Praying for Israel part 2

Many people want to obey the admonition in Ps. 122 to pray for the peace of Jerusalem but don’t know how to go about it.  Or they get bored just repeating the phrase “Lord, bring peace to Jerusalem and Israel.” 

            So one suggestion is to learn as much as you can about what is going on in Israel and pray under the direction of Holy Spirit about those current conditions and issues.  As you are looking for information about what is happening in Israel, don’t rely solely on the major media outlets.  There are many ministries working inside Israel and reading their newsletters and blogs is an excellent source of what is really happening there.  David Dolan is a reporter and a believer who has lived in Israel for 30 years.  He has written several books including Holy War for the Promised Land.  His newsletter (available at http://www.ddolan.com/subscribe.asp)is filled with first hand insight and analysis and serve as an excellent source for prayer.  The one newsletter I always read completely is from Dan Juster at Tikkun Ministries.  You can get that newsletter at webmaster@tikkunministries.org.

      Don’t limit your exposure to just Christian ministries.  Arutz 7 gives another perspective from the orthodox Jewish viewpoint (though you may not agree with everything they say). 

            Another way to add a dimension to your prayers is to pray things seen in Israeli culture.  Consider the flag of Israel.  It was designed after the prayer shawl the men wear when they pray.  What impact would it have on Israel if its leaders and citizens began acting and living under a mantle of prayer?  The formal emblem of Israel is a seven branched candlestick with two olive branches on either side.  Where did that come from?  Look at Zech 4.  What does that mean?  It is a prophetic declaration to Israel that she is not to rely only on her military might or intellectual capabilities (both of which are awe inspiring), but Israel is to look to God for guidance, protection and wisdom. 

            Using scripture to pray prophetically over Israel will deepen your prayers like nothing else.  There is a great sense of satisfaction and fulfillment when you begin to obey the command to pray for Israel’s peace.  Remember to pray that Israel and her citizens will look up and embrace the Prince of Peace.  True peace will only come when they say “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.”