I have always had a heart for Israel. My grandparents were the pastors of the church where I attended growing up. They, along with my precious parents, poured into me the importance of praying for Israel. Since Israel, the nation, and the Jewish humans - God’s chosen people - are God’s heart and great love, it was a topic of conversation and sermons in my church and family. Deuteronomy 7:6 and numerous other scriptures show the unique place that Israel has: “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
We are instructed and encouraged throughout Scripture to pray for Israel. For example:
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. (Psalm 122:6, KJV)
I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth. (Isaiah 62:6-7)
It is our assignment, as well as an honor, for us to pray for Israel. Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 that there is a hardness, or a veil over the hearts and minds of Israel which can only be removed when someone turns to Jesus. So we should pray that the hearts of the people of Israel will be turned to acknowledge and revere Christ as Messiah.
Let us be diligent to obey his request. In our daily devotions, in our prayer closet, in our hour of intercession let us do our part. Let us commit to pray for the salvation of Israel - for the saving of beautiful Jewish souls - for the wonderful chosen people to repent and receive Jesus as their personal Savior. Let our hearts’ desire and prayer to God for Israel be – that they might be saved (Romans 10:1).
Lord, I receive your mandate to pray for the salvation of Israel. May Israel as a nation, as well as the Jewish people, wherever they might be, have an amazing, life-changing, eye-opening and heart-turning experience in recognizing you, dear Jesus, as their Messiah. May they each take the next steps to repent of sins and invite you into their hearts and lives as Savior and Lord - Yeshua! May I intercede for Israel’s salvation each and every day. Thank you for your presence even now as I pray. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Throughout the day - As you pray for the salvation of Israel, I encourage you to stand on the scriptures I have included in today’s devotion. Welcome the holy presence of Almighty God as you worship in spirit and in truth. Praise him in your time of intercession on behalf of Israel’s salvation and throughout the day listen to worship music such as Show Me Your Face by Steffany Gretzinger https://music.
Photo Credit: Pixabay