Jerusalem, Israel
JANUARY 2016 PRAYER
UPDATE
Israel and the Nations
Prayer Focus:
Pray that the Lord God Almighty, who
was, and is, and is to come, will provide effective strategies to those who
will listen to what He has to say in 2016. Pray that Western nations will heed
the advice of people who have Godly wisdom and see ways of stopping the
advancement of evil plans in the Middle East.
TERRORISM:
An increase
in terrorism was a major source of global anxiety in 2015, and is expected to
be a priority focus of reporting by media organizations in 2016. This is one of
the biggest concerns for a majority of Israeli citizens, as indicated in recent
polls.
At least 1
in 5 Israelis know someone who has been in a recent terrorist attack. Hundreds
of citizens suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In December, media reports indicated that
there had been more than 100 days marked since the beginning of the current
Intifada (Palestinian Uprising). The
terrorism has not let up!
The Israeli
government believed that Israel’s “shoot to kill” strategy (including
encouraging the use of guns by civilians) would strength Israel’s deterrence.
It has not worked. Some doctors treating Israeli victims of stabbing attacks
claim they are seeing a pattern, and wondering if there is not some organized
terror cells involved in what has been believed, so far, to be mainly “lone”
terror attacks.
Pray that the Lord will guide the
Israeli Police and the IDF to find new and better ways of clamping down on the
current wave of terror. Ask the Lord to intervene and bring safety and peace to
the land. Pray that Israel’s enemies will be continually thwarted by God from
being able to attack His Chosen People. Proclaim that stories of daily miracles
will come forth in Jesus’ name that are a witness and testimony to the Lord’s
faithfulness in protecting Israeli citizens and residents, especially those
living in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Hebron, and the settlement blocks in the West
Bank (Judea and Samaria).
CRAFTED PRAYER:
We ask you Father to take all fear
away from Your people. Heal them of PTSD and any other kind of sickness that
has resulted from these terror attacks. Provide comfort for hurting families
who have lost loved ones. Provide healing for those who are still suffering
from stab and gunshot wounds because of these acts of terror. Give wisdom to
doctors and nurses. Set your people free!
Your word says in Isaiah 41:10, “Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am Your
God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious
right hand.” We stand on that promise
to the Israeli people. If You are for
Israel, Lord, then who can be against her (as stated in Romans 8:31)?
Bring deliverance to Israel today as in the day of Moses. In Exodus 14:13,
Moses answered his people by declaring: “Do
not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring
you today...” We proclaim that
promise, and also declare, according to Psalm 128:5-6: “The Lord bless you from Zion, And, may you
see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Indeed,
may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!”
WAR
“WATCH” IN THE NORTH:
Israel’s
defense forces are on the highest of alerts in the north of the country. There
are two vulnerable areas along Israel’s border with Syria that has caused the
IDF to fortify positions. One is a point where numerous radical Islamic groups
are fighting for dominance, including those associated with Islamic State and
Al-Qaeda.
The other
point is where Russia is conducting air strikes, along with Bashar Assad’s
Syrian army, against rebel groups on the Golan Heights. Once the area is
“cleansed” by Russia, the vacuum could be filled by Hezbollah and Iranian
forces. Hezbollah leader Sheikh Nasrallah
has threatened Israel, twice, that he will retaliate for the murder of Lebanese
arch terrorist Samir Kuntar, killed in a missile strike in Syria last month.
Reports in the foreign press indicate that Israel was responsible for that
strike.
The recent threats
to Israel’s security has caused the IDF to be on closer “watch” in order to
prevent terror attacks such as bomb-laden vehicles coming into Israel; or
cross-border infiltration by terrorists; or the launching of rockets from
Lebanon or Syria.
Meanwhile,
ISIS has admitted that it fears Israeli military power and thinks Israel’s
defense forces are too strong for it. But, at the same time, the militant group
threatens to attack Israel. The group’s recent video sought to discourage Jews
by stating that those who have gathered in Israel (a veiled reference to
Aliyah), will be murdered and die in “Palestine”.
At least 17%
of Israeli Arabs support ISIS. The IDF continues to disrupt terror cells in the
West Bank and Jerusalem that have been influenced by the radical group.
CRAFTED PRAYER:
Father we ask for safe borders for Israel, especially in the north. We
declare that the battle belongs to the Lord. In 1 Samuel 17:47, we read
that all those who were gathered knew that it was not by sword or spear that
the Lord saves; for the battle is Yours, and You will give Israel’s enemies
into Israel’s hands. We trust in Your faithfulness. In Hosea 1:7 it says
that You will show Your love to Judah, and will save them; not by bow, sword or
war, or horses and horsemen, but You the Lord their God will save them! We declare
this over your land in Jesus name! We stand on Your word in Deuteronomy 20:1
and Deuteronomy 31:6 that Your mighty power is over Israel, knowing that
even in the heat of conflict, when the forces seem so great to Israeli
soldiers, they will have the assurance that You are watching over them; and
they are secure in Your loving arms. We intercede that the citizens of Your
land will stand courageous, protecting their home front, knowing that You go
with them, and will never leave them or
forsake them. They will no longer be terrified by the terror attacks, in Jesus
name! And, we thank You, God, that You have watchmen looking out on Israel’s
borders, according to Isaiah 21:6-8, who will not vacate their positions,
but will stand continually by day in the watchtowers, while stationed every
night at their guard posts.
SHAKE-UP
IN THE IDF:
While Israel
has recently shored up its anti-missile defense system, providing layers of
protection to the Israeli home front, the man in charge of the Missile Defense
Organization, Yair Ramati, was fired this week when it was discovered that he
had classified information on his personal laptop. This has shaken up the
security community in Israel. No replacement has been announced.
We ask you Lord to raise up a leader
over all missile defense operations in Israel who will walk in integrity,
loyalty, and discretion. We pray for a smooth transition of power, and no
vulnerabilities caused in Israel’s layer of defense because of this breach of
trust, in Yeshua’s name!
RUSSIA’S
INFLUENCE:
Israelis do
not understand the negative role that Russia is playing in the Middle East,
which is to help expand Iran’s Shiite Crescent over the region. So far, this
quest for control extends from Afghanistan, to Iran, to Iraq, Syria, and
Lebanon. Eventually the Shiite’s want to take control of Jordan and Yemen, as
well.
As the U.S.,
under the leadership of President Barack Obama, retreats from the region,
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expanded his role in the Middle East,
gaining more power, daily, in Syria.
Recently, a majority of Israelis voted for Putin as the “best man of the
year”.
CRAFTED PRAYER:
We ask You, Lord, to remove the blinders from the eyes of Israeli
leaders and citizens in regard to what they perceive is a friend in Russian
leader Vladimir Putin. We pray that Putin will not be able to deceive Netanyahu
with empty words, and that Israel will stop walking in false hope where Russia
is concerned. We declare that Israeli citizens will walk in the light,
according to Ephesians 5:8-9, in all goodness and righteousness and
truth. Let Putin’s true intentions be exposed, and let Israel’s government accept
intelligence information that changes its direction from any unholy alliance
with Russia. Lord, we ask You to block Russia’s army, air force, and navy from
gaining intelligence information on Israel’s military strategies; especially,
as Russian forces fight with Sunni radicals along Israel’s northern border. We
further ask You to stop Russia from engaging in all evil deeds of darkness in
Syria; and, that Israel will distance itself from such wickedness and expose
it, in Jesus name!
JORDAN:
Israel and
Jordan have a peace treaty and they recently increased business ties. A new
border crossing is being considered by both countries that would open up
commercial ties at the Dead Sea. And,
there is a new agreement to bring Jordanian day workers to Eilat for hotel
employment. The current plan, which allows 150 Jordanians to work in Eilat, is
expected to expand to 1500 Jordanian day workers allowed in the city. Jordan
claims that its citizens are fully united behind King Abdullah, and that Jordan
fully controls its borders from any terrorist infiltration. While this seems to
promote an atmosphere of stability, Jordan has faced some terrorism, and is
vulnerable to ISIS forces. This open policy of allowing Jordanians to work in
Eilat could create an open door to attacks against Israel in the future.
Pray that the Lord will provide an
added measure of protection on Israel’s border with Jordan to stop any radical
Islamist infiltrators. Intercede that all those Jordanians who are allowed to
work in Eilat will be screened and vetted by Israeli defense forces, so that no
terrorists will be able to act against Israel, in Yeshua’s name!
FUTURE
U.S. MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL:
Israel is
looking for the U.S. to increase its military aid in 2017 to $5 billion a year.
This is needed because of the Western nuclear deal with Iran, which Israel
believes has a negative impact on its security. The aid is also needed because
the Obama Administration has retreated from supporting its allies in the Middle
East, contributing to an overall increase in regional instability, which is
causing Arab countries to arm themselves with more advanced military
equipment. Most of the aid to Israel goes
to U.S. defense corporations to build advanced weapons systems, anti-missile
defense systems, and jet fighters for Israel. More jobs are provided for
Americans in these U.S. defense corporations to accommodate the requests from
Israel. This is also a way of the U.S. investing in its “ally” in the Middle
East, which ultimately helps U.S. forces in the region to be more secure.
But, those
who do not agree with this uptick in aid to Israel may be a source of
contention to the Jewish State in 2016, when Israeli interlocutors press the
U.S. for a final answer on a new military aid package to Israel for the next
decade.
CRAFTED PRAYER:
Thank you, Lord, for Your favor
that goes before Israel and Your favor that is at her rear guard. You protect
those things which concern Your Chosen People. You provide, for Israel, a
Qualitative Military Edge over all states in the Middle East. You make sure
that Israel has the ability to defend itself from any attempts by the enemy to
change the balance of power in the region. Thank You, God, for putting it on
the hearts of those in power in the U.S., to provide billions of dollars in
military aid to Israel. We appreciate that it also helps American defense
industries, providing jobs for U.S. citizens. And, it helps the U.S.
Administration with guaranteed security over its armed forces in the Middle
East because it is aiding its ally, Israel. Bless those in America who continue
to care about Israel’s security needs, and may You, Lord, continue to watch
over Your covenant land. We declare Exodus
13:21 over the Jewish People: “The Lord was going before
them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of
fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by
night, from before the people.”
EUROPEAN
INFLUENCE:
There are
two spots to be filled at the UN Security Council in 2017-2018. The
Netherlands, Italy, and Sweden are vying for these positions. Sweden is one of
the worst supporters of Israel of Western European countries. Its leaders,
especially Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom, continue to antagonize the Jewish
State with lies, distortions, and unacceptable comments; coming against Israeli
government policies that defend Israeli citizens.
The EU has
hurt Israel’s reputation and singled out the Jewish State for isolation by
calling for settlement products from the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) to be
specifically labeled. This is a form of boycott, and contributes to the
anti-Israel boycott and divestment movement that is gaining ground, worldwide.
Meanwhile,
as Europe becomes more and more anti-Semitic, an estimated 5,000 EU citizens
have joined terrorist groups in the Middle East. There’s been a lax of security
checks at EU borders, with irregularities reported on more than 1.5 million
people passing through Europe in 2015.
Intercede for the Lord to deal with
the arrogance and pride that is contributing to the prejudice against Israel by
European leaders.
Pray that there is either a change in
Sweden’s attitude towards Israel, or that the Lord closes the door to Sweden
being able to obtain a future position on the UN Security Council.
CRAFTED PRAYER:
Thank you for Your word God that
states in Isaiah 50:9, that You are the Sovereign Lord that helps Your
people. Who, then, can condemn them? We proclaim that
everything that has been done to Israel will be turned around to the benefit of
Your Chosen People. According to Psalm 37:6, You will bring forth
Israel’s righteousness as the light, and Israel’s justice as the noonday sun. We
declare that pride comes before the fall for European leaders, and ask You to
deal with the hearts of those who are condemning the Jewish State, as we stand
on Your word in Proverbs 16:18.
Lord, we ask You to also watch over the borders of Europe, and stop the
flow of European citizens to Middle East conflict zones. We pray for revival in
Europe, asking You, God, to remove the demonic stronghold over the European
people that has blinded them from the true knowledge of salvation through
Jesus, the Messiah.
DOMESTIC
ISSUES IN ISRAEL:
Silvan
Shalom, who was head of Israel’s Ministry of the Interior, as well as a member
of the Knesset, resigned his position on allegations of sexual harassment. This
opened two doors: (1) The Likud MK who replaced Shalom in the Knesset is openly
gay. (2) Shas leader, Aryeh Deri, who was jailed on corruption charges in the
year 2000 (for crimes he committed as head of the Ministry of Interior in
1992-93), is now expected to take Shalom’s place. This is not good for Israeli
citizens, in general; or for Jewish believers who suffered more harassment and
denial of Israeli citizenship under Deri than under most leaders who have
served as head of the Ministry of Interior.
Pray that thousands of concerned
Israeli citizens will protest the decision to appoint Deri to the post at the
Ministry of Interior, thus causing Netanyahu to withdraw his support. Pray that
the openly gay member of Likud will have no open path to push his gay agenda
forth in the government.
Netanyahu’s
wife Sarah was recently questioned by police regarding the misuse of state
funds for personal reasons. If she is indicted, this will, obviously, weaken
Netanyahu’s power, and could prevent him from continuing to lead the
government.
Pray for Sarah Netanyahu to repent of
all actions that are against God’s will and His wisdom. Intercede that the Lord
will have mercy, especially on Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has not been
implicated in any crime.
ALIYAH
INCREASE:
In 2015,
nearly 30,000 Jews made Aliyah, mostly from France and the Ukraine. Those
numbers are expected to increase in 2016.
Pray that the Israeli government will
encourage more Jews from France to make Aliyah by eliminating the bureaucracy
that is causing them to hesitate. There could be a lot more citizens coming,
but they are dissuaded by Israel’s refusal to accept their advanced university
degrees; and, by the lack of good employment opportunities. Pray for clear
changes in society to make it easier for French Jews to successfully live in
Israel.
Pray that the Jews coming from the
Ukraine will be absorbed quickly. They have had problems, as many were
airlifted from war zones without the proper paperwork to get citizenship once
they arrived in Israel. Pray for leniency at the Ministry of Interior for all
Jews who are trying to make Aliyah and want to absorb into the country.
Isaiah 43:5-6: “Do not be afraid, for I am with
you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I
will say to the north, ‘Give them
up!’ And, to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from
the ends of the earth...”