SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 164

 

Jerusalem, Israel

 

PRAYER UPDATE – DECEMBER 15, 2020

 

Israel and the Nations

 

ALL PRAISE TO OUR KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS AT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

We celebrate Yeshua during this week of Hanukkah!

 

John 8:12: “One again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.’ ”

 

Yeshua also said something similar in John 9:5:  “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

 

On this Hanukkah and soon to come Christmas season, we remember John 1:4-5: “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

 

We rejoice Yeshua that You have overcome the darkness!!

WHO WE ARE IN HIM -- IN THE LIGHT AND IN THE DARKNESS:

Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”

 

Psalm 119:105: “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

 

Proverbs 4:18: “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.”

 

Psalm 139: 1-12: “…. You have searched me, LORD, and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; too great for me to understand!  Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your Presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn; if I settle on the far side of the sea; even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, ‘Surely, the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me’, even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE SALVATION OF ISRAEL DURING THIS HOLIDAY OF LIGHT:

We pray for the seed of LIFE, YESHUA to be planted in the hearts of all those in Israeli society. Let that seed be watered well. And, God may You make it grow. So, neither the one who plants, nor the one who waters, is anything…. But only God, who makes things grow. For we are co-workers in God’s service. You are God’s field, God’s building. Let each one build with care taken. (See 1 Corinthians 3:6-10).

 

Today, we pray for life to be breathed into every person living in Israel … Jew, Gentile, Arab, Druze, traditional Christians who are not born again, children, young people, middle aged people, old people, soldiers, businessmen and business women, politicians, diplomats, new immigrants, volunteers, foreigners, those who are here serving in the land, etc. We pray that we will lay a better foundation than we have so far, in the Body of Messiah in the land, to catch these fish for the Kingdom of God! Let the root of what we are laying as a foundation be deeply rooted in our Messiah, Jesus!

 

Jeremiah 31:7: “This is what the LORD says: ‘Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, ‘LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel.’ ”

 

Proverbs 8:17: “I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT:

As of this writing, it is unclear whether the Knesset will soon be dissolved, and whether Israel will go to a 4^th election (the fourth one within a year’s time). There are already new political parties forming. To try and replace Netanyahu’s stronghold over Likud, Gideon Saar has looked to split the Likud and form the “New Hope” political party. There are other politicians expected to form a center-left party. But, until it is clear whether Israel is going to elections, nothing can really change. There has been growing dissatisfaction with Netanyahu, who is considered by more and more Israelis to be self-centered with an autocratic leadership style. Most would agree he has broken his promise of having a budget in place by the end of this year, as well as following his coalition agreement with Benny Gantz by allowing a rotation to take place where Gantz would be prime minister.

 

In addition, the disputes between Netanyahu’s Likud party and Gantz’s Blue and White party have widened the schism, making it almost impossible for the government to form a cohesiveness unified front. There have been increased demonstrations against the current government. So, Israelis are more welcoming of the idea of going to the polls again.

 

PRAYER POINTS: How do we pray and what do we pray regarding this government?

 

(1)    We seek You Sovereign Lord, according to Amos 3:7, that you will reveal Your plans to Your servants the prophets, so we know how to pray more effectively for the future of the government of Israel.

 

(2)    We declare John 15:15: “No longer do I (the Lord) call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing but, I (the Lord) call you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father, I have made known to you.”

 

So, Lord, we entreat you to show us how to pray, and how to hear from You, clearly; how to pray for the government of Israel, in Jesus name!

 

(3)    Lord, we seek You for greater wisdom and knowledge, asking You to reveal Your heart and plans regarding Your order for this earthly government in Israel. It was Gabriel that came to Daniel in swift flight and instructed Daniel in Chapter 9:22, ‘Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.’

 

Do this for us, Lord, as we seek greater prayer for our leaders of this nation. Make Your will clearly known, and instruct Your servants, those who pray on the walls of Jerusalem, how to offer up prayers that hit the mark, in Yeshua’s name!

 

(4)    Many Israelis feel that Netanyahu is irreplaceable because of his vast experience in foreign policy. However, others feel that he has greatly failed when it comes to domestic issues – the care for the nation and its people on a very human level.  And, the needs of the people have come more into focus since the Covid virus appeared on the scene. Netanyahu’s unwillingness to raise up a new generation of Likud leaders who could follow him in politics, has caused him to retain too much personal power.

 

PRAYER POINT: Lord, we pray that You will raise up a generation of leaders who are like the shepherd David, who was anointed of You to become King – someone most unlikely to kill the Goliath that threatened Israel. But, David did it, in Your strength, God. So, we ask You: Raise up a generation of people who can and will fight the Goliath’s in the land; a leader who, as Commander and Chief, can lead a group of soldiers into war. It was You and You alone, Lord, who sustained David. We pray for someone in Israel to be raised up who has the heart of David; a heart after You, God; and can lead Israel with strength, courage, and valor.

 

 

(5)    The Vaccine: Only 50% of Israelis want to take the vaccine. At least 1/3 of the population wants to wait until Israel develops its own vaccine, which is going through human trials right now. Reportedly, in order to achieve herd immunity, at least 70% of the population has to be vaccinated. But, no one knows how effective the current vaccines really are; nor, how safe they are. The rush to bring them on the scene and get emergency FDA approval, has caused great anxiety and fear in this country, as well as in other countries. The Netanyahu government has declared that it expects to vaccinate 60,000 Israelis a day, through Israel’s health organizations, starting with medical personnel and the elderly. Netanyahu is pushing Israelis to be vaccinated with the Pfizer double-dose vaccine, which has strong side effects, especially with people who have allergies.

 

Netanyahu has indicated that those going through the vaccine will receive a “green passport”. With that “green passport”, they will be able to get into malls, cultural events, sports events, and gyms. And, they will be able to travel. It is a threat to those who do not want to be vaccinated at this time. It limits personal freedoms, and already Israelis are talking about lawsuits which would bring the issue to the Supreme Court. Those who are pro-vaccine, including some rabbis, want Israelis to get the vaccine shot because of what they perceive is the common good of the country. This country has a long history of socialism -- which means, that the good of society has precedence over individual choice. Opposing forces are causing an increasingly larger gap in society.

 

Mark 3:35: “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

 

Psalm 133:1: “.... Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

 

Lord, bring Israeli society into unity so we can stand together against the wiles of the enemy that would try to harm and divide us.

 

God, we ask You to expose the truth about the current vaccines being offered in Israel, including the safety of these inoculations. We pray safety and protection over those receiving the vaccines. And, safety, protection and liberty for those who choose not to take it. Let there be no discrimination that is unleashed between Israelis, but instead, bring harmony, peace, tolerance, compassion, and understanding.

 

Joel 3:16: “The LORD will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth will shake. But, the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a strong fortress for the people of Israel.”

 

Proverbs 16:1: “To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.”

 

Proverbs 16:9:  “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”

 

Proverbs 19:21: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.”

 

Jeremiah 10:23: “I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks, directs his own steps.”

SHOW US THE WAY LORD! THAT WE MAY LIVE AND ABIDE IN YOU, AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR OUR BODIES, AND ALSO FOR THE PEOPLE OF THIS SOCIETY!

PRAYER REGARDING TRUMP’S PEACE PLANS: 4 ARAB NATIONS IN 4 MONTHS:

• There are factors that come into play if there is a change in government to a Biden Administration. Trump has promised certain advanced arm sales, economic incentives, and land sovereignty to nations in exchange for their willingness to engage in a peace deal with Israel (such as declaring Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara; and, delivering the F-35’s to the U.A.E.) Will the Biden Administration uphold the terms and principles of these peace agreements?  If not, will the nations that signed with Israel pull out of the agreements?

 

PRAYER POINT:

 

Psalm 33:10-12: “The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But, the plans of the LORD stand firm forever; the purposes of His heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He chose for His inheritance.”

 

• Former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, recently said that Israel has diplomatic relations with about 160 of 190 nations in the UN body. He expects that in the next month or so, several more nations will form peace treaties with Israel. The number could change to 170 out of 190 nations.

 

Israel recently formed a political agreement with the closed country of Bhutan. It is a nation that sits in the Himalayan Mountains between India and China. On the surface it is not an important nation for Israel. But, because of Israel’s close ties with India, it is an advantage for Israel to protect Bhutan. In like kind, Bhutan has 1 vote in the UN just like every other nation…. which is very important for Israel (to gain friends in the UN).  So, any government that wants to enter into favorable diplomatic relations with Israel has a willing partner.

 

PRAYER POINT: Someday the LORD will judge the nations. According to Matthew 25:12, “All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a Shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”  Matthew 13:49: “So, it will be at the end of the age: the angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous.”

 

LORD, we see the foreshadowing of this as you give the nations an opportunity to stand with Israel… in new and restored diplomatic relations; in votes in the UN. Your word says that those who bless Israel will be blessed. And, we watch as the nations come into alignment with Your purposes and plans for Your Kingdom.

 

 

 

We thank You that these nations, so far, have been bold to accept the Trump peace deals and be supportive of Israel; and we thank You for continued cooperation which relies on only You and not political transitions of administrations and power.

 

Interesting Information:

• The U.A.E. has become a refuge place for Orthodox Jews trying to escape anti-Semitism in Europe. Reportedly, there is no evidence by the people of the U.A.E. of blatant Anti-Semitism, like there is in Europe, and in places in the U.S.

 

• About 300,000 Moroccan Jews immigrated to Israel from 1948-1964. Now, there are up to 1 million Moroccan Jews living in Israel. Israelis think that the Moroccan Jews living in Israel will be a bridge to the Moroccan government, especially in the area of culture and the arts.

 

• More than 800,000 Jews immigrated to Israel in the early days of independence from Arab countries mostly due to discrimination. Now, that Arab nations are increasingly forming warm relations with Israel, it becomes an advantage for their leaders to enter into Israel’s negotiations with the Palestinians.

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 163

 

Jerusalem, Israel

NOVEMBER 10, 2020 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

 

GIVING GOD THE GLORY – HIS ATTRIBUTES:

Psalm 103:19: “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.

 

Psalm 116:5: “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate.”

 

Psalm 119:89: “Forever, Lord, Your word stands in heaven.”

 

U.S. ELECTIONS/FACTS:

(1) There has not been a transition of power. Until January 2021, there will not be a transition of power. There is a legal process going on. We have yet to see the Electoral College vote in each state, which happens in mid-December.

 

Therefore, the scriptures command us to pray for those in authority over us. In the United States, Donald Trump, is currently in the appointed position of President, so it is our duty to pray for him:

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people; for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

 

In praying for those in authority over us, we find peace and quiet; experience godliness and holiness; and the hope is that all people will be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth!

 

(2) The media cannot decide the election. The media only “projected” who they thought would win. They have gone beyond their function of informing the public, into a self-proclaimed elevated position of “presupposition”.

 

“Presupposition” is a thing tacitly assumed beforehand, at the beginning of a course of action. “Assumption” is a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.

 

 

“Assumption” is the action of taking or beginning to take power or responsibility. “Assumption” is “arrogance” and “presumption.”  It is behavior perceived as disrespectful and transgressing the limits of what is permitted or appropriate. So, the media has gone beyond its limits as a power in society.

 

PRAY for the Lord to bring the media into His righteous right order.

 

PRAY that truth and accuracy will prevail. Pray that God will hold false media prophets accountable who are engaged in inaccurate reporting and fake declarations.

 

(3) If there was fraud in this election, lying, stealing of votes, and deceit, then pray for the complete disclosure and exposure of these wicked deeds. And, pray that justice will be done, along with bravery on the part of the Supreme Court and all those involved, to properly correct the election results.

 

Psalm 5:10: “O God, declare them guilty. Let them be caught in their own traps. Drive them away because of their many sins, for they have rebelled against You.”

 

(4) Civil Disobedience! There may be greater violence, riots, fires, and burning of buildings in the cities. Americans may find themselves having to move into rural areas for protection.

 

Romans 13:1: “Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.”

 

Let’s pray that Americans submit to whatever the final election results are with peace in the cities and tranquility.

Proverbs 9:7: “Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse; and, he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.”

Proverbs 10:12: Hatred stirs up strife; but, love covers all offenses.

 

So, we pray that believers, especially, will be careful in how they approach the civil disobedient ones around them. This is a great time for sharing the gospel message of repentance and salvation, rather than entering into the civil discourse, which could lead to harm.

 

We declare over America, Psalm 80:3: “God, restore us and make Your face shine upon us, and we will be saved!”

We pray, Lord, that you will give Your people wisdom in knowing how to proceed during the times ahead in the United States.

 

(5) Pray for those who are attempting to establish truth, and declare God’s vindication over those who acted rightly. Pray that He will deliver those who walk in integrity.

Psalm 37:6: “He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn; your vindication (your justice), like the noonday sun.”

 

(6) In acknowledging the Lord’s divine will, as the eternal God of the Universe, petition the Lord with prayers, but also recognize that He has all authority to decide the fate of men.

The Lord may be dealing with the Church, itself, during these elections, and in the outcome of the elections.

1 Corinthians 14:32-33: “The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

 

Psalm 75:6-7: “For victory does not come from the east or west, or from the wilderness. It is God alone who judges; He decides who will rise and who will fall.”

 

PRAYER: Regardless of the outcome, Lord, we ask You to use the final election results as a breaking point that brings Americans together. Take away the divisions and heal the American people! Renew a right Spirit within every American citizen. Bring the Body of Messiah into submission to Your plans and purposes for Your Kingdom. Cause repentance of fretting and worry, according to Psalm 37, and release Your Church into greater faith and hope in You, in Jesus’ name!

 

THE FALLOUT FOR ISRAEL IF THE U.S. IS UNDER A NEW ADMINISTRATION:

 

If there is a transition of power, Israel will suffer on several fronts, diplomatically. Former Ambassador Martin Indyk, spoke at a recent Jerusalem zoom press briefing. He was U.S. Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. He also served as U.S. Ambassador to Israel and as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs during the Clinton Administration.

 

According to Indyk, here is what Israel is up against if there is a transition of power from Trump to Joe Biden:

 

(1)    Biden will look to reverse Trump’s acknowledgement of the Golan Heights as part of Israeli sovereignty. Indyk foresees a peace treaty between Israel and Syria. But, that would include negotiations between an Israeli leader and Syrian dictator, Bashar Assad. Assad has already demanded Syrian sovereignty over the full Golan Heights, which Israel cannot agree to, because it means Israel will be left with indefensible borders. The Golan Heights is referred to as Bashan in the Bible, and is where the biblical tribe of Manasseh settled.

 

 

(2)    A Biden Administration will halt any measures towards a Trump peace deal. There will be no talk of 30% of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) being part of Israeli sovereignty. And, Israel’s Prime Minister will not be able to declare it so.

 

 

(3)    There will be an expected stop in settlement building in Judea and Samaria. Biden doesn’t want to get involved in any attempt by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take pre-emptive measures to build settlements. Biden is willing to fight Netanyahu on this issue. But, there are other issues that are already adversarial between the two leaders – like the Iran deal. Biden would pursue getting back into the JCPOA. While it is expected that Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will increase sanctions on Iran, Biden would use this as leverage. At the same time, it is expected that Biden would attempt to lift multi-lateral sanctions on Iran. One of the greatest disagreements between Biden and Netanyahu is that Netanyahu believes in maximum pressure on Iran, and Biden doesn’t.

 

 

(4)    The only effort on the part of a Biden Administration in peace negotiating and peace building will be to get the Israelis and Palestinians back to the peace table. Indyk says the Democrats see the Arab nations coming into peace with Israel as “low hanging fruit”. It’s there, so why not take advantage of the situation? Indyk does not see that as a priority in peace making.

 

 

(5)    Under a Biden Administration, the U.S. would focus its foreign policy efforts on disengaging in the Middle East, and building a military arsenal that exceeds that of China. Indyk says that it is not a vital interest of the United States to be involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, except to get both sides to take the initiative to come together. (That is another way of saying, “U.S. pressure will be involved”). Indyk is a proponent of providing the Palestinians with their own separate state.

 

 

(6)    In terms of a relationship between Netanyahu and Biden, Indyk says that it is Netanyahu that will have to work at restoring the relationship, and Netanyahu would no longer get the benefit of the doubt. Netanyahu will only be able to show his friendship as much as Biden is willing to, according to Indyk.

 

 

(7)    Indy said that 75% of American Jews voted the Biden-Harris ticket. The vast majority of American Jews were on the side of the Democrats. Orthodox Jews were on the Republican side (the Trump-Pence ticket).

 

 

(8)    The chasm between the American Jewish community and Israel will need to be mended under a Biden Administration, according to Indyk. Trump worked with Orthodox Jews in America who supported him. But, he replaced the American Jewish community’s support with Evangelical Christian support. Under Biden, there would be an elevation of American Jewish support, and therefore, American Jews would expect Israelis to listen to their demands, in exchange for agreeing to support Israel.

(9)    Indyk sees Israel as a regional power, not as a global power, and says that Biden sees that as valuable. He says that Israel’s regional platform is a way of stabilizing the region. Security is the “architecture” for the region, and Israel exceeds in that area.

 

 

 

(10) Indyk says that the philosophy of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was a “step by step process” between Israel and the Palestinians; a step by step approach. He thinks Israel and the Palestinians will need to return to this. He wants to see a separation of Israel from the Palestinians out of respect. He did not answer a reporter’s question as to how that kind of plan can happen when it failed in the past.

 

 

PRAYER: We declare that Israel will not have to go back to “old wineskins” that didn’t work before; that there will be no reverse policy into something that has been proven to be unattainable. We proclaim that Israeli leaders will not have to waste their time dealing with an intransient Palestinian leadership, once again.

 

 

According to 1 Chronicles 12:32, “From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” 

 

 

Daniel 2:21: “It is He who changes the times and the periods; He removes kings and appoints kings;
He gives wisdom to wise men; and, knowledge to people of understanding.”

 

 

Let it be, Lord, that Israel is not pressured by the United States, or any country, that would force it to comply with man’s ways. Keep Israeli leaders strong and able to overcome American pressure that would try and cause Israel to compromise Your covenant promises to Your people, in Yeshua’s name!

 

 

God, we will not look to these “what if’s” since the election has yet to be decided. But, we will prepare for Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven!

 

 

PRAYER REGARDING IRAN:

 

The sanctions against Iran have not stopped Iran from trying to become nuclear. The sanctions have only slowed down Iran. We need to continue to pray that Iran will be stopped, and Israel will find new ways of covert operations to confusion, create chaos, and limit Iran from being able to obtain nuclear weapons. We must also pray for every evil operation on the part of Iran, including its tentacles that reach far into the Middle East, will be exposed and dealt with in Yeshua’s name!

 

 

In the days ahead, Netanyahu will need wisdom in how to cooperate with the U.S. Administration regarding the Iran deal. And, how to handle Iran’s continued threats and aggression in the Middle East.  PRAY wisdom for the Prime Minister in this regard.

 

 

PRAYER FOR OTHER ISSUES IN ISRAEL:

*The possibility of another lockdown at Hanukkah because of a rise in COVID.

 

 *Whether the vaccine will be safe and whether citizens will be forced to take the COVID test, and receive the vaccine.

 

 *For the Israeli government to hold up through December, as there is still no state budget for next year. Pray for greater unity in the current government, so Israel does not have to go to a 4^th election!

 

 *Pray about increased acts of anti-Semitism in Austria, Moldova, France, and in the U.S. (Michigan).

 

 *Pray for Aliyah… especially what is happening in the Israeli government that has to do with attitudes and acts of unkindness towards certain Jewish people trying to immigrate to Israel.

 

 

 

 

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 162

 

Jerusalem, Israel

 OCTOBER 13, 2020 PRAYER UPDATE

 Israel and the Nations

PRAISE:

 

Psalm 41:13: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.”

 

Psalm 48:1:  “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praise, in the city of our God, His holy mountain.”

 

Psalm 48:10: “Your name, O God, like Your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is full of righteousness

 

Psalm 96:8-9: “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and enter His courts. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.”

 

Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the Messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation; the news that the God of Israel reigns!”

 

Psalm 72:11: “May all kings bow down to Him and all nations serve Him.”

 

Psalm 72:17-19: “May the king’s name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun shines. May all nations be blessed through Him and bring Him praise! Praise the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things. Praise be to His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen!”

 

THE STATE OF THE NATION:

Israel has been under a severe lockdown for nearly a month. Demonstrations throughout the land continue to increase. One estimation was that 200,000 Israelis protested over this past weekend. Other statistics are that there are at least 1,000 places, nationwide, where protests are conducted every day at 5 p.m. Sometimes, it is one person demonstrating; other times it can be 200 people. There is frustration, disappointment, and mounting anger against the current government. In addition, Israel still does not have a functioning government budget for next year. It has been delayed, but must be finalized by the end of the year.

 

Elections are being talked about again. It is a known fact that members of the government coalition from the Likud and Blue and White parties do not get along. Both parties have suffered in the polls, but mostly the Likud party, so it is not to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s advantage to call for elections. Polls that were taken in September revealed that only 27% of the public trust him. Much of the public has lost trust in his ability to rightfully handle the coronavirus pandemic. This is across all spectrums of society. The leftists in society are also protesting against government corruption, as well.

 

The ultra-Orthodox have been demonstrating about their right to pray wherever they want to, in large groups without wearing masks or social distancing. At least 40% of new coronavirus infections are coming from within Orthodox communities, especially those living in certain parts of Jerusalem. The Orthodox do not want to be under lockdown if the rest of the country is not. There is a constant struggle with authorities about this. The government has continued to zigzag when it comes to the Orthodox, even under the severe lockdown. Before the current lockdown, there was a “stop light” policy that was designed by Israel’s “czar” for the coronavirus, Professor Gamzu. Areas of the country were divided into zones. Most of the Orthodox communities were in the “red” zone because of the widespread outbreak of COVED-19 among them. The Orthodox demonstrations increased as they thought their communities should not be singled out and restricted by the zones they live in. So, the “stop light” policy was not implemented by the government. The nation is now waiting for clear instructions as to how the government plans on easing us out of this lockdown.

 

PRAYERS FOR THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT -- DIRECTION DURING COVID-19:

We pray that government leaders will put aside their differences and seek the King of Kings and Lord of Lords for wisdom in decision making.  We declare, according to Proverbs 19:21 that many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

 

We ask you LORD, that in Your hand, You will turn the king’s heart. That heart is a stream of water directed by You. You guide it wherever You please. (Proverbs 21:1). Turn Prime Minister Netanyahu’s heart to Your will, O God! May Netanyahu humble himself and say this prayer to You, O LORD:  “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” (1 Chronicles 1:10).

 

Lord, we declare Isaiah 44:8 over the people of Israel: “Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I (the Lord) not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are My witness. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”

 

Lord, according to Psalm 25:9, we ask you to guide the humble in what is right, and teach them Your way. Please also bring clarity to the people of this nation. You say in Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” We ask you this day, Lord, to show these government leaders how to be best effective in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Instruct Your people, Lord!  We thank You for teaching us a better way than what has been done so far. Please bring peace and calm in the midst of this current chaos; and, hope where hope has been deferred, and the heart has become sick. We ask You to heal this nation in Yeshua’s name!

 

PRAYERS FOR THE ULTRA-ORTHODOX:

The Lord loves these people of the Book. But, some of the ultra-Orthodox defy orders and they carry on in rebellious ways. Jesus said in Mark 7:6-8: “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’  You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”

 

And, Jesus continued in verse 9: “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!”

 

Lord, we do pray that the ultra-Orthodox will have freedom in prayer before You, to honor you with their Bible studies and their attention to the Word of God. But, we also pray that they will care for others in society, by being obedient to do what is necessary to keep their families from getting infected by the coronavirus.  If the government commands that they wear masks and social distance, while praying before You, we pray that they will be willing to cooperate with the authorities you have put in position over them in the land, in Yeshua’s name!        If they live in a “red” zone, and it means they will have to lockdown until the virus infections decrease, we pray that they will not force the rest of the country to also go on lockdown, despite a decrease in the infection rate in other areas of the nation.  

 

We pray that You, Lord, will break the ultra-Orthodox control in the government that has caused such confusion and disappointment among the Israeli people. Take away all their self-righteousness Lord, according to Romans 10:2 which says, “For I can testify that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not in line with the truth. They are deeply devoted to God, but they are misguided. And Romans 10:3 states, “Since they did not now the righteousness of God, and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.” This is especially true among the ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel today!

 

We thank you Lord that Messiah Jesus is the fulfillment of the teachings of Moses, so that everyone among the ultra-Orthodox who has faith, may receive God’s approval. (Romans 10:4).

 

PRAYERS FOR THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL:

LORD, You forgave the iniquity of Your people and covered all their sins. You did this at Calvary. (Psalm 85:2)

But, Your people have turned from You. Yet, You promise in Jeremiah 32:42: “This is what the LORD says: As I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them.”

 

And, now according to Psalm 14:7, we proclaim more of Your future promises over this land: “Oh! That the salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores His people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!”

 

LORD, in Yeshua’s name, You will pour out blessings on Your land!  You will restore the fortunes of Israel. You have been merciful to Your land and people. And, You will make Israel prosperous again. Amen!” (Psalm 85:1)

 

John 7:37-38: “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

 

God, let the rain of Your Holy Spirit fall on the people of Israel. Let them come and thirst on You!

 

Let them say: Isaiah 12:2: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.

 

We proclaim over Israel this day: “With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation. With joy, you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!” (Isaiah 12:3)

 

In that day, you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted.” (Isaiah 12:4)

 

PRAYERS FOR WATER:

We have had unseasonably warm weather for 6 weeks in Israel, since the beginning of September. Temperatures should be in the 70’s, but are averaging in the 80’s and 90’s. This is the time when Israel’s religious leaders cry out for the Lord to bring the rains and replenish the land. Just as we have called out for the spiritual rain to fall on Israel, let’s pray for the natural, physical rains to come.

 

Isaiah 41:18: “I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs.

 

Thank you Lord that You will do this so that Your people may see and know; may consider and understand; that the hand of the LORD has done this; that the Holy One of Israel has created it.” (Isaiah 41:20).

 

Psalm 65:9-10: “You care for the land and water it; You enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so You have ordained it. You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops.”

 

We stand, in faith, that soon the rainy season will come to Israel, and as Your word promises, You will crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways will overflow with abundance. (Psalm 65:11).

 

You say to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and You tell the rain to pour down. (Job 37:6).

 

You do this so that everyone You have made may know Your work. Then, everyone stops their work so they can watch Your power. (Job 37:7).

 

PRAYERS FOR THE U.S. ELECTIONS IN NOVEMBER:

We pray that the Body of Messiah will represent the Lord in every situation where there is turmoil. Let the believers bring peace, calm and clarity.

 

Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

 

Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

 

Psalm 50:15: “Then, call on Me when you are in trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”

 

May God give the believers in America a plan for bringing that nation into stability under His Banner of Love, according to Amos 3:7: “Surely, the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.”

 

As we pray for the current Trump Administration, and the coming American Administration, we declare: Psalm 124:8: “Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

 

We ask you God to keep Americans safe, from the hands of the wicked. Protect the people of the United States from the violent, who devise ways to trip their feet. We pray this, especially, for the Jewish People who are facing increased anti-Semitism in America. (Psalm 140:4).

PRAYERS FOR THE NATIONS:

 

We ask for Your favor for the nations, Lord. Be merciful and bless the remnant of born-again believers. Cause Your face to shine upon them; so that Your ways may be known throughout the earth; Your saving power among people everywhere.  (Psalm 67:1-3)

 

Psalm 67:4: “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth. Selah.”

 

Psalm 99:1: The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; He sits on His throne between the cherubim. Let the whole earth quake!”

 

Isaiah 45:22: “Turn to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”

 

Psalm 96:10: “Say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns.’ The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved; He will judge all peoples fairly.’ ”

 

Isaiah 54:13: “All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.”

 

Nehemiah 4:20: “Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”

 

Isaiah 62:10: “Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations.”

 

Isaiah 11:10: “In that day, the Root of Jesse (the heir to David’s throne), will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to Him. They will look to Him for guidance; and the land where He lives (His resting place), will be glorious.”

 

Psalm 67:7: “May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear Him.”