Sites of three religions in Jerusalem: Jewish Temple Mount and Muslim Dome of the Rock with a Christian church in the background
Did you know that there are about 13 Hebrew or Aramaic words for “prayer” in the Tanakh (Old Testament)? Two of the most common are palal, used over 70 times for pray, and tephillah, also used over 70 times for prayer, including in the titles of many of the Psalms (e.g., “A Psalm of David”).
However, in one of the most quoted verses about Jerusalem in all of Scripture, Psalm 122:6, the word translated pray is not one of the most common Hebrew words for prayer. In fact, it isn’t on the list of 13 at all. It doesn’t even really mean pray. More accurately, it means to “inquire” or “ask about.”
God’s desire is not for us to mechanically include Jerusalem on our prayer list, but rather that we would know, inquire, ask and care about this city in Israel that He calls the City of God. He wants us to know Jerusalem and how she is doing – not just the headlines but the heartbeat – as He does.
Some of us may live in Jerusalem, and have a very personal experience of this epicenter of spiritual and historical significance. Others of us may visit, gaining personal insight through our tours and travels there. Still others of us may go deep into research and study seeking to understand its impact in Bible Times as well as the End Times.
However, it is very powerful when we are able to get to know a person or place by listening to someone who loves them and tells us all about them. Jerusalem is no exception. One of the very best ways to inquire about Jerusalem – to truly learn the heartbeat of this great city – is by listening to God’s heart for her in His Word. Ask Him to impart His love for this place and the People to you. Inquire with the Father about Jerusalem, and then based on what He reveals to you about His purposes, dealings and future plans for her, you will be well equipped to inquire to the Father on her behalf through prayer.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem . . .—Psalm 122:6
