HOW TO PRAY FOR ISRAEL & PALESTINE
Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,
who plan evil things in their heart
and stir up wars continually. (Psalm 140:1–2)
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.
Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;
the upright shall dwell in your presence. (Psalm 140:12–13)
Points of Prayer
God's Presence and Comfort (Psalm 34:18): Pray for God’s comforting presence to surround the hearts of those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. Pray that He would be their refuge and draw near to the brokenhearted, as His Word promises. (The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. –Psalm 34:18)
Peace in the Midst of Suffering (Psalm 46:1-3): Pray that God who is our fortress and strength may grant the people of Israel His peace that surpasses all understanding, even in the midst of chaos and violence. May they find refuge in Him. (God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. –Psalm 46:1)
Prayer for Healing (Psalm 147:3): Lift up the wounded and traumatized, asking for God’s healing to mend their physical and emotional wounds. Ask that He bring restoration and wholeness to their lives. (He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
–Psalm 147:3)
Justice and Protection (Psalm 9:9-10): Cry out for justice for the innocent lives lost. Pray that God’s justice will prevail and that He protects those who are vulnerable from further harm. (The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in 9mes of trouble. – Psalm 9:9)
Unity and Reconciliation (Psalm 133:1): Pray for unity among the diverse people of Israel, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian alike. Pray they find strength in their shared humanity and work together for peace and reconciliation. (Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! –Psalm 133:1)
Hope and Trust in God (Psalm 62:5-8): Pray that the Jewish people place their trust in God during this tragedy. Pray that God helps the people of Israel fix their eyes on Him and find hope in God’s unfailing love. (On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. –Psalm 62:7)
Deliverance from Fear (Psalm 34:4): Pray God frees the hearts of the people from the grip of fear and anxiety. Pray that God lets them know that He is with them, protecting and guiding them. (I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. –Psalm 34:4)
Prayer for Leaders (Psalm 72:1-4): Pray that God will grant wisdom, discernment, and compassion to the leaders of Israel as they navigate this crisis. Ask that God would help them work towards justice, peace, and the security of their people. (May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor! –Psalm 72:4)
Comfort for Mourning (Psalm 30:11-12): Pray that God will comfort the people of Israel as they mourn and that He will give them hope in the midst of suffering. (You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness Psalm 30:11)
Strength to Endure (Psalm 18:2): Pray that God would be Israel’s rock, fortress, and deliverer. Pray that He will strengthen the hearts of the people of Israel to endure and persevere through this difficult time. (I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. –Psalm 18:1–2)
Topics for Prayer:
Protection for Civilians: Pray for the protection and safety of innocent civilians caught in the conflict, especially the children, women, and elderly.
Comfort for the Brokenhearted: Pray for the families who have lost loved ones. May God's comfort and presence be with them during this time of grief and loss.
Healing for the Injured: Lift up those who have been injured in the violence, asking for their physical and emotional healing and for access to the medical care they need.
Wisdom for Leaders: Pray for wisdom and discernment for political leaders and decision-makers in Israel as they determine the appropriate response to bring about a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
Hope for the Captive: Pray for God’s peace to surround the Israeli citizens who are being held captive by terrorist groups in Gaza City and for their safe return.
Humanitarian Aid and Assistance: Pray for the swift and effective delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need, including food, shelter, and medical supplies.
Hope for the Future: Pray for a hopeful and brighter future for the people of Israel so that they may rebuild their lives and communities with a sense of security and optimism.
Dr. Luke Bray