December 2016 Thursday 1 December
Thank God that recently Shin Bet - the Israeli security service, was able to prevent a terror attack in Haifa in the north of Israel. During the same period an attack in Jerusalem was prevented as well. Continue to pray that Israel will dwell in safety.
Friday 2 December
The Russian navy is expanding its activities in Syria considerably. This makes it even more complicated for Israel to control the terrorist movement Hamas. Pray for safety in the north of Israel; pray for the soldiers at the border and for the inhabitants.
Saturday 3 December Sabbath
A special Psalm fragment for praying for Israel is Psalm 57:2-3 “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfils His purpose for me; He sends from heaven and saves me.”
Sunday 4 December
On this second Sunday of Advent we read Isaiah 30:19: “O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more; How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you.” We may love the Jewish people and together with them eagerly wait for Him, who comes to make all things new. Maranatha!
Monday 5 December
At the end of November Israel was struck by fires. Some of the fires occurred naturally, others were arson attacks. Hundreds of acres went up in flames, nature sanctuaries and houses. Pray for Israel that they overcome this difficult situation.
Tuesday 6 December
In spite of attempts by the USA and, for instance, Germany, to persuade Iran to take a different attitude towards the State of Israel, Iran maintains its implacable attitude. Pray that the Lord will break this enmity.
Wednesday 7 December
Last year there was a lecture by Michael Freund from Israel, who is responsible for the Aliyah of Jews from India, on behalf of ‘Shavei Israel’. He said that two statements in Isaiah 43 signify a new phase in the expectation of Messiah. Verse 5 “Do not be afraid…” and verse 6 “I will say to the north: ‘’give them up’, and to the south: ‘do not hold them back!’” Give thanks for the fact that God speaks from His Word, to His people and to all nations.
Thursday 8 December
Pray for protection for the Jews in Venezuela. The country is down and out politically and economically, and in the present chaos Jews are the likely scapegoat. Out of thirty thousand Jews who once lived there, nine thousand remain. It is remarkable that all over the world many situations arise, that cause Jews to leave and make Aliyah to Israel.
Friday 9 December
Michael Freund’s favorite verse for understanding our time is Isaiah 54:7: “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back.” ‘For a brief time’ is written in the past tense, but ‘with deep compassion’ is written in the present tense. Thank God for His Word. .
Saturday 10 December Sabbath
Thank God, that last year according to the Jewish calendar, 27,936 Jews made Aliyah to Israel. From Russia 7,154 arrived, from Ukraine 7,104, from France 5,239, and from the USA 3,010. Jews also arrived from countries like UK, Canada, Netherlands and India. Pray for a quick integration in Israeli society.
Sunday 11 December
On this third Sunday of Advent we read another classical Advent scripture: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Especially in this busy month with its holidays, we should not forget this command. We can rejoice in the birth of Jesus Messiah, who has come for the Jewish people and for all other nations.
Monday 12 December
Pray for safety and protection for the Jewish people all over the world. Especially in countries with social unrest they are readily accused of many things and no longer feel safe. Pray that as Christians we will stand up for them, also in our own country.
Tuesday 13 December
Pray for the workers of Christians for Israel worldwide. Thanks to your prayers and gifts we are able to do this work and make a difference for the Jewish people. After so many centuries of misunderstanding and estrangement from the Christian side, we can now show through our actions that we want to stand with them.
Wednesday 14 December
Now that UNESCO, a branch of the United Nations, recently adopted a resolution which denies any connection between world Jewry and the City of Jerusalem, we can expect more of this kind of nonsense. Pray that there will be a change, and that we as Christians will oppose such things on the basis of God’s Word.
Thursday 15 December
The evangelist Mark describes it very clearly: “Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the Temple.” (Mark 11:11) Pray that the Churches will wake up and dare to stand for the truth of God’s Word. Take the opportunity to speak to your pastor or minister about this.
Friday 16 December
If, as UNESCO says, there never was a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, the Old Testament is incorrect. But the New Testament as well! The history of the Jewish people is being falsified and the honor of the Lord Jesus injured. Pray for forgiveness for the fact, that as Churches and Christians we allow more and more adverse things to happen and God’s Word to be belittled.
Saturday 17 December Sabbath
Remember what is put into motion by the return of the Jewish people to God’s land: the return of Messiah. Thank God, that we may live in this time of fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Pray that we will look out for the coming of Jesus and will be worthy of meeting Him.
Sunday 18 December
On this fourth Sunday of Advent we read another verse from Isaiah: “The glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:5) Jesus came forth from the Jewish people. Isaiah prophesied about this and we may see it, thank for it and live by it.
Monday 19 December
Now that Russia is exerting more and more influence in the Middle East, the outlines of Ezekiel 38 and 39 are beginning to show. Here a coalition of nations is described, who eventually will turn against Israel together. Including Magog (southern part of the former Soviet Union), Rosh (Russia), Persia (Iran), Cush (Sudan) and Put (Libya). Pray that we will understand the prophetic word correctly, and based on that intercede in the right manner.
Tuesday 20 December
Especially concerning Israel more and more falsification of history is taking place. Pray that as Christians we will not only pray for Israel, but also speak out for Israel wherever possible. Write to a (Christian) political party or broadcasting organization, and to you pastor or other Church leaders.
Wednesday 21 December
We can stand with Israel, love them and speak out for them powerfully: “Come, o house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord!” (Isaiah 2:5).
Thursday 22 December
Thank God for the international work of ‘Christians for Israel’. The English language newspaper ‘Israel & Christians Today’ is published in Australia, eastern Africa, NewZealand, southeast Asia, the United States, central and west Africa, England and other countries in Europe.
Friday 23 December
Saturday 24 December Sabbath
Today in Israel at the beginning of the evening the first Hanukkah candle is lit. As Christians we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World. Give thanks, that we may respect this Jewish festival and realize that Jesus was born as a Jew.
Sunday 25 December
Give thanks for the miracle described by the evangelist Luke, as the shepherds, frightened by the host of angels, suddenly are told: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10-11)
Monday 26 December
Pray that the many tens of thousands of pilgrims, who travel around Israel because of Christmas, will realize that it is a miracle to witness the restoration of Israel. The encounter with Jews from all corners of the earth, the land that is cultivated and produces plenty of food, and Tanakh being read and appreciated more and more. Give thanks to God, that Israel is a light to the nations.
Tuesday 27 December
In this busy month with its holidays it is difficult to free up time for your devotions with God and prayer for Israel. Do it in a practical way, by spending less time following the news, or by making a prayer walk.
Wednesday 28 December
The fifth light on the Hanukkah candelabra will be lit tonight. Am Yisrael Khai: the Jewish people live!
Thursday 29 December
Until her death Wiesje de Lange from Israel was a speaker for Christians for Israel. She would often say that every second of the day, all through the year someone in this world would be telling an anti-Jewish lie. Pray that the Lord will shut up these lying tongues, and that these lies will be exposed.
Friday 30 December
The chief rabbi of Moscow Panchas Goldschmidt has said that “the situation of Jews in Europe is like there are two trains heading for them. One train is radical Islam and Islamic terror, the other train is the old European anti-Semitism of the extreme right wing.” Pray for safety and protection for the Jews in Europe, and that we as Christians will stand up for them.
Saturday 31 December Sabbath
The year 2015 we concluded with the call from Joel 2:17: “Spare your people, o Lord!” Last year’s events have shown that this call to Him is more relevant now than ever. So at the end of this year we may once again make the resolve to pray for Israel daily in the coming year. Be encouraged.
Praying for Israel means setting apart time regularly to spend with your heavenly Father. That is: being with Him, enjoying this, and learning to listen to Him. “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” (Luke 6:12)
January 2017 Sunday 1 January
On this first day of the new year we may pray and make the resolve to do what the apostle Paul writes to us: “I have written [both my letters] as reminders to stimulate you… I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets…” (2 Peter 3:1,2a).
Monday 2 January
Pray for the former Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Guterres, who will succeed Ban Ki-Moon today as secretary-general of the United Nations. Pray that he will be able to change the way countries vote in the UN and in connected organizations regarding Israel.
Tuesday 3 January
Continue to pray for the population in the south of Israel, and for protection at the borders. Hamas from Gaza and other terroristic organizations from the Sinai peninsula pose a constant threat. Pray for consolation and healing for those inhabitants, who are traumatized because of the many rockets that strike.
Wednesday 4 January
The anti-Israeli BDS-movement (Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions) is, fortunately, having a hard time. Besides banks in countries like England, Austria, Germany and France, also the Bank of Ireland has decided to close the BDS movement’s account. Give thanks for this, and pray that more and more banks and organizations will take such steps.
Thursday 5 January
Thank God, that Israel’s produce of wine is well-known all over the world, and likewise its culture of vegetables and fruit, like tomatoes, citrus, pomegranates and avocados. This is a fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel 34:29 and 36:8,9.
Friday 6 January
Because of the influence of Iran in several terrorist movements (logistically, with arms and money) this country is at Israel’s borders from all sides. Instead of attacking by themselves, they threaten Israel in this way. Pray that these powers of evil will be broken.
Saturday 7 January Sabbath
A preacher once said, that just one Christian together with God already form a majority. This is very true, considering that only a fraction of the Christians is standing in the gap for Israel, yet the Lord God reaches His goals. Thank God for the restoration of Israel in our time and for the reliability of God’s Word.
Sunday 8 January
The denial of the connection between the City of Jerusalem and world Jewry by UNESCO gives us a reason to re-read Psalm 2 and to thank God for His prophetic Word. “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” (verse 4)
Monday 9 January
Pray for the Messianic Jews and Christian Arabs in Israel, for unity and strength, and that they will carry a shining testimony of who Jesus is. Thank God for the protection of these minorities by the Israeli government.
Tuesday 10 January
The spiritual armor from Ephesians 6 is often used in prayer. Also use this armor in intercession for Israel, to be able to quench the burning arrows of the enemy.
Wednesday 11 January
The minister of housing in Israel Yoav Galant signed a covenant with 15 Arab communities to build 30,000 houses. He said: “A country that expects loyalty must create equality.” Thank God for this.
Thursday 12 January
Give thanks for the fact that hospitals in the north of Israel have treated more than 2,000 wounded from Syria. Israeli doctor Harari expressed that it does not matter to him where someone comes from, but that everybody will be treated equally.
Friday 13 January
Thank God, that on request of the Israeli government Facebook removed many offensive posts. Pray that Facebook, but YouTube as well, will continue to remove posts that stimulate hate against Israel.
Saturday 14 January Sabbath
Read Genesis 28:10-22, the history of Jacob in Bethel. Pray and thank for Israel on the basis of verse 15: 1)“I am with you…” 2) “…and will watch over you wherever you go;” 3) “…and I will bring you back to this land.“ 4) “I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Sunday 15 January
Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East, who groan under the yoke of Islam. For we are one body! (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
Monday 16 January
Pray and give thanks for the international prayer conference that will be held in Israel this month for the 33th time. Intercessors from all over the world will gather to pray for Israel, centering around the theme ‘A land that the Lord our God cares for forever.’
Tuesday 17 January
The battle of creeds in Islam between Saudi-Arabia (Sunnite) and Iran (Shiite) dominates the situation in the Middle East more and more. Likewise, the antagonism between the politics of Russia (the East) and the United States (the West). Pray that the leaders of Israel will seek and find wisdom in Tanakh and turn to God for help.
Wednesday 18 January
In 2005 Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip. Now this area is forbidden territory for Jews. The same will happen when Israel will be forced to withdraw from Judea and Samaria and East-Jerusalem. Can you imagine? The Wailing Wall and the Mount of Olives without Jews, just like today in Bethlehem, Bethel, Shiloh and Hebron? Therefore pray that Biblical territory will be preserved in the hands of Israel.
Thursday 19 January
Over 1.5 million Arabs live in Israel. Recently president Abbas of the Palestinian Authority repeated his statement, that in a future Palestinian State no Israeli will ever set foot. Speaking about Apartheid! Pray that the eyes of the world will be opened to this intention.
Friday 20 January
Pray that the plans of satan against Israel will be thwarted, and that God will deploy His guard of angels around Israel.
Saturday 21 January Sabbath
Bart Repko has been living in Israel for many years and every day takes intercessor to walk across the walls of Jerusalem. He urges people with Isaiah 62:6-7 and the words: “Wake up, be serious about your prayers for Israel!” Do not be lulled to sleep by the seemingly nice words from many politicians or theologians.
Sunday 22 January
Pray for the speakers and teachers who speak on behalf of Christians for Israel all over the world about the restoration of Israel, the signs of the times and the return of the Jesus.
Monday 23 January
Please pray for the 154 young people who were brought to Israel from Ukraine by Christians for Israel just this past September. It is a privilege to take part in the fulfillment of a prophecy from Isaiah: “Nations will take them and bring them to their own place.” (Isaiah 14:2).
Tuesday 24 January
Thank God for the distribution of tulip bulbs from Holland during the 19th Tulip trip in Israel. The bulbs will be planted, and when they come out in spring it will produce a lot of joy, thankfulness and love towards the communities.
Wednesday 25 January
Pray and give thanks for the many Druze living in the north of Israel. Most of them are loyal to Israel. Therefore, many young Druze serve in the Israeli army. They are blamed for this by the Arabs, many of whom also live in the north of Israel.
Thursday 26 January
Anti-Semitism is still rampant worldwide in many forms. Sometimes Jews are called names or assaulted on the streets. Sometimes through a newspaper article. Pray that this will stop.
Friday 27 January
Praying for Israel is not always so easy – also in view of what is happening in surrounding countries, especially Egypt, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq or Yemen. The Middle East is on fire and nobody knows how to quench this fire. Give thanks and experience what the Psalmist writes: “O sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle…” (Psalm 140:7)
Saturday 28 January Sabbath
Thank God for the many speaking engagements which Rev. Willem Glashouwer, Andrew Tucker and others could fulfill last year in many countries all over the world on behalf of Christians for Israel International. Pray for their travels this year.
Sunday 29 January
In view of the growing unrest in the world we may pray: “Lord, come quickly, we long for You. We long for peace. Peace for Your people Israel.”
Monday 30 January
Give thanks that last year the UK decided to reduce the subsidy for Palestinian officials, after it was discovered that part of this money was used for paying Palestinian terrorists. Pray that the stream of money flowing to terrorists or their surviving relatives will be discovered and stopped, in this way contending with terror against Israel.
Tuesday 31 January
Pray for your Europe, now that Islamic terror is present there. Fear and intimidation can no longer be ignored in our societies, just like increasingly strict security measures. Something Israel has been familiar with for years.