Jerusalem, Israel
MAY 19, 2020 PRAYER UPDATE
Israel and the Nations
WHO IS LIKE THE
LORD?
Psalm 145:3:
“Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure His
greatness.”
Lamentations
3:22-25: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never
come to an end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say
to myself, “The LORD is my portion, therefore I will wait for Him. The LORD is
good to those whose hope is in Him; to the one who seeks Him.”
It is good to wait
quietly for You LORD, and we thank you that salvation is from You!
Psalm 36:5-6a:
“Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens. Your faithfulness to the skies. Your
righteousness is like the highest mountains. Your justice like the great deep.”
Lord we acknowledge
how priceless is Your unfailing love. We take refuge in the shadow of Your
wings.
Psalm 17:8:
“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.”
Psalm 91:4:
“He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge. His
faithfulness is a shield and rampart.”
Hebrews 10:23:
“Let us hold fast, the confession of our hope, without wavering. For He who
promised is faithful.”
Psalm 16:11:
“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your
presence with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”
Psalm 40:5:
“Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for
us – none can compare to you. If I would proclaim and declare of them, they are
more than could be numbered.”
Psalm 18:2: “The
LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in
whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high
tower.”
GOVERNMENT UPDATE:
The Israeli national unity government was finally sworn in
on Sunday, May 17, 2020. There are many portfolios that were split apart so a
politician could be given a position within the cabinet. Also, there are many
areas of concern.
PRAY FOR THE FINANCE
MINISTRY:
The new Finance Minister, Israel Katz, is facing an economy
that may go into a recession because of the COVED-19 crisis. There is soaring
unemployment, and until the new budget of 2020-2021 is passed in the Knesset,
government ministries cannot do much for Israeli citizens.
More than 1 million Israelis are seeking jobs. Government
assistance, especially to struggling companies, has not been very helpful.
Israelis are demanding additional stimulus packages, especially restaurant
owners and those in the entertainment business.
*Pray for the new
national budget to pass quickly, since the 2018-2019 budget has already
expired.
The government will be occupied with passing the new budget
within 55 days. The first reading of the new budget is expected to happen in
the Knesset by mid-July. It will need to deal with the increased government
deficit, and, a possible fight with the trade unions. Israel Katz will be
cutting his own salary by 10% a month.
*Pray for Israel Katz
and the challenges he faces as Finance Minister.
1 Corinthians 4:2:
“Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
THE ORTHODOX AND
THE STATUS QUO:
The political party of United Torah Judaism has, for the
first time, been given the Chairmanship of the Knesset Constitution Law and
Justice Committee, which means they will have even greater control over
religion and state. It appears that, though it was not mentioned in Netanyahu’s
agreement with Gantz, the Orthodox parties have been assured there will be no
change in the status quo.
What this means is that the fight over whether the Orthodox
must serve in the army will, again, be postponed. Civil marriages in Israel will
not become legal under the Netanyahu government.
The Orthodox have maintained control, through the Shas
party, of the Minister of Interior. Arye Deri is still at the head of that
ministry. It remains a battle for certain segments of Jews in the Diaspora to
get citizenship in Israel.
*Pray for God’s
intervention in this power struggle between the Orthodox and Israeli society.
A MINISTER WITH A
DOUBLE PORTFOLIO:
Gilad Erdan has a mix of portfolios that no person, even
working 7 days a week, could possibly be successful at. For the first month, he
has been given the portfolio of Minister of Regional Cooperation. He then
leaves that post, moves to the U.S., and becomes the Israeli Ambassador to the
UN. He can remain in that position for 3-4 years.
In addition, within 6 months after taking up the position as
Israel Ambassador to the UN, he also becomes Israeli ambassador to the U.S.
The media reports that Danny Danon (Israel’s current UN
ambassador), and Ron Dermer (Israel’s current U.S. ambassador) did not get
along. So, the thought is that Gilad Erdan, having both positions to himself, will
resolve that problem.
To make things even more complicated, when Benny Gantz
becomes Prime Minster in 18 months, he can choose his own Israeli ambassador to
the U.S.
Erdan would then retain his position at the UN in New York,
but a shift in the political appointment in Washington, is not, necessarily, in
the best interest of Israel’s new government.
*Pray for the two
full-time positions that Gilad Erdan will be taking up, both in N.Y. and
Washington, D.C.
*Pray that any shift
in political appointments in the U.S. will keep diplomatic relationships stable
and peaceful between Israel, the U.S., and other nations.
SECURITY CABINET:
Pray for those who
will be in the security cabinet of Netanyahu. We know, so far, it will be
Gantz, Ze’ev Elkin, Yuval Steinitz, Yoav Gallant, and most likely, Gabi
Ashkenazi.
For the Security
Cabinet, Lord, we ask you to handpick the politicians who are trustworthy, full
of wisdom, discernment, knowledge, understanding, and with an ability to take
action in the midst of a crisis. We pray for a unified Security Cabinet, who
are able to make decisions based on accurate intelligence information, and who
have the goal of protecting Israel’s borders from enemy forces. We pray that with
all crucial decisions, this Security Cabinet will seek Your face above all
else!
We declare that “the
king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD. He guides it
wherever He pleases.” Dear Lord, guide the heart and hands of Netanyahu and
Gantz, along with others in the Security Cabinet, in all major decisions on behalf
of the nation of Israel. .” (Proverbs 21:1).
We proclaim,
according to Proverbs 20:18: “Plans are established by seeking advice;
so, if you wage war, obtain guidance.”
We pray this for the
Security Cabinet of Israel, and all its members.
Proverbs 11:14:
“For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes
deliverance.”
We declare for the
Netanyahu-Gantz government that victory is won through guidance and seeking
advisors, and we pray that those in the Security Cabinet will be given supernatural
wisdom from the Lord to do things in right order, right timing, and with truth
and accuracy in intelligence information guiding them.
PRAY FOR THE NEW
GOVERNMENT TO CONFORM TO THE WILL OF GOD:
Romans 9:4,
speaks of Israel’s inheritance: “They are the people of Israel, chosen to be
God’s adopted children. God revealed His glory to them. He made covenants with
them and gave them His law. He gave them the privilege of worshipping Him and
receiving His wonderful promises.”
Lord, we pray that
this new government will take up the mantle of their forefathers and begin to
act in ways that please You, as they fulfill Israel’s destiny on the earth.
Bring hearts into repentance. While these politicians may think that their own
ways are right, it is You LORD that weighs and examines their hearts. May these
men and women in power do what is acceptable in Your sight. May the plans of
the diligent lead to prosperity and abundance for Israel’s citizens, in Jesus’
name.
PRAY FOR THE
UPCOMING INDICTMENT TRIAL OF PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU:
Psalm 75:7:
“It is God who judges: He brings one down; He exalts another. He decides who
will rise and who will fall.”
Lord, there are
people in Israel who would like to see Netanyahu ousted from government and put
in jail. But, the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is one of our most
basic principles today. We ask You Lord to strengthen our prime minister, not
only in the forming of this new government and all that entails, but also give
him strength to endure through this indictment trial. Let justice and righteousness
prevail, and let Netanyahu receive all mercy and grace from You Lord, at this
time. Refresh his soul. Guide Him along the right path for Your names sake. Let
him bring honor to Your name!
PRAY FOR VICE
PRIME MINISTER, BENNY GANTZ:
We pray also for Benny
Gantz, and his new double responsibilities as both Vice Prime Minister and
Defense Minister of this new government. We ask that the Spirit of the Lord
will come upon him, as it did Gideon (Judges 6:34). We blow a trumpet in
Zion over Gantz, Lord. We sound an alarm on Your holy mountain, and ask You to alert
Gantz and the military when to be armed and ready.
In his work as Vice
Prime Minister, and in his multitude of duties, where his aides will be working
for him in 3 offices in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, we pray that You Lord will put
a hedge around him, his household, and his staff; around everything that is
under his care and responsibility. Bless the work of his hands, and make him
prosper in everything he does. May He take refuge in You, LORD, over trusting
in people. May He seek Your advice above all else!
ANNEXATION IS
BECOMING THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM!
Already there is a disagreement between the settlers and
Netanyahu over annexation. Reports indicate that Israeli settlers believe the
Trump peace deal serves U.S. interests in this way:
The Trump Administration wants to see the deal move forward,
with Israeli annexation set for July, in order to give enough time before U.S.
elections in November. They believe that it gives time for Trump to obtain
political gain in satisfying his Christian and Jewish base in America. Most of
the settlers are opposed to any recognition of a Palestinian state even if it
is demilitarized. But, the U.S. State Department has been sending mixed signals
about Israeli annexation because Jordan has threated mass confrontation with
Israel if Israel claims sovereignty over the Jordan Valley. The Jordan Valley
is non-negotiable for Israel. Leaders here have always considered it a part of
Israel in any future peace deal.
Additionally, if there is annexation by Israel of the West
Bank (Judea and Samaria), it is likely UN countries will petition the UN
Security Council to condemn Israel for it. Only the U.S., which is one of 5
permanent UNSC members would probably use its veto power to overrule any UNSC
resolutions.
*Pray for the Lord to
give wisdom to Israel’s leaders regarding annexation, sovereignty issues,
relations with the U.S., nations in the Middle East region, and relations with
the UN and EU. Pray for peaceful solutions, so Israel does not end up in a
major diplomatic and military conflict over the annexation issue.
We declare, according
to Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for
every activity under the heavens.” And, Lord, we ask for Your timing in this
matter of annexation, in Jesus’ name!
We confess that many
are the plans in a person’s heart, or in the mind of a man, but it is Your
purposes LORD that will prevail! (Proverbs 19:21).
God, we ask you to
thwart any harmful schemes of the nations that would not keep your nation
Israel’s best interest in mind. Thwart the devices of the peoples, O God.
Because, it is Your counsel that stands forever; it is the purposes of Your
heart that governs this world in this generation and to all generations.
You say in your Word,
“I distinguish the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still
to come, saying: ‘My purpose will be
established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’ ”
We remind you, again,
Lord that you have promised a land covenant with Israel – from the Euphrates
River to the Great Sea -- and so we wait for You to perform Your Word, and
bring this about for Israel’s future.
We declare for the
nation of Israel, according to Deuteronomy 12:10: “But, you will cross
the Jordan and settle in the land the LORD your God is giving you as an
inheritance, and He will give you rest from all your enemies around you so that
you will live in safety.”
RELATIONS WITH
ARAB NATIONS ARE IMPROVING:
Israel has been in a diplomatic shift, establishing normal
relations with some Arab nations, especially Gulf countries, though the Foreign
Ministry rarely talks about it, and the media hardly reports about it. However,
the Iranian threat to the Middle East has drawn Arab countries together with
Israel. But, annexation could draw them apart.
DECLARATION:
About Your sovereign
will, Lord, we declare Daniel 2:21: “He changes times and seasons; He
controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning; to those who have
understanding.”
So, Lord we are
thankful that You are improving relations between Israel and its Arab
neighbors. But, we also see that these relationships could change in a moment.
So, we acknowledge that it is You and You alone that gives favor to Israel, and
in this season we ask for even more favor for this nation in this changing Middle
East. Bring stability to the region and bring stability to our nation and our
government, in Yeshua’s name.
COVED-19 AND THE
FUTURE:
While many on the earth are focused on the kingdom of
darkness, reporting and taking note of where the wicked schemes of the enemy
are advancing, we need to remember to keep our eyes on the Lord; to be focused
on the Kingdom of Light. Our priority is the love of God Almighty and His
heavenly purposes. It’s a time of transformation for Israel and the nations. We
can keep an eye on the advancement of the globalist new world order for
intercession purposes. But, there is a balance. What can we really do about
their evil plans except to pray? And, what better way to pray than to keep our
focus on the kingdoms of this world becoming
submitted to the Kingdom of our God
and of His reign forevermore. So, we focus our prayers on the saving grace of
nations; the transformation of souls; and the bringing in of the harvest! Let’s
pray!
PROCLAMATIONS AND
PRAISES TO GOD TO THWART THOSE USING THE PANDEMIC FOR HARM & EVIL GAIN:
2 Peter 1:4:
“And, because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and previous
promises. These are the promise that enable you to share His divine nature and
escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”
Ephesians 4:23-24:
“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes; and, to put on the
new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
2 Peter 3:13:
“But, in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and
a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
2 Corinthians
3:18: “But, we all, with open face beholding as in a glass, the glory of
the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the
Spirit of the Lord.”
Psalm 145:9:
“The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation.”
PROCLAMATION:
Father, from one
generation to another, we speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty. I
will meditate and speak of Your wonderful works; Your mighty miracles. I will
proclaim Your great deeds. I will celebrate Your abundant goodness, and
joyfully sing of Your righteousness. You Lord are gracious and merciful,
abounding in steadfast, unfailing love.
Whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent and praiseworthy – we declare
that we will think on these things, Lord. Your Word promises that the God of
peace will be with us. (Philippians 4:8-9).
We can do all things
through You, Lord, who gives us strength. Your grace is sufficient for us. Your
strength is made perfect in our weakness. We are strengthened with all might,
according to Your glorious power, to endure with all patience and
long-suffering, to walk in joyfulness.
You give power to the
faint, and to them that have no might, You increase strength. We thank you for
the strength for the weary, and the increased power for the weak. (Colossians 1:11; Isaiah 40:29).
For You have been my
refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy. (Psalm 6:3).
The LORD is good, a
stronghold in the day of distress. He cares for those who trust in Him. (Nahum
1:7)
May the mountains
bring peace to the people and the hills bring righteousness. (Psalm 72:3).
Joel 3:16:
“The LORD will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the
heavens will tremble. But, the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a
stronghold for the people of Israel.”
Psalm 61:3:
“For You are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.”
PRAY FOR AMERICA
AND PRESIDENT TRUMP:
In this era of fake news, along with
a fascination with what the enemy is doing to advance the kingdom of darkness
on the earth, there are those who believe that U.S. President Trump is fighting
the globalist agenda, and those who think he is succumbing to it. The point is
that the focus is on him and the controversies surrounding him and his
administration, rather than on the Lord God Almighty. What are God’s plans for
America, and how can we pray into those?
We
pray for President Donald Trump to follow the Lord’s directives, with an extra
amount of grace poured out on him to make right decisions. We ask You God to
bring order in the chaos leading up to the U.S. elections. There are strong
constitutional principles set up by America’s forefathers. May all politicians
respect and honor those principles as law abiding citizens. May the general
public abide by those laws and principles. And, may the people of America be
obedient to the ways of their forefathers to establish a just election in the
coming months, in Yeshua’s name!
We can keep an eye on the controversies
and on Satan’s schemes. But, our main focus must be on the Lord, on His
righteousness, on His Kingdom order, on His holy principles of governing the
earth, with prayers and petitions going before Him for the release of His
governmental order, globally!
Psalm
2:8: “Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for
Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.”