Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” Psalm 122:6-7 NIV

Lord God,
I pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the protection of Israel. My heart is heavy for a people I don’t know and a place I have never visited. But you know, Lord. These are your people, dear God, who you called through Abraham. You promised to make them into a great nation, bless them, and bless all nations on earth through them. (Genesis 12:2-3).

Lord, next week marks one year after the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas militant groups. The militants killed over a thousand people and took hundreds hostage. Although a shock to Israel and the rest of the world, these events are no surprise to you, Lord. Since that horrific day, tens of thousands of people have been killed, many of them civilians. The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is catastrophic. Lord God, please reach these devastated people on both sides of the conflict with your love, truth, and provision.

God, you are sovereign and I pray for your will to be done, even when I don’t understand these tragic events.

But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Psalm 31:14-15

King David prayed these words during battle, and I pray them for your people in their current conflict. Lord, let the people of Israel look to you as their God. Teach them to trust that these times are in your hands. Deliver them from their enemies, from those who attack and pursue them. Unify your people in Israel, unify them in love and zeal for you. As you prophesied through Zechariah (Zechariah 12:10), please send a spirit of grace and supplication on your people. Let them look to you, dear Lord.

I pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the protection of Israel. Your will be done, Lord God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.