This Hope Nation blog is authored by the Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries (FIRM) an organization that serves a network of 75 ministries and organizations in Israel that share a passion for reaching Israelis with the love of Jesus.
Originally written 10/25/23; updated 10/1/24
It was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
The world watched in disbelief on October 7, 2023, as the terror group, Hamas, funded and equipped by Iran, invaded southern Israel and brutally murdered 1200 mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages into Gaza.
One year later, 101 hostages remain in captivity, not all of whom are believed alive. It has been a devasting year of war. Every family in Israel and every family in Gaza has been affected.
Since October 8, 2023, Hezbollah, another Iran terror proxy, has fired over 9,000 missiles into northern Israel from Lebanon. Lives have been lost, including 12 children at a soccer field, wildfires have raged, homes and businesses damaged or destroyed. Over 60,000 Israeli families are currently displaced from their homes in the North due to the threat of rockets and the promise of another October 7-style invasion.
Israel’s response to secure their citizens and eliminate the terrorists specifically the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah has been met with praise from some and condemnation from others.
Just days ago, on October 1, 2024, Iran fired an unprecedented 181 ballistic missiles into Israel sending every Israeli – Jewish, Arab, or Christian – into protective shelter.
How should we pray?
As believers, we are called to pray and stand for righteousness, justice, and the preservation of life. We are to reflect God’s heart of love and compassion and a hatred for evil. War is never something to be celebrated. The cost of war is heavy, and the present situation is not over.
In the midst of this, we know as believers we’ve been entrusted with the message of hope. This hope can only come through the name of Yeshua. We long for a day when both Israelis and Palestinians encounter the saving love of Jesus, the only source of true peace.
Believers carry a message and hope the world doesn’t have but desperately needs.
Finding a Balanced Biblical Response
Many have asked, “How do we respond? How do we talk to our families, faith communities, and neighbors? How do we pray for Israel in crisis?”
Believers may refrain from speaking publicly about Israel because the topic can feel like a “landmine” subject. Offenses or biases can readily surface in light of the ongoing regional conflict involving various players, layers of history, and geopolitical complexities. Antisemitism has risen 300% in the past twelve months proving itself to be a light sleeper.
We know that the core of this conflict goes deeper than the current events. This is first and foremost a spiritual battle, foreshadowed from the beginning of time (Gen. 3:15).
Understanding the current situation and contributing factors is important, but ultimately, we must choose God’s higher ways and thoughts and recognize the spiritual nature of this war (2 Cor. 10:3-6; Isa. 55:8-9).
We should not sanitize nor minimize the morally reprehensible slaughter of human life perpetrated by Hamas, nor terror organizations’ horrific disregard for their people by embedding into the civilian populations and shielding themselves behind women and children.
Neither should we equate Israel’s military response and unprecedented attempts to minimize civilian casualties with the actions of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other proxy militias. We must be careful not to fall prey to moral equivalence arguments that aim to “balance the scales.”
We know “the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). When we are blinded by anger, we may grow numb to the pain of another.
Your Kingdom Come!
God has enduring covenant promises for His beloved Israel that He will fulfill. His very name and nature are tethered to these promises. God also has a perfect heart of love and plans for the Palestinian people.
We must guard our hearts from offense and choose to love and pray for our enemies (Matt. 5:44). Remember, to love and support Israel, does not mean to be against Palestinians, and to love Palestinians does not mean we must be against Israel.
Seasons of natural peace will come and go, but we acknowledge that true and lasting peace will only come through Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We desire that both Israelis and Palestinians would encounter the saving love of Jesus, the only source of true peace.
Last October, Messianic Jews and Arab Christians immediately mobilized to meet emergency wartime needs and collaborate on relief initiatives to see the gospel go forth in the most practical ways. They have gathered for prayer and worship and serve and love one another deeply.
Jesus said in John 17 it would be our unity and love that will carry the gospel message to the world and we’re seeing this truth materialize with our own eyes.
The vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians do not yet have a personal relationship with Yeshua. It is our conviction that the local believers are best poised to serve as ministers of reconciliation in this region during these difficult days (Eph. 6:15; Isa. 52:7; 2 Cor. 5:14-18).
The remnant may be small, but it is growing. We have seen many doors once tightly shut to the gospel now opening. The Lord is drawing many to Himself in this time and is turning the Valley of Achor (trouble) into a doorway of hope (Hosea 2:15).
Practical Ways to Pray for Israel Now in Crisis
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.” | Psalm 122:6-7
- PRAY for PEACE & SAFETY over Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and the surrounding region.
Pray for a resolution to this war and the quieting of all borders. Ask God to preserve life and protect innocent civilians from harm (Ps. 91, 121). Pray especially that children would be spared from trauma and terror.
- PRAY for HOPE & HEALING from loss and trauma.
Pray for families in Israel who are grieving the loss of loved ones, destruction of property, and have suffered trauma. Pray also for those who have been wounded or displaced. Pray for the civilians in Gaza and Lebanon who have suffered loss and grief – that they will soon find freedom from Hamas’ and Hezbollah’s oppressive regimes (Ps. 82:4).
- PRAY for FREEDOM for the CAPTIVES.
Pray that those who have been taken hostage in Gaza will be rescued or released (Ps.4:8; Isa.42:7). Pray for the families of these 101 hostages. Pray for protection and healing of both body and soul and that the Lord would reveal Himself to them even in a dark place.
- PRAY for JUSTICE & TRUTH to prevail.
Pray for the Israeli government and military leaders as they continue to prepare and implement strategic responses to the attacks. May God grant them wisdom and unity. Pray for safety for every soldier as they target terror infrastructure and aim to protect civilian lives at all costs (Rom. 13:1; Prov. 21:1; Ps. 89:29-40, 110:10).
May the Lord expose and break every lie, deceptive propaganda, and false narrative, and may the truth be evident (2 Cor. 10:15; Isa. 59:14; Amos 5:24).
- PRAY that fear, hatred, and incitement would cease.
Pray that the power of God’s love will cast out all fear, enabling forgiveness and healing to minister to hearts and minds across the region (Ps. 122:6-7; 133; 2 Tim. 1:7).
- PRAY for Believers in the Land to walk in love and unity.
Pray that the Body of Yeshua – Jew and Arab – would remain united and find opportunities to provide hope and love to those who are suffering. May God use us to shine His light in a dark situation (Ps. 133; Jn. 17:21). At the same time, pray for the remnant of believers in Gaza and Lebanon to be protected and capitalize on the opportunities to demonstrate God’s love.
- PRAY that nothing would hinder the spread of the gospel.
Pray that people’s spiritual eyes and ears will be opened and called out in the name of the Lord these days. Pray that throughout Israel and the surrounding region, there would be a divine revelation of Yeshua the Savior and a turning to the Lord for salvation (Ps. 107; Acts 2:21, 26:17-18).
May God’s Word Be Your Strongest Argument
In days when shifting winds of doctrine abound, we must be diligent students of the Word. Let’s seek to understand God’s heart for Israel and the Palestinian people with love and a spirit of humility.
Be wary of unhealthy theologies on Israel or the imbalance of extreme Palestinian Liberation Theology. Our interpretation of Scripture is vital to this subject and truth is often the razor’s edge between two opposing heresies.
As believers, we desire to walk in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding regarding the days in which we live – to perceive the times and know what we ought to do, like the sons of Issachar (1 Chr.12:32; Prov. 24:3-6).
Finding language that reflects a balanced biblical perspective can be challenging.
If you are a pastor or a community leader, we prepared a resource for you, to help you lead healthy conversations with others. Although it is far from comprehensive, perhaps it can help you share God’s love with others and endeavor to frame a biblical response to the ongoing conflict.
For more information or articles written by FIRM, tap HERE.
How Prayer Helps Us Navigate a Chaotic World
Together, we have a vision for a stronger and healthier Body of Messiah in Israel. We connect believers around the world to Israel while strengthening local ministries in the land.
- How To Pray for Israel Now in Time of Crisis - October 3, 2024