Four Reasons to Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

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. Therefore, we can trust Him to honour His promise in Genesis 12:3, to bless those who bless Israel.

1. Pray because many Jewish people 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! Seven years ago, when Chosen People Ministries first began seeing this growth, CPM International Director, Mitch GIaser, declared that he hadn’t seen such vitality of the Good News in his 40+ years of ministry. And the growth continues to exceed his expectations today!
2. 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.
3. Pray because outside of the Messiah there can be no true peace either in the world or in the human heart. (Eph 2:14) Pray 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).
4. Pray because Psalm 122:6 specifically 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. Our hope is for the personal peace of those who live in the Holy Land!

The blessing attached to this prayer; “may they prosper who love you”, 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!

Adapted from an article by Dr Mitch Glaser