Prayer Points: July 2019

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

I will contend with those who contend with you … then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Saviour, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. Is. 49:25-26

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News

• The September Israeli election could be cancelled – proposals to cancel the September election and instead form a government of national unity are under consideration. If the election does go ahead “Religion vs State” could be the central issue. The secular majority of the electorate are concerned by the growing influence of the Ultra-Orthodox or Haredi on public life.

• Wild Fires – a report suggests that hundreds of fires were started deliberately by arsonists especially around Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh. Wildfires burned for days in June in the hills of Samaria damaging over 1,700 acres of land and causing $200,000 damage to local farmers.

• Israel to build new water pipeline to Gaza - work has begun on a new water pipeline to provide the citizens of Gaza with clean drinking water. This will be the fourth water pipeline into Gaza where 97% of water is currently undrinkable. A new sewage disposal pipeline is also planned.

• Anti-Semitism - former UK Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks has described the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe today much as that of Holocaust-era Europe. "Within living memory of the Holocaust, anti-Semitism has returned exactly as it did in the 19th century, just when people had begun to feel that they had finally vanquished the hatreds of the past. Today, there is hardly a country in the world, certainly not a single country in Europe, where Jews feel safe," Sacks declared. "It is hard to emphasize how serious this is, not just for Jews but for our shared humanity." Pointing his finger at the long-running wave of anti-Semitism taking over the UK Labour Party, Sacks said that "a society, or for that matter, a political party that tolerates anti-Semitism, that tolerates any hate, has forfeited all moral credibility. You cannot build a future on the malign myths of the past," Sacks concluded. "You cannot sustain freedom on the basis of hostility and hate."

• Attacks from Gaza – Missiles are still being fired from Gaza into southern Israel depriving Israelis of their sleep and causing damage to property. Incendiary kites and balloons are being used almost daily including new versions which drip fire onto the land below whilst they are in flight thus causing numerous fires over a wide area under their flight path.

• Gaza power struggle – Protests against living conditions in Gaza have turned into a power struggle between Hamas and Fatah. Fatah has seized on the unrest to try to unseat Hamas resulting in arrests and brutality against those taking part. In the Fatah controlled West Bank Hamas has been stirring up anti-Fatah unrest. The weekend disturbances along the Gaza fence continue.
• Iran – has been condemned for its limpet mine attacks on two oil tankers near the Straits of Hormuz. These were similar to the acts of sabotage against tankers near the UAE port of Fujairah last month. Iranian forces were later recorded removing an unexploded mine from one of the ships. In a separate incident Iran shot down an American surveillance drone flying at high altitude. Iran is increasing the pace of its nuclear programme in defiance of its agreements. America is ramping up its sanctions against Iran. Serious conflict between Iran and America is becoming increasingly likely.

Prayers for Israel and the region

• Continue to commit the political situation in Israel into the Lord’s hands. Pray that God will have His perfect way to appoint His chosen leadership to guide Israel in His perfect timing.

• Pray that this may be an opportunity to reduce and restrict the power of the Ultra-Orthodox to influence and control the life of the Nation. Pray particularly that God will thwart their plans to prevent Messianic Congregations from meeting and worshipping.

• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the peace of Israel. Pray that the Lord will keep the people and the land safe from outside attack, from missiles and incendiary devices. Ask God to put a shield around Israeli communities on the border with Gaza, providing His supernatural protection from the fires that the enemy is using to destroy. Pray for an end to the stabbings, shootings and car rammings.

• Pray against the rising tide of anti-Semitism that is sweeping Europe and the world. Pray that Jews will be able to live in safety wherever they choose to live

• Pray for the plans being put forward for a long term peace in the region. Pray that these plans will form the basis of a comprehensive and acceptable plan to improve the lives of all peoples and countries. Pray for wisdom, discernment and decisive leadership in all countries involved.

• Praise the Lord for Israel’s love for her neighbours despite their intentions and attempts to do her harm. Pray God’s blessing and a hedge of protection around the construction teams building the new water and sewage pipelines into Gaza. Pray that the people of Gaza will receive the drinking water that they so desperately need.

• Pray for the ordinary people of Gaza who are caught up in the power struggle between Hamas and Fatah. Pray for a breakthrough that will start to turn their lives around and provide a future for themselves and their children.

• Intercede that effective solutions can be found to prevent Iran from continuing with its military threats against Israel and the West, its illegal and defiant support of global terrorism, proliferation of ballistic missiles and its nuclear weapons ambitions.

^“ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,

for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

 Deuteronomy 31:6

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