I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Genesis 12:3
As we approach October 7th, we remember the horrific Hamas terror attack that happened one year ago.
On that tragic day, more than 1,200 innocent Israeli men, women, and children were killed, and 250 hostages were taken. Today, almost 100 of them are still being held. This anniversary is a reminder of the ongoing dangers Israel faces from nations and terrorist groups that want to destroy it.
In 2007, on my first trip to Israel, just six years after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on 9-11, 2001, I remember seeing a t-shirt in a shop window in Tel Aviv, the shirt had a picture of an F-16 and it simply said, ‘America Don’t Worry – Israel is Behind You’. That image made a real impact on me. Now more than ever, especially considering the unprovoked terror attack that occurred, we need to flip it around, and respond back, ‘Israel Don’t Worry – America is Behind You’.
As God’s people, we are called to pray continually for Israel’s safety, stability, and peace. The Bible makes it very clear that God’s promise to Israel still stands: "I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you."
As followers of Christ, we can bless Israel by lifting them up and interceding for them in effective, strategic, intentional, fervent, fiery, fierce prayer! We should also pray fervently for those in the nations surrounding them, and for our own nation, that the name of Jesus and the light of the Gospel will arise in them to pierce through the darkness. We must recall and pray in the spirit and heart of 2 Peter 3:9, which says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
Let’s pray that Israel remains strong, trusting in God’s protection against its enemies. As tensions in the region rise, we also pray for our service members and their families, as they stand with Israel to defend their freedom and ultimately our own. Also, join us this coming Sunday, October 6th, as we unite with Christians around the world in a Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem. You can learn more and download free prayer resources by clicking here.
Heavenly Father, we come before You, asking for Your protection, wisdom, and strength for Israel and her allies we stand against our common enemies. Break the strongholds in terrorist nations and bring peace to Jerusalem, the nation of Israel and to the entire region. Lord, we also pray for our military forces that are deployed in that region, asking that You protect, guard and guide them. Surround them with Your angels and lead them in every step. We ask these things in the powerful, mighty Name of Jesus. Amen!
In His hope,
Dion Elmore
Vice President