Why We Pray for Israel

It’s a Biblical Command

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!” – Psalm 122:6

We pray for the physical Jerusalem as much as we pray for the new Jerusalem. The existing one needs our prayer, the coming one needs our commitment and devotion to bring as many people as possible into the knowledge of Christ. The bible here clearly speaks to the physical Jerusalem.

It’s God’s Holy Nation

And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” – Gen. 12:2-3

There’s no mincing words here. As we become Christians, we’re grafted into God’s family and into the lineage of Abraham, through his son Isaac. We receive the same blessing as the original sons of Abraham, the Jewish people.

There Was Another Son, Ishmael

Abraham had to send Ishmael away in order to have the promise go through Isaac. While God fulfilled Abraham’s promise, He also faithfully fulfilled His promise to Ishmael – “Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him fast by thy hand; for I will make him a great nation.” (Gen. 21:18).

God gave him a wellspring of sustenance which is very possibly the oil supplies enjoyed by the Muslim world. They believe in Abraham as their father, acknowledge Isaac but are rooted in Ishmael as their lineage. This historical basis creates the foundation of the issues we face today between Israel and Palestine.

God is Vested in His Nation

For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye: – Zech. 2:8

It is evident that nations that attack Israel tend to face the wrath of God in many different ways. Nations that support Israel, on the other hand, tend to prosper.

Thus says the Lord, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord of hosts is his name: “If this fixed order departs from before me, declares the Lord, then shall the offspring of Israel cease from being a nation before me forever.” Thus says the Lord: “If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth below can be explored, then I will cast off all the offspring of Israel for all that they have done, declares the Lord.” – Jer. 31:35-37

Christians are intentional about protecting the nation of Israel. While largely Jewish, it is the only true Democratic nation in the area and arguably the freest and most prosperous nation in the Middle East. Christian values promote a freedom of worship and life most similar to what we see in Israel.

It is clear, and has been declared many Arab leaders, that many of the Arab nations around Israel intend to wipe them off the map. We believe the Lord will not allow it.

“…those who hate you have raised their heads. They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones. They say, “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!” For they conspire with one accord; against you they make a covenant—” …Psalm 83

God Has Already Ordained It

It’s really a matter of joining with God’s mission. We’re simply participating in what He will find people to do anyway. We don’t control what happens to Israel. We only choose to be in His will.

Isaiah 62:6 – On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest,

We Pray for Salvation

At the end of the day, the goal is to save souls and fulfill the Great Commission (Mat. 28). We want to see Jews, Muslims, and all others that live in the area saved and brought to the knowledge of Christ. The promise we have received extends to them as well. The Apostle Paul put it well in this passage.

…my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. …Rom. 9:1-11:36

Praying for Israel does not absolve the people of their sin. It does not mean Palestinian lives are less worthy. It does not mean Jews are automatically part of the New Covenant. It rather preserves the land in preparation for His return and supports what God supports. There will be many who will be saved as a result of this nation’s continued existence.

Pray for Israel and for the salvation of all who live in the area. It is the only path to a true and lasting peace!