Pray for Israel 20 November 2012 Israel Launches Operation Pillar of Defense Against Hamas After over 7 years of the almost incessant firing of rockets into southern Israeli cities, repeatedly targeting innocent citizens, particularly school children, and over 800 rockets in the last 11 months alone, Israel finally responded by killing the Hamas military chief, Achmed Jabari, thereby initiating Operation Pillar of Defense against the world-recognized terrorist organization Hamas. Since the beginning of the operation, Hamas has continued to launch hundreds of rockets into southern Israel, and a few Iranian-sourced [the Fajr 5] missiles into Tel Aviv and even the outskirts of Jerusalem. As of the writing of this document on 20 November, over 50 rockets have hit southern Israel just this morning. By God s grace, there has been minimal damage and loss of life. No one should expect Israel to have to endure this. No other country would. Israel s incredibly long period of restraint has been at the cost of the mental health of many of her citizens in the south of Israel, particularly children, who have had to spend long hours and days in bomb shelters, let alone having to react in a few seconds notice to run to, hopefully, nearby bomb shelters. This is not the kind of life our Father intended for His children when He brought them back to their land. No one wants to see the innocents on either side suffer, but the Hamas terrorists are known to use innocents, specifically women and children, to protect themselves. They hole up in civilian apartment buildings. The IDF has warned the civilians to leave their homes so that they will not be harmed. But, Israel has also made it clear that if the bombing does not stop, they are ready to launch a ground operation. While no one wants war for all the obvious reasons, Israel must defend her citizens right to a peaceful life. After endless fruitless attempts at negotiation with people who repeatedly state very clearly that they want to annihilate us, there are times when a defensive attack is simply the only thing to do to stop the pernicious terrorism.
So, as often directed by God in Biblical times, once again we have to go to war to stop our enemies from trying to destroy us. Thus, we pray for God s very clear leading and direction during this time. Israel s Leaders Please be praying for the leaders of Israel, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu. Please keep him in prayer that he not allow himself to be influenced in any way by any opposition to his standing according to Scriptural principles, will be prevented by God from compromising in any way that would jeopardize Israel, will be given Divine wisdom and discernment, as well as God s vision and strategy as to how to proceed in leading Israel, and that he will listen to it and follow it, and come to a greater understanding that his position is Godgiven and seek a committed relationship with the Giver. It is critically important that the leadership of Israel act in one accord. Please pray that PM Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak will be in unity of purpose in seeking what it the best for Israel and her citizens. Ask God to speak to them directly and reveal Himself and His vision and purposes for Israel. Pray that the leaders seek God s counsel and His strategy for accomplishing what needs to be accomplished with this operation of defense, do not allow any thoughts of political gain to impact their decisions, would be ruled by doing what is best for the nation, and not unduly influenced by other nations leaders, and would be strong and courageous in their actions. Pray that the Lord will continue to expose those leaders who are corrupt and bring them to justice and that He would raise up leaders who will walk in righteousness. Pray that God will prevent distracting and divisive interference by leaders who are selfishly motivated. Ask God to give wisdom and discernment to all of Israel s leaders. Israel s Security Hamas has already vowed to send suicide bombers throughout Israel. While attention is primarily focused on Gaza, it is an opportunity for 2
Hezbollah to try and attack from the North. They, too, have long been stockpiling rockets and have over 10,000. Please pray that the borders are sealed and adequately guarded, accurate and timely intelligence is received by Israel in order to thwart intended terror attacks and kidnappings, the security forces will be sufficiently alert and directed by the leading of the Ruach HaKodesh, and that they will stand strong and courageous in what will be asked of them in the coming days, the plans of the enemy will be exposed, the enemy will be confounded, Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city. Psalm 55:9 I will send My fear before you; I will startle and confound every people that comes against you. Then I will cause all of your enemies to turn and flee. Exodus 23.27 and the Israeli government would do whatever it takes to protect Israelis. In the last few days, over 44 million hackers have tried to attack Israeli websites, particularly governmental computer systems. So far, there has only been one breach. Most of the hackers originate within Israel and the Palestinian territories. Please pray for the protection of Israeli computer networks and websites from being breached or interfered with in any way by hackers and that Israeli cyber-security forces to be aware of and prevent such attacks. Call on the Lord to protect all those involved in the security of Israel. Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. 3 He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. 6 They spread a net for my feet I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path but they have fallen into it themselves. Psalm 57 3
Israel s Relations with the International Community So far, the United States, Canada, Britain, and now Germany, have publically stated that Israel has the right to defend herself from continuous attack. But, Israel s position and intentions are constantly undermined by various hostile media sources who often flat out lie about what they have seen. Please pray that all lies and staged deaths will be rapidly exposed, preferably before they are published. God would raise up righteous journalists who would be courageous enough to bring forth the truth. media companies would demand a higher standard of reporting and verification before publishing potentially damaging and biasgenerating reports on Israel. and other countries would support Israel s right to exist and defend itself. Israel s Economy Operation Pillar of Defense will be a huge drain on Israel s economy. Please pray that other national governments will not seek to impose boycotts on Israeli goods. Pray for the protection of Israel s economy to remain stable. And pray that the Lord will continue to give creative and innovative ideas to Israelis that are simple to make and needed by everyone. Rain This is the time of year that we consistently pray for rain. We are still recovering from several consecutive years of drought. Please pray that the Lord would send abundant sustained rain and more snow this year to fill the aquifers, preferably without flooding. The Body of Believers Please pray especially for the believing men and women in the Israel Defense Forces that God would protect them and strengthen them to walk in courage and righteousness in all that they are called to do. That they would be calm and clear-minded leaders, and obvious examples of Godled men and women. Pray also that all believers in the land would seek to be helpful and encouraging to our neighbours, that we, too, would be accurate 4
reflections of the loving kindness of the God of Israel. Pray also that we would discern clearly God s wisdom and direction. While this is a challenging time for Israel, it is also an opportunity for restoration with the Holy One of Israel. Please pray that people will turn their minds to the Holy One and seek His direction, and that He reveals Himself as their ever-faithful covenant-keeping God. As we approach the season of rededication, Hanukka, may this be a time for all of us to reexamine our intentions and motivations. Do we seek the Lord s way in all that we do? He truly is our light and our salvation. In Him we can trust and not be afraid. Psalm 27 Thank you, dear ones, so very much for your commitment to stand with Israel in prayer. It is a wonderful encouragement for all of us here in the Land. May the Holy One of Israel bless you to overflowing in your walk with Him. May we walk in His Shalom 5