Today, tensions between Iran and Israel are notably high. Recent events include Iran's Revolutionary Guard seizing a ship linked to Israel near the Strait of Hormuz and the firing of missiles and drones towards Israel, which Iran says is a retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Syria earlier in the month. These actions have raised fears of a wider regional conflict, as both nations have escalated their military postures (Al Jazeera).
Israel is currently on high alert today, April 13th, expecting further attacks, possibly in retaliation for its activities in Syria and ongoing operations in Gaza (JPost). The situation remains fluid and could potentially escalate further, depending on the responses from both sides and international diplomatic interventions.
Previously, on October 7, 2023, Israel was attacked by the Palestinian Sunni-Islamic militant group known as Hamas. It was a surprise attack that resulted in the death of hundreds of people. There have also been over a thousand people injured in these attacks.
At the present time, the United States has pledged to send help to Israel to assist them in their time of need.
Even though there is not much we can do as individuals to help in these efforts, we can still pray on behalf of Israel. Israel is in need of your support, and here are five prayers you can pray for them.
Prayer for Israel
"Heavenly Father, we earnestly pray for Israel and the surrounding nations, imploring for peace and understanding among them. We ask that these nations and the various groups within them might experience Your profound mercy and love. May this divine encounter inspire them to abandon paths of conflict and turn towards You, fostering reconciliation and unity to prevent devastation. We pray for a transformation that leads to lasting peace in the region, guided by Your wisdom and compassion. May these efforts mend divisions and build a future where harmony prevails over discord."
A Prayer for Healing Israel
A prayer for healing is one of the many prayers you can pray for Israel in their time of need. The high death toll and injuries warrant the need for prayers on behalf of the Israeli people.
Civilians were harmed in these attacks, which means everyday men, women, children, and elderly people were killed and injured in these attacks.
A prayer for healing will help bring comfort into the hearts of the people who were injured as well as those who lost family members in this tragedy. Even though we might be physically far away from Israel, our hearts go out to them.
Israel has been a hot spot for many targeted attacks over the decades; however, this was the first major attack in many years. The entire country of Israel is in need of prayers because it will now be a time of unrest and uncertainty.
"Dear Lord, please bring healing to Israel. Israel is your chosen nation and the country that is close to your heart. They have suffered much pain and hurt these past few days. Please bring peace, security, and healing into their hearts. Not only provide them with this but also provide them swift recoveries from their injuries and give comfort to the hearts of the individuals who lost their loved ones in this catastrophe. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen."
A Prayer for Israel's Restoration
A second prayer for Israel is a prayer for restoration. The attacks brought out against Israel left many buildings destroyed and in rubble. Not to mention that the people of Israel will need restoration to come back into their souls.
They are feeling lost, scared, and concerned about their future. As the family of believers, we do not need to overlook the need Israel has for restoration to their country. They will need physical restoration as well as emotional restoration and spiritual restoration.
Restoration will not happen overnight; however, prayers are helpful to start the process.
"Dear Jesus, please provide restoration to the people of Israel and their nation. Please help them rebuild their cities and bring healing into their hearts. This is a difficult time for the Israeli people, and they need their restoration to come from you. We know you love Israel, Lord. Please give them the restoration they need physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."
A Prayer for Justice
A third prayer for Israel is a prayer for justice. The attacks from Hamas were unexpected to the nation of Israel. They were not expecting to be attacked on this day.
Since the attack was so unexpected, it has caused many more problems for Israel because they were not prepared for these attacks.
With these attacks being brought upon Israel, much injustice has entered their nation. God desires justice for His nation and for them to be brought back to their glory. Amos 5:24 tells us, “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-falling stream!”
As this passage from Amos tells us, God desires justice to roll on like a river and never end. This is important to remember not only for this present tragedy but also for all the unfortunate things that happen across the earth. None of these things are God’s fault, nor are they by His doing.
He desires mercy and justice — not evil and injustice. Bad things happen in the world because of sin. Due to sin, mankind is capable of horrible things, including wars, murders, and inflicting lasting pain on others.
"Dear God, please bring justice to Israel. They have been afflicted with much injustice, and they need your help. Please bring your mighty hand upon their nation and lift them up. You can do all things, and we know nothing is too hard for you. The damage done to Israel and its people may endure, but you can provide justice to them. Thank you, Lord, for always hearing the cry of your people. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."
A Prayer for Peace in Israel
A prayer for peace is a fourth prayer for Israel. Peace is something that feels foreign to Israel right now. Explosions, loud sirens, and death are what they are experiencing. Peace is the last thing they are facing at the present time.
They need peace, and they need it quickly. Even though Israel’s army and government are bringing relief, the lasting damage done to Israel’s heart will remain with them.
Similar to the tragedy of 9/11 with the World Trade Center, Israel’s heart will continue to need peace even years after the attack, just as the families of those injured and killed in 9/11 still need the Lord’s peace.
Peace is given to us by the Lord, and He gives it to us freely (John 14:27). The peace that Jesus gives us is everlasting and never ends. Israel needs this peace now, and we can pray for them to have the peace that only Jesus provides.
"Dear Jesus, please bring peace to the people of Israel. You have the peace that surpasses all understanding. Please give this peace to Israel and bring hope into Israel’s heart. They are facing a time of fear, uneasiness, and worry. Please surround them with your hope, peace, and love. Thank you, Lord, for always being there for all of us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."
A Prayer for Bravery
A fifth prayer for Israel is a prayer for bravery. Bravery is something that Israel will need during this time as well as in the future. It is extremely frightening for the people of Israel to even leave their homes. Not only this, but also many people have lost their loved ones in this attack.
If you have lost a loved one, you know how much it hurts and causes lasting pain in your heart. It can feel as though you have to be brave just to face your everyday tasks. Bravery does not mean you are not afraid, but rather, it means you are scared and choose to do it anyway.
Israel will have to be brave after what they have faced this past weekend. More attacks in the future might happen and cause more pain. Israel will need to have bravery as they rebuild their nation. It will take time, energy, and effort, but God will help them in their process.
"Dear Lord, please help Israel to be brave. It is a scary time for the nation of Israel, and they need your help to be brave. We know you can do all things and provide bravery to fill their bones. Thank you for being with Israel, and please give them the bravery to face the days ahead. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen."
Scriptures About Israel's Importance
The Bible holds many Scriptures passages that highlight Israel's pivotal role in theological, historical, and prophetic contexts. From its beginnings with the kings to prophecies about its future, the scriptures provide a rich picture of the nation's significance. Here are five passages that show us various aspects of Israel's journey and its role in God’s plan:
Genesis 12:1-3 - "The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.""
In this foundational passage, God calls Abram to leave his home and go to a land that He would show him. God promises to make Abram a great nation, bless him, and make his name great, so that he will be a blessing. The nations that bless him will be blessed, and those who curse him will be cursed.
Exodus 19:5-6 - "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
Here, at Mount Sinai, God outlines the covenant with the Israelites. He tells them that if they fully obey Him and keep His covenant, they will be His treasured possession among all nations, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.
Isaiah 43:1 - " "But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
This verse is a profound expression of God's promise to redeem and protect Israel. God declares, "I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." It's a reassurance of His ongoing commitment and care for Israel.
Jeremiah 31:10-12 - "“Hear the word of the LORD, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’ For the LORD will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD— the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more."
God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah about the future gathering of Israel from the north and all the countries where He had banished them. He promises joy, abundance, and the flourishing of the soul like a watered garden.
Ezekiel 37:21-22 - "and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms."
Part of Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones, which symbolizes the restoration of Israel, this passage promises the unification of all Israelites under one king, in their own land, no longer divided into two kingdoms.
These scriptures not only recount God’s promises and interactions with Israel but also highlight its enduring importance in Christianity.
For further reading:
6 Ways to Prayer for Peace in Jerusalem and Israel
What Is the Importance of Israel?
What Is Biblical Prophecy about Israel?
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