A Call for Prayer from Dr Mitch Glaser
There have been many changes in the world this year. In the UK, we have had a change of government following the referendum in June and the United States has elected its 45th president. With these in mind, I have an important request today: Please pray!
Here are 5 reasons why it is important to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
- Because the re-establishment of the nation of Israel in the Land is a sign of God’s faithfulness.
It’s hard to believe that modern Israel was re-established such a short time ago, but it is a signpost of God’s faithfulness to His covenants and promises. The survival of the Jewish people and their return to the Promised Land of Israel is a clear testimony that God keeps the promises of His Word.
How much more, then, can we trust Him to honour His promise in Genesis 12:3 to bless those who bless Israel?
2. Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. Pray that the British government uphold their commitment to Israel under this declaration.
Urge the elected representatives of the UK to take effective action to promote justice, security and peace in the region.
Look out for more on the Balfour Declaration in its centenary year 2017.
- Pray because of the many Jewish people who are coming to the Messiah!
By God’s grace — and thanks to the prayers and generosity of friends like you — Israelis and other Jewish people across the globe are open to the Gospel, Hebrew-speaking congregations are growing, and many younger Israelis are coming to faith in Jesus the Messiah!
Two years ago, when Chosen People Ministries first began seeing this growth, I said that I hadn’t seen such vitality of the Good News in my 40+ years of ministry. Yet the growth continues to exceed my expectations today!
Our God is great, ever-faithful to His people — and I know He delights to hear and answer our prayers for Israel to discover the Messiah she has waited for!
- Pray because the Jewish people gave the world the Bible and the Messiah!
The Good News came out of Israel — and it is our joy and privilege to pray that they, too, will receive it. And not only to pray, but to actively share this loving and transformational message of the Messiah with Jewish seekers — person-to-person, heart-to-heart.
- Pray because Psalm 122:6 commands us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
This Psalm — attributed to King David — instructs the people of God: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you.’”
And it’s interesting to note: the very name Jerusalem includes this hope for peace.
The last part of Jerusalem, “salem,” comes from the Hebrew word “shalom,” which means peace, wholeness and completeness.
When we pray for the peace of Jerusalem we are praying for the cessation of temporal hostilities — such as terror and missile attacks, and the enmity that exists between Israelis and Palestinians. But most of all, we are praying for the eternal peace that will come with the return of the Messiah.
Our hope is for the personal peace of those who live in the Holy Land!
And there is a blessing — “may they prosper who love you” — attached to this call to prayer that hearkens back to the Abrahamic Covenant outlined in Genesis 12:3:
“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”
It is remarkable that the promise in Psalm 122:6 is for those who “love Jerusalem,” and therefore we understand that these prayers are motivated by love for God’s holy city.
The root of the Hebrew term used for “prosper” is shalah, which can be translated as to “put at ease” or to “quiet.” The prosperity described is therefore not a material blessing, but a quality of soul and life. This enables those who love Jerusalem to enjoy personally a similar peace as is enjoyed by God’s chosen city.
Those who bless Israel are participating in the unfolding of God’s promises to the Jewish people — and praying for the peace of Jerusalem is one of the most important ways you and I can do this. When we do, we will receive what money can never buy — His presence in our lives, which is the very source of both shalom and shalah!
Thank you for praying for the peace of Jerusalem — for the Prince of Peace to reign in the hearts of individuals in the Land of Israel and across the globe — and for God’s chosen people to experience the abundant life that the Messiah promised so many years ago (John 10:10).
Please also remember to pray for the work of Chosen People Ministries in Israel. Many Jewish people come face to face with the Gospel message at this time of year due to the worldwide celebration of Christmas.
As you know, Chosen People Ministries is deeply committed to wisely stewarding our financial resources. We take great care not to spend more than God provides.
Please pray — ask God how He would have you respond — and give as He leads.
Thank you in advance for your prayer and partnership. I pray that the Lord will fill your heart joy!
Yours in Messiah,
Dr Mitch Glaser – International Director, Chosen People Ministries