I'm bringing you this urgent call to pray with us for the serious situation in Israel.

Saturday 7th October, there was a surprise early morning cross-border attack by Hamas militants on Southern Israel. Palestinian militant group Hamas breached the border fence and sent in fighters by land and some by motorised hang-gliders under the cover of an unprecedented barrage of 2,500+ rockets. Some rockets reached as far as Tel Aviv. A hospital, a synagogue and homes have been hit.

This is reported to have caught the Israeli military 'off guard'. 350 Israeli civilian lives have been lost, 1,500 wounded and dozens have been taken hostage by Hamas. The Israeli army are actively restoring order in 20+ settlements that the terror group had infiltrated.

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu declared "We are in a war". He ordered strikes on Gaza and called for an "extensive reserve mobilization" as the nation responds to the unprecedented incursion."

The Israeli military retaliation started with pin-point targeted bombings on Hamas infrastructure and is gearing up to invade Gaza. Medical sources say there have been 232 Palestinians killed and more than 1,000 wounded.

I am sure that we are all praying for peace at this time (Psalm 122). Here are a few prayer pointers that I trust will help guide your intercessions:

Watch this Video

Firstly, by way of scene setting, I would invite you to watch this short video message that I recorded near Christ Church, Jerusalem, at Pentecost 2023.

Psalm 126 says that those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy. I have a strong sense that this situation will require desperate prayer for a breakthrough. I believe that we need to weep with God's heart in order to reap a harvest.

From Rick Ridings

Focusing on the situation on the ground... we hear from Rick Ridings, who leads Succat Hallel - a 24/7 house of prayer that overlooks Temple Mount, Jerusalem:

1. The Lord had given me a strong word for this season, that we are to pray to ‘contain and restrain' regional conflicts so that they do not escalate into a premature World War 3 that would greatly hinder the Great Harvest. So pray that this situation will be 'contained and restrained', especially that Hezbollah will not join in on the conflict and start firing rockets upon the North of Israel; that Israeli Arabs will not continue to join in with isolated attacks on individuals, etc. Pray for great wisdom for the military and governmental leaders
2. Pray protection in a special way over the most vulnerable areas close to Gaza. We have a good friend who pastors a messianic Jewish community in Sderot, where some of the hostages were taken. Pray protection for them. Pray for miraculous rescues of hostages that were taken by Hamas.  
3. Pray also for Succat Hallel for protection over the watches, and for the watchmen coming and going. The voices of opposition are literally in our streets. Pray that the Lord will give us both courage and wisdom. Heidi Baker had been scheduled to minister to our Jewish and Arab youth, but had to cancel so she could stay close to the students she has here at this time.

Prayer Pointers

1. Pray for Peace and Protection (Psalm 91:1-2)
Pray for the people of Israel and Gaza, that God will grant them His divine protection and bring peace to this troubled region. Shield them with your wings, O Lord, and keep them safe in your refuge. Comfort those who have lost loved ones.

2. Prayer for the Hostages (Psalm 34:17)
Lord, we lift up the hostages, including women and children, being held in Gaza. We ask for their safe release and that you comfort them in their distress.

3. Prayer for Leaders' Wisdom (James 1:5)
Heavenly Father, grant wisdom and discernment to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and all leaders involved in making decisions during this challenging time. May they seek your guidance in every step.

4. Prayer for Civilians in Gaza (Psalm 46:1)
We pray for the innocent civilians in Gaza who are suffering. Have mercy on them and provide for their needs.

5. Prayer for an End to Violence (Matthew 5:9)
Prince of Peace, we cry out for an end to the violence and bloodshed. Bring about reconciliation and understanding among conflicting peoples. May your peace prevail.

6. International Leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
We pray for world leaders, including President Joe Biden and leaders in the Middle East. May they work towards a peaceful resolution and support efforts to bring an end to this conflict.

7. Prayer for Healing and Unity (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Heavenly Father, we humble ourselves and seek your face. Heal the land, bring unity among people, and let your love shine through even in the darkest of times. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer Initiatives in Jerusalem

 IPC is aware of significant prayer initiatives taking place in Israel at this time. Pray for the safety and protection of all of those taking part as well as insight and wisdom for them as they intercede.

More info:

For more background and briefing on the situation see:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/palestinian-group-hamas-launches-surprise-attack-on-israel-what-to-know

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/2023-10-07/live-updates-762053

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-middle-east-67037895

https://t.me/s/beholdisraelchannel

It's a serious situation, but King Jesus is also right there and seated on the throne. 

Our Worship, Praise and intercession are powerful - to drive back the enemy and see the Kingdom of God take ground even through these shakings.

Thank you for partnering with us in prayer for the nations - ‘Exalting Jesus, catalysing united prayer across nations, denominations, movements, and generations for the fulfilment of the Great Commission.'

Every blessing,

Dr Jason Hubbard - Director
International Prayer Connect