Praying for Israel

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime (Daniel 6:10).

There were several Old Testament saints who prayed for Israel. Two that stand out because of their circumstances were Moses (Exodus 17:8-14) and Daniel (Daniel 10:12-14). Both men recognized that they had authority from God in prayer. This is important related to our praying for Israel. For the most part, we have no connection with what is taking place over in Israel, with the soldiers, the suffering families, the hostages, and the enemies of Israel and yet God has given to us certain authority and certain influence in Israel through prayer.

The prayer of Moses was for Joshua and the soldiers fighting Amalek in the valley. It is important that we recognize that he was battling satanic powers. We must recognize that Hamas, ISIS, al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, Hezbollah and others are all terrorist groups empowered by Satan and his forces. In fact, the Islamic religion itself grew through the centuries through ruthless power, continuously killing people in order to plant their religious ideals. That is so different than Christianity which has grown by the love of God in the people of God.

When we consider how we ought to pray concerning the current struggle in Israel, we have to consider how Satan is to be defeated wherever we recognize his work. It is crucial that we understand that PRAYER IS MORE POWERFUL THAN ARMIES. Moses recognized that he had to keep his hands raised whatever the cost. There were times when he could no longer raise his hands and others came to assist him. God’s promise: For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20). Today, we raise our hands on our knees, but we cannot and MUST NOT let up. We must get serious in battling the enemies of God in prayer. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it (John 14:13, 14).

Daniel served his people in Babylon along with the role he was subjected to as a captive in Babylon. However, he always was faithful in prayer. In our lead text, Daniel kneeled upon his knees three times a day and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, “as he did aforetime.” This was a priority in His life. It is the reason that he was given so much power in the Babylonian Empire and God used him mightily. Nothing kept him from this spiritual exercise. There were those who tried to bring him down but in every instance, God protected His servant who communed with Him on a consistent basis. Daniel faced invisible adversaries who interfered with his prayers and opposed him in prayer, but he remained faithful (Daniel 10;13). It must be true for us that there are times when we are opposed by invisible adversaries and never even recognize it. Daniel knew well that invisible forces were ruling the world and that the course of world events can be influenced by consistent, powerful prayer. We have this same privilege in praying for major intervention in Israel just now. Daniel continued wrestling in prayer while a battle was raging in the heavenly places. His perseverance and faithfulness caused him and the children of Israel to experience the victory.

How serious are we in praying for Israel just now? What do we expect God will do if we pray as did Moses and Daniel?

1. Pray for peace in Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
2. Pray for those who have lost friends and loved ones that somehow God will bring them strength and comfort, especially for those whose little children were killed. Pray that many of them would turn their lives over to the Lord Jesus Christ and find peace amid all of the turmoil.
3. Pray for the people in Gaza who are also grieving loss. Pray that there would be many of them who would also turn to the Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Pray for the many Christians in Israel, many of them soldiers. Pray both for their protection and that God would grant them many opportunities to share the Gospel as the battle continues to rage. Pray that they will be strengthened with power in their inner being to accomplish God’s purposes in their lives (Ephesians 3:16-19).
5. Pray for Christian churches in the area that their members and buildings will be preserved. Pray that God will use their prayers to accomplish his purposes in this conflict.
6. Pray for God to have mercy upon Zion and for the heathen that they might fear the name of the Lord (Psalm 102:13-15).
7. Pray for the protection of the Israeli soldiers and that they will be used as instruments in God’s hands for His glory.
8. Pray that this will not lead to a world-wide war.
9. Pray for God’s protection on western nations, especially the United States of America, as many wicked nations currently blame the west in this conflict.
10. Pray for Israel’s leaders to have wisdom to make the right decisions and to assist so many hurting people.
11. Pray for us and for our fundamental, Bible-believing churches, that we might be faithful in persevering prayer on behalf of the people of Israel. Pray that God would grant us greater understanding as to His plans and purposes in allowing all of this to take place.
12. Take note that Daniel’s prayers always included praise to God and so must ours if we are to be successful in prayer.

George Stiekes serves as a Lay Pastor at Bethany Bible Church in Hendersonville, NC. See here for a more complete bio of brother Stiekes’ extensive ministry. We republish his material by permission.