“For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:8-10
This week was Tisha B’Av, or the 9th of the Jewish month of Av, which is known as the day of calamity for the Jewish people because so many tragedies occurred on this day, including the destruction of both the first and second temples. At the same time, we are all waiting with bated breath to see if a ceasefire deal will be reached between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel is bracing for a promised attack by Iran and its proxies.
There was a lot of tension, and many were concerned that something terrible would happen on Tisha B’Av concerning Iran and that it could scupper peace negotiations. This spurred many Christians worldwide to fast and pray for Israel, just as the Jewish people fast and pray on Tisha B’Av.
Thankfully, nothing bad happened to the Jews this Tisha B’Av. There was even an apparent miracle as a car bomb intended to be used against Israel instead blew up prematurely before it could reach Israel with the two terrorists being the only victims of the bombing. Meanwhile, there are hopeful signs that a ceasefire agreement could be reached in the coming days. With all this in mind, here are this week’s prayer points.
- Continue to pray for the safety of Israel and the Jewish people.
- Praise the Lord that Israel was safe this Tisha B’av and that the weapons formed against Israel failed when the bomb plot against Israelis turned against those who sought them harm.
- Pray for the hostages’ safety following reports of killings by Hamas. We pray that no lies of the enemy will prosper and that God’s hand of protection will be upon all those being held by Hamas.
- Pray for wisdom for Israel’s leaders and boldness for Israel’s allies as they negotiate with Hamas.
- Pray for a softening of the hearts of Israel’s enemies and that they will turn away from evil.
- Pray for the Church to understand the times we are living in and to remain steadfast in prayer for Israel. May the church arise and shine brightly in this dark world.
