War has broken out in Israel. Most of us are praying and seeking to wade through all of the conflicting reports we have been receiving. I don’t know about you, but a lot of this feels very overwhelming.

I certainly don’t have anywhere near the “final word” on any of these matters.  Perhaps I may have some perspectives to share a bit down the road. But for now I would like to share some basic prayer points for the current crisis.

**Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (and by extension all of Israel). This is a biblical command: Psalm 122:6. God’s redemptive purposes in the earth are inextricably linked to the land of Israel and the Jewish people. Praying for the shalom of Israel includes both the physical safety of the people and the land and for the people of the land to be restored to a saving connection with God. The military and statecraft will never be Israel’s ultimate security.

**Pray for hostages to be returned to Israel and for families traumatized by the recent incursion of Hamas to be comforted and restored (Isaiah 40:1).

**Pray for the followers of Jesus in the region–both Messianic Jewish believers and Muslim background believers. Pray that they would be protected and that they would be lights in the midst of this present darkness. Pray for their witness to those around them whose hearts are seeking refuge in the midst of the violence and chaos and uncertainty. I have heard some encouraging reports of individual encounters between believers and seekers during this stressful time.

**Pray for our missionary and friend, Ariel Blumenthal and his wife Vered and family. Ariel and Vered help to lead the Jerusalem Messianic congregation. They have an adopted spiritual son who has been called up to military duty. Pray for his safety and protection. Pray for Ariel and Vered to have wisdom to lead their congregation during this incredibly stressful time.

**And two additional families: Pray for the Singermans, our tour guides and friends as they have sons and sons-in-law in the IDF, and pray for the extended Sulman family (Julie-Ann Toalston and Kate Johnson’s family) who are Israelis and Julie-Ann was able to connect with while in Israel this past summer.

Blessings,

Pastor Rick