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Prayer for Israel – August

July 31, 2019
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August 17 Prayer for Israel

Border Communities

On all sides, Israel faces people who resent her existence. The Golan Heights in Israel’s northeast is critical to her defense, and Syria wants it back. Syria’s civil war and Iran’s meddling presence there brought fighting dangerously close to the Golan border. Hezbollah in Lebanon to the north and Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip to the south are consumed with eliminating Israel. Israeli communities in these boundary regions are vulnerable to attack tunnels dug under the borders to provide access to harm those living nearby. Tens of thousands of rockets have been fired into Israel from Gaza, and, once the warning sirens sound, Israelis in nearby towns often have less than 60 seconds to find shelter. 

Father, we ask Your protection on the people of Israel’s border communities. Please lead any enemy rockets away from Israeli homes, buildings and public gatherings. Thwart every effort of Israel’s enemies, and reveal to the Israeli military the location of attack tunnels so that they can destroy them. Lord, may the distress of living in these vulnerable border regions of Israel cause residents to seek You for their security and comfort. Be especially near to the children, the elderly and those who are most sensitive to fear and trauma.

 

August 814 Prayer for Israel

Tisha B’Av

Tisha B’Av is a national day of mourning in Israel. The Hebrew words represent the calendar date and mean the 9th day of the Hebrew month Av. Many tragic events have happened to Israel and the Jewish people on this exact date across history. Most prominently, both the first and second Temples were destroyed on the 9th of Av some 600 years apart.

Father, as Israel mourns on Tisha B’Av, we pray that the hearts of the people will be drawn to You. In ages past, the Temple was where You met with Your people. May its absence today incite a deeper hunger and thirst for Your presence in Israeli lives. And while Israel mourns her national tragedies, we know that at any given time, people in Israel may be going through personal tragedies as well. May You bring them comfort and use Messianic Believers to meet their needs so that they will hear the Good News and come to faith in Yeshua (Jesus).

 

August 1521 Prayer for Israel

World Bias against Israel

Over thousands of years, the ugly disease of anti-Semitism has not been cured. It breeds in both outlandish superstitions and careless stereotypes about Jewish people. It lurks in hate-filled organizations and the inexplicable prejudices of otherwise kind-hearted people. It often comes out in misinformed bias against Israel, typically by those who have not taken the time to gaze clearly at the full picture.

Lord, Your people have been mistreated throughout the centuries. We know it’s because the devil hates whom You love. He is the father of lies, and he has not stopped lying about Israel. God, we ask that You tear down the strongholds of anti-Israel bias all over the world. Open hearts and minds to identify prejudicial attitudes having no basis in truth. Stir up compassion for Israel and persecuted Jewish people. Cause people to see the full picture and not merely the story spread by an anti-Israel mindset. May the nations and individuals recognize the truth and identify the lies. Protect Your people, and give them favor in the sight of the world.

 

August 2228 Prayer for Israel

College Students in Israel

College years are a highly impactful period of one’s life. During them, students move out from under their parents’ world views to form their own. They become more aware of social issues, establish political views and often question the faith of their upbringing. Young adults come under the persuasions of authority figures and peers bearing significant influence over developing ideologies.

 

Father, we pray for Israel’s college and university students. These are critical years for them in the formation of their world views. Please protect them from the sway of misguided belief systems, untruths and ideologies that leave You out. Create in them a hunger for truth that will lead them to You and to Yeshua the Messiah. For those students who believe in Yeshua, give them the courage to stand up for their faith and the world views that spring from Your truth. May they not be swayed by lies but make them powerful influencers of others, leading many to You.

 

August 2931 Prayer for Israel

Israel to come to know the Messiah

Among Jewish people, it is often more tolerable to turn to an eastern religion than to Yeshua. Many Jewish people in Israel and around the world have converted to other faiths. It’s clear that they hunger for spirituality and long for a connection to God. Yet their pursuit has led them to false beliefs and away from the only true God – the God of their fathers. 

Lord, we know that there is no other name by which men can be saved other than the name of Yeshua (Acts 4:12). He alone is the bridge to give man access to You and forgiveness for our sin. Create unrest in the hearts of Israel’s Jewish people who have turned from You to other religions. Cause them to see the flaws in their chosen faiths. Prick their spirits about sin, and show them the inadequacies of their new religions. Stir up questions and reveal the emptiness and deficiencies of their faiths, and draw them to Your Word. Bring them to the truth, and open their eyes and hearts to receive You. Bring Messianic Jewish Believers to them who will share the Good News of Yeshua. He is the only remedy for sin, and He alone can save. In His name, we pray. Amen.

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Download this free devotional and discover 9 ways you can pray for Israel and the Jewish people worldwide during these critical times.

The potential for all-out war in Israel continues to escalate

July 19, 2019

The potential for all-out war in Israel continues to escalate

On Friday, the Israeli army strengthened their missile defenses in response to a growing threat of violence from Hamas along the southern border.

The southern Israeli communities are regularly targeted by rockets fired by Gaza terrorist groups – I’ve often shared updates and have asked you to join us in prayer for the safety of the Jewish people in these areas.

Gaza
The 401 armored Brigade operates near the Gaza border | Source: IDF, Flicker

In fact, just last May, we witnessed a major outbreak of violence, as armed terrorist groups fired hundreds of rockets at towns and cities at the border communities.

But the threat on Friday from Hamas comes after the death of one of its members in what can only be described as a tragic misunderstanding and mistake. But even after apologies and explanations of the situation to try and ease the already ripe tension, Hamas has vowed to avenge its member.

“We do not accept the enemy’s apology,” said senior Hamas official Fathi Hamad.

Riots quickly broke out along the Gaza border with over 6,000 protestors screaming for vengeance against Israel.

Late Friday evening, Israel’s warning sirens sounded as two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip. Jewish families and residents immediately sought safety in bomb shelters. I thank God there were no injuries or fatalities from this first strike.

“We do not have the illusion that it is possible to reach a political agreement with this group that wants to wipe the State of Israel off the face of the earth,” Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu shared in response. “Israel is prepared for a large-scale military operation in Gaza.”

Please join us in prayer

We’ll continue to watch and keep you updated on the current situation. But I ask you to join us now in praying for God and His presence to bring His supernatural peace to the tense hostilities.

No amount of talking will help. No compromises. Nothing in the natural world will satisfy the thirst of these terror organizations except the destruction of Israel and her people.

But we know God can do the impossible. And we know He will be faithful to His promises to protect His people.

So please join us in prayer.

  • For God to work in the hearts of Hamas officials, and the leaders of other terror organizations, to turn their intent away from war and violence
  • For God to bring His wisdom and discernment to Israeli officials as they protect their land and their people against attacks
  • For God to protect the Jewish people who are caught in the middle of the violence and crossfire

A Private Miracle

July 09, 2019

Life in rural Zimbabwe requires hard work. Hands-and-knees gardening, fetching the day’s water supply, and washing clothes while bent over a portable tub in the yard ‒ or a rock at the stream ‒ are part of the household regiment. It’s a physical life demanding vigor and health, which is often a challenge when you need a doctor but can’t afford to see one or there aren’t any in your area to see.

zimbabweSo, what do you do when you have a knee injury that hurts so badly you can’t do these chores? Well, life gets even harder.

That’s what happened to one of the patients we saw recently at the Jewish Voice Ministries International (JVMI) Masvingo, Zimbabwe, Medical Outreach. A woman was having such severe knee pain that it was interfering with her many chores. And the demands of this kind of do-it-yourself rural life don’t let up to accommodate sickness or injury. The animals still need tending, the garden needs weeding, meals need making, and all of it requires water that isn’t right there at the turn of a tap. 

The woman came to our Masvingo Medical Clinic looking for relief for her knee. The medical team attended to her with great care and compassion, but they couldn’t resolve her condition. Before leaving the Clinic, she visited the Prayer Tent where Outreach Partners shared the Gospel with her. She did not want to receive Yeshua (Jesus) at the time, but welcomed prayer for her needs. Partners prayed with her asking that God would show her His love for her by healing her knee. Afterward, the woman returned home. 

The next morning, she was astonished to wake up pain-free. As she worked in her garden, unhindered by the affliction that had plagued her for so long, she was overwhelmed. She knew she had to go back to the Clinic and speak to the people who had prayed for her. She returned to the Prayer Tent and told them that she wanted to receive Yeshua. 

For Theo Steinhauer, Spiritual Affairs Manager of Jewish Voice’s Global Outreach department, one of the most powerful things about this miracle is that it happened to the woman at home, privately and apart from the Outreach team. “That way, she knew it was not us,” he said. It was all God, meeting her to tell her that He loves her. She believed, and now, she has new life in Messiah Yeshua.

Hers is one story from among 12,593 lives touched at the JVMI Masvingo Medical Outreach. Thank you for helping make a difference in each one of their lives.

 

Watch the Untold Story of the “Lost Tribes of Israel”

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Mberengwa 2019 Prayer Points

July 05, 2019

Prayer Points

Little did we know when we last ministered in Mberengwa, Zimbabwe, that, moving forward, we would see so much change, so many challenges and ongoing hardship come to this land of the Lemba people. We are grateful for all that the Lord did during that Clinic and in the nearly two years since. But we recognize that the needs there are growing. We’re returning soon to bring humanitarian aid and the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) to the people of Mberengwa.

One constant need – and the most vital – among any people group in any nation is salvation through Yeshua. As we reach out to meet the physical needs of these dear people and their neighbors in Mberengwa, will you pray that the Lord will also meet their deep spiritual needs through divine encounters? May He move in salvation, healing, and deliverance.

Please use this prayer guide to intercede day by day for the many facets of our upcoming Mberengwa Medical Outreach. You can also sign up to cover a specific time slot in prayer. Ask your Bible study, prayer groups and home fellowship to join us as we pray daily over this divine appointment with the Lemba and their neighbors in Mberengwa, Zimbabwe.

 

Zimbabwe

Please pray day by day for:

Wednesday, July 10 – Wednesday, July 17 • Psalm 21:5

  • Wisdom and favor navigating the growing challenges in Zimbabwe due to an escalation of social issues and changes in currency
  • Safety and success for our team members and local partners preparing the way ahead of time at the Clinic and camping sites
  • Spiritual preparation for this Outreach through the prayers of our staff in the U.S., our Prayer Partners around the world, and the local congregational leaders and members in Mberengwa

Thursday, July 18 • Luke 10:2

  • Good health, energy and stamina for our Outreach Partners as they prepare and travel, as well as throughout the week
  • Their awareness that they are answers to our prayers for harvest workers
  • Prepared hearts that have said, "Hineni (hih-NAY-nee) – Here I am!" and operate together in unity and humility so that God will be glorified by the love His children show

Friday, July 19 • Deuteronomy 31:8

  • God to meet with people even as they travel, stirring their faith and understanding for how He desires to be with – and work through – them
  • Good flights, successful connections and safe travel in the air and on land for both passengers and luggage
  • A wonderful first evening of fellowship and celebrating Shabbat together

Saturday, July 20 • Psalm 23:3

  • Successful adjustments to camping accommodations, new types of food, and a new time zone
  • Smooth travel on the rugged rural roads – with no delays or breakdowns
  • Dry, pleasant weather with cloud cover as needed

Sunday, July 21 • Colossians 3:23

  • The Lord to attract local workers who will be honest, diligent and want to hear more about Yeshua
  • A clear morning orientation preparing everyone to immediately work efficiently together during the opening half-day of the Clinic this afternoon
  • All logistics to be in place so the lines and various departments flow smoothly
  • The Lord’s preparation of the people and region to have a hunger for encounters with Him all week long

Monday, July 22 • Psalm 144:1-9

  • Amazing morning worship and prayer times that invite the presence of the Lord and push back the darkness
  • Insight in prayer that stirs faith in the Lord and leads to victories over the enemy's schemes
  • Those under local influences such as witchcraft and Islam to see the amazing truth of Yeshua’s Good News and come from darkness into light

Tuesday, July 23 • Acts 1:8

  • Anointing on the Lemba worship choir as they lead us in praising the Lord all week
  • Excitement, energy and anointing for every team member to be used powerfully by the Lord as they serve, faithfully giving themselves away for others
  • The Lemba congregational leaders and Outreach prayer team ministering through prayer and sharing Yeshua and for many to visit the Prayer Tent and receive healing, deliverance and – most of all – salvation

Wednesday, July 24 • Acts 2:39

  • The Zehra Kids Program to minister to many, many children and impact their families with the love of Yeshua
  • A special grace upon the indigenous leaders God is raising up in this area
  • Effective training in the water education area where people receive LifeStraws®, learn how to use them, and find out about the dangers in contaminated water
  • Many opportunities and much freedom for our volunteer partners to treat people medically and care for them spiritually

Thursday, July 25 • Romans 15:7

  • The Lemba people to continue to receive Yeshua, be built up in their faith, and grow in walking out their priestly identity
  • Ongoing favor and excellent relationships with the Lemba leaders, both tribal and congregational
  • God’s help and grace upon the nation and people of Zimbabwe, and His Spirit moving with power through the Believers in the land, including the Lemba

Friday, July 26 • Psalm 118:5

  • The ability to end the week well and see as many patients as possible on this last, half-day of medical care
  • God to meet with and touch each person who comes for care. Whether or not we are able to treat them, we know God sees them
  • Safe tear-down of the Clinic and camping sites and a joyous Shabbat celebrating all the Lord has done

Saturday, July 27 • Philippians 2:1-2

  • A restful day of unwinding, enjoying time with the Lord and fun fellowship with each other as the team spends the morning in Zimbabwe’s capital city, Harare
  • Time for reflection on all God has done, and hearts prepared to give testimony of His goodness upon returning home

Sunday, July 28 • Galatians 6:9

  • Blessing and effectiveness for the local Lemba Believers, and the leaders who will reach out to those requesting a follow-up visit after the Outreach
  • A positive reception of the discipleship booklets that will be given out, that each recipient will understand and gladly embrace the material
  • Help for our team members who remain a few extra days as they tie up loose ends from the Outreach
  • Safe travel home and a peaceful, healthy, energized re-entry into everyday life

Let’s pray:

Father, since we were last in Mberengwa, babies have been born, people have died, and the Lemba and their neighbors have experienced new hardship. May our visit there bring fresh hope and real blessing. We are willing, but we cannot do this apart from You. Not by our might, not by our power, but by Your Spirit, Lord, would You reveal Yourself to the Lemba. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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