encourage those families who are struggling financially.
Scripture
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Action
An economic downgrade translates to added financial woes for the people of Israel, where many are already struggling to cover the cost of essentials like food staples and rent. The war has resulted in skyrocketing prices, plunging many more into poverty. We’ve seen the evidence in the additional calls we receive for help to make ends meet. We want to answer every call for assistance. Yet we can’t do it without your help. By donating to our Food Program today, you will take your place as the team of Christians from around the world helping to put food on empty tables, showing Israelis that they are truly not alone.
Prayer Focus
Give thanks for the pledge by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that the US will take every possible step to defend Israel and the visible proof of its intent to do so. Meanwhile, give thanks also that it is the Lord of Hosts who ultimately defends His people, although He may use earthly powers to accomplish it.
Scripture
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
The Palestinians’ Next Move Against Israel in the UN
by Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews
The United Nations building in Geneva
Monday, 12 August 2024 | The Palestinian Authority [PA] is gearing up to present a resolution at the United Nations urging countries worldwide to “distinguish their dealings with Israel from their actions in the occupied territories,” specifically referring to the West Bank [Judea and Samaria]. This proposal, set to be introduced during the first week of the 70th UN General Assembly, which starts on September 10, aims to put into practice the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem violate international law.
The Palestinian proposal will call for the cessation of trade relations with Israel in the West Bank and an embargo on the sale of weapons to Israeli security forces operating in these areas. Additionally, it will address the recognition of a Palestinian state and seek to ensure that the establishment of Israeli diplomatic buildings in these “occupied territories” does not equate to international recognition of Israeli sovereignty over them.
Palestinians will request that the UN ensure that Israel “acts in accordance with international law, including humanitarian law.” The PA also plans to ask Switzerland to convene the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to “determine collective actions to ensure its implementation.”
The proposal is expected to include a “timeline for ending the occupation” and models for a two-state solution. The PA is also considering adding a clause to establish a mechanism that would obligate Israel to pay compensation to Palestinians.
The assessment in Jerusalem is that the proposal will be brought to a vote between September 10 and September 24, with a higher likelihood that it will come in the second week of September. The proposal is expected to pass with a majority vote; however, in its initial stage, it will have limited significance or consequences against Israel.
Last month, the ICJ in The Hague published its advisory opinion on the legality of the Israeli occupation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The president of the International Court of Justice, Lebanese Judge Nawaf Salam, who has previously spoken extensively against Israel, read out the main points of the advisory opinion for about an hour and a half, stating that “the settlements are illegal and Israeli actions in the West Bank amount to annexation.”
Photo Credit: Ank gsx/Wikimedia.org
Photo License: Wikimedia
Prayer Focus
Cry out against the ungodly direction of the UN in its support of the recent ICJ ruling that declared Israel to be an occupying force in the Land of her inheritance. Pray for allies at the UN who will speak out against this resolution and for the strength of Israel’s leaders in the face of the world’s opposition.
Scripture
For thus says the LORD of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.”
Prayer Focus
Pray for mistrust and confusion to develop between Nasrallah and the Iranian regime’s leaders. Give thanks that since the beginning of time, God has determined to have a people and land through which He would reveal Himself to the world. His everlasting covenant with the Jewish people and the Land of Israel remains unshaken by the threats of their enemies.
Scripture
Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
Prayer Focus
Pray that the IDF soldiers serving in the Jordan Valley, part of Israel’s biblical heartland, will receive intelligence of the plans of the enemy and so be able to stop these terror attacks. Pray for protection of the Israelis who are living in Judea and Samaria. Ask the Lord to comfort the family of the young man who was killed in this recent shooting.
Scripture
The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
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