Praying for Israel and Palestine

PLEASE PRAY FOR

ISRAEL AND THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

SUMMARY: The United Nations will be voting on a resolution to grant Palestine (the West Bank and the Gaza Strip) statehood on September 20, 2011.  As the vote approaches, violence against Israel is on the rise.  On a single day in August 2011, terrorists armed with bombs and guns attacked buses, cars and army patrols, killing seven.   Terrorists fired more than 80 rockets into Israel the weekend of August 20 and 21.  These attacks have been ongoing with dozens of missiles hitting Israel each day.  In response, Israel began air raids, bombing targets in the Gaza Strip.

On September 20, the United Nations General Assembly will vote on whether or not to allow the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to become member nations. Leaders in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip hope this will force Israel to withdraw their citizens from settlements in these areas.

Even if the vote is in favor of membership for the territories, it could still be vetoed by the UN Security Council.

"We want to generate pressure on Israel to make it feel isolated and help it understand that there can be no talks without a stop to settlements," said a Fatah (Palestinian Authority) representative. In April 2011, Fatah (in control of the West Bank) and terrorist group Hamas (in control of the Gaza Strip) signed an agreement to form an interim government. Both groups refuse to recognize Israel as a nation and have vowed to destroy it.

"We are facing a diplomatic-political tsunami that the majority of the public is unaware of," stated Israel's defense minister, Ehud Barak. "It is a very dangerous situation."

With the vote quickly approaching, terrorist suicide bomb and gun attacks are on the rise. On August 18, seven people were killed by terrorists when they breached Israel's border with Egypt.

Officials in Israel are concerned the terrorists are taking advantage of the turmoil in Egypt. The terrorist attacks and Israel's response - which resulted in at least 14 deaths in the Gaza Strip and also the deaths of three Egyptian soldiers - has some worried that a new war with Egypt could be brewing.

A Western leader noted that the latest attacks were barbaric, but "must not be viewed in isolation. It is part of a long-term threat to Israeli civilians by determined terrorists."

PRAY FOR:

- Christians globally to understand that the most important resolution is for everyone in the land to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God. Pray for the will of the King of all nations to be done. (The Bible, Jeremiah 10:7)

- Messianic Jews and Christian Palestinians to serve the Lord together and intercede for this region. Ask the Lord to use them to lead the way in bringing His love and reconciliation to the land. (The Bible, II Corinthians 5:18)

- the Lord of hosts to do battle with Israel's enemies. Pray for God to give His angels charge over this region, protecting innocent civilian Israelis and Palestinians. (The Bible, Psalm 24:10; Psalm 91:11)

- intercessors to continue in prayer for everyone in the Middle East, knowing that Jesus Christ loves the Jews, the Palestinians, and people of all nationalities. (The Bible, Colossians 4:2; Romans 3:22)

- Jehovah Gibbor to defend Israel. Petition the Lord to draw out His spear and put a stop to the demonic forces trying to ignite a war. Pray for the healing of wounds created when Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar chose not to wait for God's seed of promise. (The Bible, Isaiah 42:13; Genesis 16:1-4)

- all attempts by demonic forces to attack, harm, or destabilize the Middle East to fail. (The Bible, Psalm 20:1; Psalm 7:9)

- the members of the United Nations to recognize that Hamas is a terrorist group and see that Fatah has terrorist links. (The Bible, Psalm 9:17 and Mark 4:22)

- the Lord to give leaders in Israel wisdom and strategies for defending their borders. Ask Him to send warring angels to protect Israel. (The Bible, Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 91:11)

- the salvation of all Israelis and Palestinians. Pray for them to recognize Jesus Christ as their Savior, Lord, and the Son of God. (The Bible, I Timothy 2:4)

- peace in the Middle East. Petition the Lord to expose and bring to justice all who are involved in terrorism, no matter their nationality. (The Bible, Psalm 103:6)

- the international community to stand for Israel's sovereignty. Petition the Lord for a peaceful resolution of the settlement issue. (The Bible, Psalm 58:3)

- the Kingdom of God to come to the Middle East in power. Pray for a great harvest of souls in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. (The Bible, I Corinthians 4:20; John 4:35)

SOURCES: USA Today, Middle East News, Reuters, The Bible