Bless Israel Sunday is an opportunity for you to discover things about God’s faithfulness you may have never known before. 

In this “Pray for Israel” blog series, you’ll find a prayer for Israel along with information to serve as a starting-off point from which to add your own prayers. 

Government in Israel 

Israel has both a president and a prime minister. The prime minister bears the most authority while the president (currently President Reuven Rivlin) serves a mostly ceremonial role. The last election was so close that veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his opponent Benny Gantz agreed to work together with Netanyahu in the lead until mid-term when he will turn the reigns over to Gantz.  

The prime minister has the difficult task of establishing a cabinet of ministers – a “coalition government” – from among members of the Knesset, Israel’s governing body. The Knesset consists of 120 members representing up to 22 political parties.  

Ambassadors and diplomats work through delicate situations between countries. Israeli officials must walk a sensitive line with nations that sometimes oppose them on Israeli-Palestinian matters.  

The United States has the closest relationship with Israel. Canada and Mexico are also strong allies, and Israel has formal diplomatic relations with more than 160 United Nations member states. Recently, in a historic agreement, the United Arab Emirates moved to normalize relations with Israel. Other Arab nations may follow suit. 

Israel borders four nations. Egypt and Jordan maintain peace treaties and full diplomatic relations with her. Egypt often works with Israel on security issues, and Jordan manages the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. To the north are two enemies. Syria wants the Golan Heights back, which would leave Israel vulnerable to attack from the elevated vantage point. If Iran’s activity in Syria were to advance to the border, it could gain direct access to pursue its goal of wiping Israel off the map. Lebanon is volatile, and its terror group Hezbollah seeks Israel’s demise as well.  

Pray for Israel 

God, Your Word says we are to pray for all who are in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives (1 Timothy 2:1‒2). We pray for Israel on behalf of her people. 

Lord, we pray for the prime minister’s office, that You would bless Israel through this most vital leader. We ask that You give both Netanyahu and Gantz great wisdom to lead and protect Israel during these unusual days of partially shared leadership. Stir them to call upon You for guidance, and reveal Yeshua (Jesus) to them. Please strengthen them with integrity, and guard against anything that would interfere with their responsibilities to govern Israel well. Surround them with wise counsel to accomplish Your purposes in the defense and prosperity of the State of Israel. 

Please give each of Israel’s Knesset members wisdom in all matters. Plant in them moral convictions that align with You and Your will. Give them great discernment to perceive the repercussions of decisions – both immediate and long-range. Bring these leaders together – though they come from so many different political ideologies – to lead Israel well.  

Lord, we pray for Israel’s ambassadors and diplomats. Please give them a clear understanding of matters with other countries. Help them to represent Israel well and communicate with a balance of grace and boldness as required. Give them favor with their counterparts among the nations. 

Father, we pray for Israel by asking that You strengthen relationships with her allies. May those who stand with Israel do so firmly and with courage to speak out, supporting her boldly in the United Nations and on the world stage. Bless them for blessing Israel. 

Father, please protect Israel’s borders. Guard and preserve the Golan Heights for Israel. Prevent Iran from gaining access to Israel through Syria. Protect Israel’s border with Lebanon. Please work to maintain and enhance Israel’s relationships with Egypt and Jordan. Please preserve their peace. We pray blessing on Israel and all of her cities, towns and people. We pray blessing on Jerusalem and ask You to bring her peace. 

In Jesus’ name, Lord, we pray for Israel. 

Learn more about Bless Israel Sunday: What is Bless Israel Sunday?

I am writing to ask for your help in meeting the needs of women and children in Israel who are facing great difficulty because of the pandemic and economic challenges that have followed.

Let me start by sharing what the founder of one of the partner organizations we work closely with in Israel told us. I want you to hear his words and his heart.

He said he is “hard-pressed” to remember a time in the last 20 years he’s led the ministry “where the people of Israel were in such need of hope as they are now.”

He said, “Even the many wars Israel has fought cannot match the level of desperation that many families in Israel are experiencing, and it is felt on so many levels — economically, emotionally, spiritually and even physically as the coronavirus continues to take its toll on all parts of society here.”

He shared with us about one single mother who some of his staff members had met because she worked in the same building where the ministry is located.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, she was laid off, leaving her with few options to provide for her children.

Because of your partnership, you are putting food on this mom’s table.

One of the organization’s staff members told us this mom was so grateful, saying “we remembered her when others forgot her.”

This is just one example of what you make possible when you give today. For struggling single moms. For women fleeing domestic abuse. For widows and orphans.

Women and children who are feeling forgotten — but thanks to you they will receive the practical, urgent help they need. And they will experience the love and hope of our Messiah through those who are serving as the hands and feet of Jesus.

You’ll be fulfilling this call to live out our faith found in the Scriptures:

“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world”
(James 1:27).

Your gift today will provide grocery vouchers, shelter for women and children in crisis, spiritual encouragement and support, and more in the name of Jesus.

Because of your love for Israel and the Jewish people, I believe you’ll want to help meet this need and make a life-changing difference for women and children who have nowhere else to turn. Like the single mother who was so grateful for the grocery voucher.

Knowing she can feed her children is like having a heavy burden lifted from her weary shoulders. And knowing someone cares is giving her hope during a difficult season.

I’m praying for your immediate, generous gift today. We must raise $126,000 to come alongside our ministry partners and make sure these women and children know we remember them and we care about them.

For your gift of any amount, we would like to send you our 2021 Jewish Voice Wall Calendar, filled with images to remind you of the wonderful work you make possible through your support.

If you’re able to give $100 or more, we would like to add our Chanukiah. You’ll have your own nine-branched candelabra for Chanukah, designed especially for Jewish Voice partners. We’re offering the Chanukiah to you now so you’ll have time to prepare for your holiday celebration.

Thank you for doing what you can to make sure these women and children are remembered and not forgotten.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well””

Matthew 6:33 NIV

As Sukkot comes to an end, let us continue to recognize God’s provision and pray according to His will. To do this, we must seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of Israel and her people. Just this week, the coronavirus infection rate is beginning to go down – after a few weeks of record-high numbers that forced the country into another lockdown.

Please continue to pray for all of the virus numbers to keep going down – from infection rate to critical patients to deaths. Also, I would ask you to pray for wisdom for Israel’s leaders as they make decisions regarding their exit strategy from the current lockdown.

Another significant news item is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu identifying locations of Hezbollah missile sites in Lebanon in his speech to the United Nations. He also pointed out that the locations of these sites mean the terror group is using citizens as human shields. He appealed to both Israelis and Lebanese people to stand against Hezbollah and Iran.

Please read more information about these news items here.

Netanyahu resists pressure to lift virus restriction

As the coronavirus infection rate appeared to stabilize early this week, many top officials called for easing of restrictions. But Netanyahu resisted pressure and said he would wait until at least 10 days of full lockdown to reassess the situation.

After record numbers of infections the past few weeks, Israel has seen several days of declining numbers of daily confirmed carriers. Health officials have expressed “cautious optimism” that the curve of infection has begun to flatten.

At the same time, the number of seriously ill from the virus continued to climb, reaching 900 on Sunday night, according to The Times of Israel.

“There are those who already say they have ‘cautious optimism’ that the lockdown is starting to work, to flatten the curve,” Netanyahu said in a video released to social media on Sunday.

“I’m more cautious than the cautious. I want to wait at least until 10 days have passed, at least 10 days. That means that decisions on continuing the lockdown after Simchat Torah [which ends October 10] in the evening] will only be made on Thursday,” he said.

Long-term exit from lockdown being discussed

This week the coronavirus cabinet met to discuss the first phases of an exit strategy as the Health Ministry reported a lowering infection rate.

It is still unclear when any exit strategy will begin. The Health Ministry, in consultation with the National Security Council and a team of internal and external health experts presented a tiered plan that contains several steps that could last more than four months.

If at any time the infection rate spikes, the country would wait or revert backwards with restrictions.

Five patients are coronavirus free after clinical trial

After taking part in the first clinical trial of an innovative treatment developed by Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem, five patients were recently discharged coronavirus free, according to The Jerusalem Post.

All five patients had been hospitalized in serious or critical condition.

The drug used in the clinical trial, Allocetra, was developed with the Enlivex Company based on research conducted by Professor Dror Mevorach, director of Hadassah’s Internal Medicine and Coronavirus departments.

Israel Defense Forces identify two alleged Hezbollah missile sites

Last Tuesday evening, the Israel Defense Forces identified two alleged Hezbollah missile sites in Beirut. These are in addition to another site Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed to reveal during an address to the United Nations (UN) earlier that evening.

All three sites are tied to the terror group’s precision-guided missile project, an effort to convert its massive arsenal of simple rockets into highly accurate missiles, according to the military. This presents a far greater challenge to Israel’s air defenses, according to The Times of Israel.

The military also said one of the sites is an underground facility built beneath four seven-story apartment buildings where 70 families live, located east of Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport. A church and medical center are also located nearby.

The second site is also an underground facility below five apartment buildings where 50 families live. A mosque is nearby.

The third site is in one of Beirut’s neighborhoods near civilian homes and adjacent to two gas companies and a gas station.

In his remarks to the UN, Netanyahu warned of the possibility of another catastrophic explosion. He called on the Lebanese people to protest against Hezbollah and its Iranian sponsors.

In UN speech, Netanyahu provides examples of Hezbollah use of human shields

Netanyahu’s address to the UN last Tuesday and associated material released the same day by Israel specifies three detailed examples of Hezbollah’s use of Lebanese citizens as human shields, which is a war crime.

The three locations in which Hezbollah, with help from Iran, has located missile sites are directly under or adjacent to civilians.

The evidence supports imposing sanctions on Hezbollah pursuant to the Sanctioning the Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act, which passed the U.S. Congress unanimously and became law in December 2018.

This latest strong evidence should prompt the Trump administration to act, according to The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington, D.C. based nonpartisan research institute.

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• The coronavirus infection rate to continue the current trend of going down
• Wisdom for Israel’s leaders regarding an exit plan for the lockdown
• Healing and recovery for coronavirus patients and continued success of clinical trials
• Protection for the citizens of Israel and Lebanon regarding the Hezbollah missile sites that have been identified
• Jewish people to recognize as Sukkot comes to an end that Yeshua (Jesus) is God’s ultimate provision for us and accept Jesus as their Messiah

Our Future Dwelling 

“I also heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling of God is among men, and He shall tabernacle among them. They shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them and be their God.’” 

––Revelation 21:3 

When Israel wandered in the wilderness, they lived in temporary housing. God was leading them to the Land He promised to give them. There they would settle in and live in permanent residences. God instituted the Feast of Tabernacles to remind Jewish people throughout their generations of the tents of the temporary homes their ancestors lived in during their sojourn with Him to their real home. 

The apostle Paul wrote that our bodies are merely temporary housing during our sojourn with God on Earth. We dwell with Him now through His Spirit in us, but one day we will enter into the “Promised Land” of Heaven on Earth, our true home, to which God is leading all of human history. 

Our earthly journey includes turmoil, sin, disease, pain and sorrow. But someday, we will live in a world where all of the dark, sour, bent and broken things of this life will be gone. The crooked will be made straight, and all will be good and pure.  

Jesus promised us that He was leaving to prepare a place for us. And He will soon come to complete that preparation so we can experience His fullness in a way we never will in this unredeemed world. No more temporary structures for our souls. We will take up permanent residence in incorruptible bodies just as He has promised us. 

That is our certain future for which we eagerly wait. We abide today in our “tents” with the exciting anticipation of the eternal nature of our future dwelling place. What joy awaits us!  

“For we know that if the tent, our earthly home, is torn down, we have a building from God—a home not made with human hands, eternal in the heavens.” 

––2 Corinthians 5:1 

“But in keeping with His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” 

––2 Peter 3:13 

“In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” 

––John 14:2 

Dwelling with God amid COVID-19 

The threat of COVID-19 will diminish one day, and we will again dwell with God by our side in more familiar lifestyles. Carry with you the things He has taught you during this time of uncertainty, fear, lockdowns and isolation. And never lose sight of the exciting promise of our eternal future when we are wholly at home, dwelling with God in perfect fellowship. Rejoice, for it’s a sure thing! 

Bearing Fruit through Abiding 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for apart from Me, you can do nothing.” 

––John 15:5 

Jewish families often decorate the sukkah in their yard with a harvest theme, representing God’s bountiful provision. Traditional adornments include hanging fruit from the ceiling. This is a fitting illustration of God’s harvest gifts and also of the effects that abiding in God’s presence has on our lives. 

Dwelling with God produces fruit. The fruit of His Spirit grows in us, revealing that we are abiding in God (Galatians 5:22–23). These fruits – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – show the world around us who God is. People see God in us when we bear His fruit. 

This fruit leads to actions that bless others with encouragement, help, wisdom, hope and more. The Bible instructs us to lift one another up, look out for others’ needs and strengthen the weak. God ministers to people through the fruit and gifts of His Spirit given to each of us who believes in Jesus.  

This fruit emerges from abiding in – dwelling with – God. Spend some time reflecting on the joy that comes from making a difference in someone’s life. Consider the privilege of God using you to reflect His goodness and love through the fruit He bears in you. Ask Him how He wants to use you today, and rejoice that His presence with and in you bears beautiful fruit. 

“For he will be like a tree planted by the waters, spreading out its roots by a stream. It has no fear when heat comes, but its leaves will be green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor depart from yielding fruit.” 

––Jeremiah 17:8 

“…bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.” 

––Colossians 1:10b 

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good deeds.” 

––Hebrews 10:24 

Dwelling with God amid COVID-19 

Many of us are working from home during COVID-19’s ongoing concerns. Cities have various restrictions in place, social distancing guidelines and other conditions that are just not normal for us. It can mean that we have less face to face interaction with people outside our homes and families, and maybe fewer opportunities to bear fruit for the Lord in ways we’re used to. But thanks to technology, we can stay connected and continue to lift one another up. COVID inconveniences don’t interfere with one of the most important ways to bless others: through our prayers. So, stay in the Word, keep abiding in God’s presence, and let His fruit flourish in you. 

Abiding in God’s Love 

“Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you. Abide in My love!” 

––John 15:9 

Imagine if you could live in a structure that is made of love itself. It sounds cozy and safe, doesn’t it?  Well, God invites us to take up residence in His love. He wants us to dwell with Him each day within the secure abode of His overflowing love. His love surrounds and shelters us like the walls and roof of a home. 

For we who believe in Jesus the Messiah, our home is with God, and He has made His home in our hearts through His Holy Spirit. We know this is true, yet in our daily experience, we’re still learning to abide in God’s love, to remain and rest in it. We tend to float in and out of it according to how we feel or how faithful we are at walking in His ways. 

However, God’s love is unchanging, and He doesn’t lock us out of the house when we fail. On our worst days, His love and welcome are the same. The truth is, even on our best days, we don’t deserve His love. It is pure grace. He loves us because He is love (1 John 4:8).  

It takes practice to spiritually abide in God’s love as we live in this tangible world that so often accepts or rejects us based on how well we perform. It takes faith – believing and remembering that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35–39) and that He wants us to dwell continuously in that awareness. 

As we make every effort to meditate on, believe and receive God’s love, we learn to make it our dwelling place so that even as we go about the business of daily life, we are abiding at home in His love. During Sukkot, let’s rejoice in His marvelous love and seek to grasp its fullness. 

“Since Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You.” 

––Psalm 63:4 

“So that Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to grasp with all the kedoshim [holy ones] what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Messiah which surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled up with all the fullness of God.” 

––Ephesians 3:17–19 

Dwelling with God amid COVID-19 

During this season, when we’re not spending as much time with others as we used to, we have the opportunity for “stay-cations” with God. Plan some intentional time to focus on God’s love for you. Explore Scriptures about His love, and catalog them as you come across them in your regular Bible reading. Collect them to review often and be encouraged to remain consciously abiding in His love.

“I will bless those who bless you…”

––Genesis 12:3 NKJV

Israel and the Jewish people remain precious to God. Bless Israel Sunday is a special day to engage with God’s heart for His Chosen People. This year, it’s October 25, 2020.

Bless Israel Sunday is an opportunity to encourage your congregation or small group with a deeper understanding of the important place Israel holds in God’s heart while at the same time inspiring a passion for seeing all Israel saved.

Why Bless Israel?

God loves the Jewish people. In the Old Testament, God said they are precious in His sight and the apple of His eye (Isaiah 43:4, Zechariah 2:12). Jesus Himself said that He longed to gather His people to Himself (Matthew 23:37).

Israel remains God’s Chosen People. God made a covenant with Israel, and He is faithful to keep it (Deuteronomy 4:31).

God commands us to pray for Israel.  The Psalms tell us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6). He also told Abraham that He would bless those who bless him. That’s not why we are to bless Israel – to receive a blessing in return – but this crucial verse reveals how pleasing it is to God when individuals bless His Chosen People (Genesis 12:3).

The most significant blessing a Jewish person can receive is salvation through the prophesied Messiah, Jesus. Jewish people need Jesus just like you. There is no other way to salvation (Acts 4:12) for any of us, Jew or Gentile. And the Gospel is not merely “also” for Jewish people. The Gospel is for all people, but, according to Paul, it’s first for the Jewish people (Romans 1:16).

Israel is central to the return of Jesus – and you have a vital role (Mathews 23:39, Romans 11:11).

Why Participate in Bless Israel Sunday

Participating in Bless Israel Sunday will help bring greater awareness to Believers about God’s faithfulness and love for Israel, and that He still has a plan and purpose for Israel. By focusing on this scriptural message, your fellowship will help nurture a love for the Jewish people in the hearts of Believers and the Church as a whole. It may deepen an existing love; for others, it may inspire it for the first time.

It all boils down to this: What matters to God should matter to all of us who belong to Him. As we’ve seen, our blessing Israel with our prayers, support, love and energy is important to God.

How to Participate in Bless Israel Sunday

So, the next big question is how you go about participating in Bless Israel Sunday. Here’s a step-by-step idea for you.

• Pray about talking with your pastor or small group leader about making October 25 your fellowship’s Bless Israel Sunday
• Prepare for the discussion by printing out samples of the free resources available on the Bless Israel Sunday webpage,[JC1] and leave them with your leader
• Plan your Sunday! Your congregation may want to include some or all of the following in your Bless Israel Sunday: sermon related to Israel and the Jewish people, small group lesson, playing (or learning and singing) some Messianic Jewish worship songs, Scripture readings and discussions, praying together for Israel and the Jewish people, organizing a display table for the free resources listed below
• Print copies of the FREE RESOURCES available on the Bless Israel Sunday webpage
  • Scriptures about God’s heart for Israel
  • Bookmarks
  • Ways to Pray for Israel
• Promote Bless Israel Sunday with even MORE FREE RESOURCES. Help spread the word to get others involved in learning about, focusing on and blessing Israel on this special Sunday.
  • Graphics for bulletins and sharing on social media
  • Printable church bulletin inserts
  • Printable posters

More Ways to Bless Israel

Here are some additional ways you can bless Israel.

• Equip. Equip yourself, your church or small group with a growing knowledge of God’s heart for Israel and the Jewish people by spending time in His Word regarding His love and faithfulness toward them
• Pray. Pray for Israel and the Jewish people, for their protection and that they would come to know their Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus)
• Give. Your donation to Jewish Voice Ministries International helps Jewish people in Israel and around the world who are living in need. Through Jewish Voice ministry partners and JVMI Outreaches, your gift will meet physical, medical and spiritual needs
• Go. Join Jewish Voice on an upcoming Outreach where you will be the hands and feet of Yeshua (Jesus) bringing comfort, healing and the Good News to Jewish people and their neighbors

Join us for our weekly blog series, “Pray for Israel on Bless Israel Sunday,” where you’ll find information, ideas and prayers for Israel.

As a friend of Jewish Voice, you know how precious Israel is to God. That’s why we’re excited to invite you and your church to take part in the second annual Bless Israel Sunday this fall.

Bless Israel Sunday

October 25, 2020

Bless Israel Sunday is a special day to engage with God’s heart for His Chosen People. It’s an opportunity to enrich your church with a deeper understanding of the important place Israel holds in God’s heart while at the same time, inspiring a passion for seeing all Israel saved.

Visit our website for free resources to encourage you, your small group, church or congregation. You’ll find:

• Scriptures revealing God’s faithfulness and commitment to Israel
• Ways to pray for Israel
• Printable bookmarks for yourself or to share with family and friends
• Information about how you can bless Israel
• Graphics to share on your social media accounts
• Bulletin inserts and other printable items for your congregation

Check out all the available materials on the Bless Israel Sunday webpage today. Share them with your pastor or leader, and see how you and your fellowship can participate to inspire the Church and bless Israel. YOU will be blessed!