by Rabbi Carol Calise

As Israel has once again been put in the situation where she must defend herself and her people, we want to encourage each one to stand in prayer with our Jewish people. Since the day modern Israel was proclaimed to be a nation on May 14, 1948, she has had those who would seek her annihilation and destruction. This tiny nation about the size of the state of New Jersey has constantly been put in a position of having to defend itself.

Contrary to what is often reported in the main stream media of the United States, Israel is not an aggressor. She is not seeking to harm innocent people. As she prepared to enter into Gaza, she made phone calls to civilians and dropped leaflets warning the innocent people that they would be coming in. This has been her practice throughout the years. What other modern nation takes the time to try to warn innocent civilian people so their lives would be spared. Certainly Hamas and Hezbollah has not done that to Israel. They have ruthlessly tried to hurt men, women, and children. They have no regard for innocent lives. They have one desire and one goal – to eliminate the nation of Israel. On the other hand the wars that Israel has had to engage in for the last 60 years have been wars she did not choose.

Many of our loved ones and friends are under attack in the land. Once again it is our responsibility and privilege to intercede and stand in the gap for Israel. We are to pray to Adonai for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for safety and protection. Pray that our Messianic brothers and sisters will be a comfort and strength to their fellow Israelis. Pray for supernatural protection and intervention. Pray that the leaders will have godly wisdom and insight. Ask Adonai to shelter the people.

As the Psalmist said,

Pray for shalom in Yerushalayim; may those who love you prosper.
May shalom be within your ramparts, prosperity in your palaces.
For the sake of my family and friends, I say, “Shalom be within you!”
For the sake of the house of Adonai our God, I will seek your well-being.
Tehillimm 122.6-9

Let us seek the well-being of Israel in our prayers.