Prayer Points: January 2026

Consider these prayer points as springboards into deeper prayer and intercession.

“O Most High. Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make

the righteous secure.”    Psalm 7:9

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“Lord of Hope and Fear”

That was the title of a book in the bookshop at Ben Gurion Airport as we were leaving Israel and it summarises so well the situation and outlook of the Israelis. They have amazing hope, tenacity and resilience but there is underlying fear. They know that their enemies are still plotting against them and that the war will go on.

War with Israel began when Israel was reborn in 1948 and violence against them has continued ever since. They know that hatred and hostility towards them continues. We know it is a spiritual war that will not be resolved until Yeshua returns.

What does God’s Word say about “hope”?

He is the “God of hope”.                                             Romans 15:13

He tells us that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”   Isaiah 40:31

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him.”           Lamentations 3:25

“We wait in hope for the Lord, He is our help and our shield.”   Psalm 33:20

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.” 

Jeremiah 17:7

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” Psalm 146:5

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I shall not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.”   Psalm 61:5-7

Israel needs to say to God: “My hope is in You.”      Psalm 39:7

What does God’s Word say about “fear”?

We are to fear the Lord. That is to respect, reverence and honour Him.

We are told that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.”   Proverbs 9:10

“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”  Ecclesiastes 12:3

“He will bless those who fear the Lord.”   Psalm 115:13

“Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.”    1 Peter 1:17

“Whan the Lord appears “the nations will fear the Name of the Lord, all kings of the earth will revere your glory.”   Psalm 102:15

Our prayer is that Israel will hope only in the Lord and fear Him in reverence and awe.

The mood in Israel October – November 2025

These are our reflections and experiences based on our conversations during our six-week visit to Israel and our pastor partners in October-November 2025.

The country and the people have had a very tough time since the beginning of 2020. This started with COVID then, just as things were starting to get better the events of October 7^th 2023 unfolded and the country found itself at war on several fronts. The absence of tourism has a huge impact on employment, whilst the war has required thousands of Reservists to leave their homes, families and jobs to serve in the IDF in Gaza and Lebanon. The impact on the economy and personal finances has been severe.

The Jewish people, having experienced two thousand years of persecution, are stoic but traumatised, weary of war and above all sad. Sad because everyone knows someone who has lost a family member through the war. Over 2,000 soldiers and civilians have lost their lives since 7^th October 2023 and over 20,000 have been injured. Never in Israel’s history has there been a war that has lasted so long – over two years now. The people and especially the Reservist soldiers are weary of war. Some Reservists have served over 500 days in the IDF in Gaza and Lebanon in the last two years (70% of their time). This has had a devastating effect on family life and those who ran small businesses. The divorce rate among young Reservist families is 8 times the norm. 

The world’s response to the events of 7^th October 23 has left Israelis feeling alone, unloved and misunderstood. Sympathy for the Hamas atrocities lasted only a few weeks before rampant anti-semitism kicked in world-wide. The victim rapidly became the oppressor, fuelled by Hamas propaganda and lies.

The return of the twenty living hostages and all but one of the bodies of dead hostages has been a remarkable achievement for which everyone is grateful. Prior to the acceptance of the Trump plan, this seemed to be an impossible dream. However, despite this wonderful achievement, most people that we spoke to were disappointed that Israel had not been allowed to finish the job of completely removing the threat Hamas poses in Gaza. We have seen since the ceasefire, Hamas regrouping, rearming and re-establishing its control over Gaza. The idea that Hamas will agree to lay down its arms as part of the next phase would appear to be fanciful. This has left people questioning whether the sacrifice of so many lives has been worthwhile. Only time will tell.

No-one we spoke to was convinced that the current Trump plan would bring lasting peace, only another pause before their neighbours attack again. Already there is talk of further attacks from Lebanon, Syria and Iran. However, everyone is grateful for the respite from all-out war and for the hostages being returned.

The most positive impact of the last two years of war is that many people, especially the young are turning to God. There is a recognition that despite all that has happened, Israel and its people have been protected from even greater losses and suffering than they have actually suffered. The fact that only 28 people were killed by enemy missiles is remarkable. The Iranian missiles were huge and when a missile landed it devastated every building in a two hundred meter radius leaving 15-20,000 people displaced from their homes.

Many young Israelis have turned to God, seeking identity, meaning, and comfort amidst trauma, with studies showing increased religiosity and spirituality, expressed through prayer, Psalms recitation, and deeper engagement with Jewish practices, while some also explore faith in Jesus, highlighting a broader spiritual shift in a nation grappling with mortality and profound national crisis. 

In essence, the national trauma acted as a catalyst, pushing many young Israelis toward deeper spiritual engagement, whether within their Jewish heritage or through new faith expressions, as they navigate a complex and uncertain world. 

• Trauma & Mortality: The war's violence and loss have heightened awareness of death, prompting existential questions and a search for meaning and security.
• Identity & Connection: Young Israelis are seeking personal connection with God, moving beyond parental traditions to find their own spiritual path.
• Search for Answers: In times of crisis, many instinctively turn to religious texts and practices like praying the Psalms or lighting Shabbat candles. 

One of the biggest challenges resulting from the events since 7^th October 2023, is going to be the restoration of the Jewish people of all ages from the effects of stress and trauma. Mount Moriah Trust has already started to support organisations who are providing trauma therapy and healing workshops which are proving to be wonderfully fruitful. 

The situation in Judea and Samaria (The West Bank)

The withdrawal of permits to work in Israel following the events of October 7^th 2023 has had a devastating effect on the PA economy, doubling the unemployment rate to 29% and cutting off the main source of income for many families. Over 100,000 can no longer travel into Israel to work. It remains to be seen, if Israel will allow these workers to return if/when a stable and settled period of true peace is established.

Within the members of the Immanuel Evangelical Church in Bethlehem the unemployment level is around 80%. Christians are suffering particularly badly because so many work in tourism related jobs, and there have been no tourists.

Pastor Nihad Salman, Pastor Hanna Massad remain positive, hopeful and resourceful as they lead their congregations into a new year, as do the leaders of the House of Hope in Bethlehem.

  Bondi Beach Massacre

 Father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram spent most of November in Davao City in the southern Philippines receiving training. Two weeks after returning to Sydney, on 14^th December, they carried out a massacre of Jews celebrating the start of the Feast of Hanukkah on Bondi Beach, Sydney.  They Killed 15 and wounded another 40. Police believe that the pair were inspired by the Islamic State group.

Israeli FM Warns Australian FM After Hanukkah Massacre: Words Have Consequences

 Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar spoke with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Sunday, December 14, 2025, after the deadly shooting attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney. Sa’ar expressed sorrow and solidarity with the Jewish community, describing the assault as an antisemitic terror attack. The conversation was presented as a direct response to a tragedy that struck during a public holiday gathering.

Sa’ar said antisemitism in Australia has surged since October 7, 2023, pointing to hostile rhetoric and public demonstrations that have created a threatening atmosphere for Jewish communities. He emphasized that security cannot rest only on police protection, but also on confronting the broader climate that normalizes hatred. He warned that language portraying Jews and Israel as evil or illegitimate fuels real-world violence.

He urged decisive action against incitement and stated that certain calls—especially those celebrating violence—should not be treated as acceptable public discourse. Sa’ar framed the issue as one of public responsibility, insisting that words do not remain abstract when they repeatedly encourage intimidation or harm. The message was clear: changing the atmosphere is essential to protecting Jewish life in Australia.

(INN/VFI News)

“Lord, strengthen and protect the Jewish community in Australia, and surround families who lost a loved one with comfort as they mourn. Silence voices of hatred and incitement and give leaders courage to confront antisemitism with clarity and justice. Let Your peace guard every congregation and keep the light of faith burning even in the shadow of terror.”

ISRAEL NEWS

• There is now only one body of a deceased hostage that has not been returned to Israel by Hamas.
• The ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon remain fragile with both sides accusing each other of violations. Benjamin Netanyahu has met President Trump to discuss next steps but continues to demand the return of the last hostage body before moving on to stage 2 which includes Hamas giving up its arms.
• Turkey wants to be part of the multi-national force that will provide security in the next phase of the peace plan but Israel is sharply opposed to this.

PRAYERS

• Pray for wisdom for Benjamin Netanyahu, his cabinet, IDF and other agency leaders. Pray that the Lord will help them to make wise and timely decisions.

• Praise the Lord for the release of all the living hostages and pray that the body of the one remaining deceased hostage will soon be returned.

• Pray for a period of rest from war and trauma.

• Pray for the physical and mental health of all the living hostages who have been released.

• Pray for the physical and mental health of all those who have seen service in the IDF during the current conflicts.

• Pray the Lord’s hedge of protection around the IDF soldiers who are still in Gaza.

• Pray for the “Reservist” soldiers many of whom have spent over 500 days in the IDF since 7^th October 2023. Pray for their marital relationships which have been put under severe strain by the prolonged absences. There are a very high number of divorces.

• Pray for the protection of the Christians who remain in Gaza. Our latest information says that there are now around 470.

• Pray for Gaza Baptist Church’s amazing outreach work. They continue to provide hot food and clean water to the people of Gaza. Pray for all those inside and outside Gaza who are making this possible.

• Pray for the families of all those serving in the IDF. Pray that they may know the Lord’s shalom, peace, strength and comfort whilst their loved ones serve.

• Pray for the soldiers who have been wounded and are now recovering and recuperating. Pray for their families.

• Pray for the unity of Israel. Pray that the re-emerging divisions will not divert attention away from the most important issues that need to be resolved.

• Pray for the Lord to open the hearts of Israelis as they are witnesses to the love of Christians worldwide that are standing for Israel. May God kindle jealousy in their hearts to know personally the source of that love and conviction.

• Pray that all Israel will seek the Lord Yeshua and receive His salvation.

• Pray for the nation’s mental health. So many are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and many serving /reservist IDF soldiers have committed suicide since the start of the war.

• Praise the Lord that He is regathering His people to His Land despite/because of the war.

    Acknowledgement:  These prayer points have been consolidated from a number of sources including Prayer Letters and Newsletters originating in God’s Land.