1. Praise:

   Shabbat's Torah reading commands Israel, and also the Body of Messiah, to aim for holy living – that is separated from the world's lusts and goals. God has chosen us and since He Himself is holy, we His children should be holy as well. Speak to the congregation of…Israel, and say to them, 'You shall be holy for I YHWH your God am holy'. (Lev. 19:2); Therefore sanctify [+ consecrate; separate] yourselves and be holy, for I am YHWH your God; keep My statutes, and do them; I am YHWH who sanctifies you. (Lev. 20:7-8)

   • Lord God, this has proven to be impossible for us, yet we are so thankful that You declare that it is You who sanctifies us (Ex. 29:44; 31:13; Ezek. 20:12; 37:28; 1 Thess. 5:23).

   • We praise You Lord Yeshua, for asking the Father to sanctify us through His Word – which is the ultimate truth for all creation (John 17:17; cp. Eph. 5:25-26).

   • We also bless You Lord Messiah, for sanctifying us through Your own blood (Heb. 13:12).

   • God, we praise You that You do not wait for us to reach perfection before using us (2 Cor. 4:7).

   • Thank You Abba, that You who have started a good work in us will perfect it (Phil. 1:6; Jude 1:24).

2. Government & society:

   The pressure from all sides on Israel's current government, not least on PM Bibi Netanyahu, is actually inhuman. Consider how Jew-hatred against the Jews and Israel has exploded since the Oct. 7th Hamas massacre. Most of the nations stood with Israel's right to defend itself – up to the moment Israel began to defend itself. Then, most support swung to the Palestinians, a people indoctrinated from a young age that by killing a Jew, their god Allah is pleased. We intercede knowing that Israel's God will ultimately have His will done in earth, yet not knowing exactly how or how long before His kingdom will be fully manifested.

   • Lord Yeshua, all authority in heaven and on earth is in Your hands today (Matt. 28:18), and we trust in You – not in Israel's leaders – and ask You to guide us as we intercede for them (Prov. 16:9).

   • Abba Father, use the constant pressure to turn Israel's leaders to cry out to You (Psa. 61:2; 102:1).

   • God, provide more opportunities for Israel's sons and daughters of Zion to speak out and to become very influential, both inside and outside of the Jewish nation (Prov. 25:11; Eccl. 12:10).

   • We are thankful that despite all attempts to bring down Netanyahu's government, none have come even close to succeeding and it seems that it will complete its term in office (Jer. 27:5).

   • God, surround Bibi with wise and godly advisors and supportive friends (Prov. 17:17; 18:24; 27:6).

   • Reveal to all Israel that Leviticus 19:18 in the Torah portion is the second most important command and then guide them on how to fulfill it in its very opinionated society (Mark 12:31).

   • King Messiah, rebuke Israel's Supreme Court judges, most of whom think that although unelected, they can overturn that which the democratically elected government decrees (Prov. 27:5; Eccl. 7:5).

   • Lord God, work in Eyal Zamir, Israel's IDF Chief of Staff, mind and heart to become a real son of Zion (Psa. 75:6-7; Prov. 16:9), and teach him to submit to the elected authorities (1 Chr. 12:38).

   • Heal whatever division of vision there exists between the IDF and the government (Rom. 16:17).

   • Abba Father, allow the differences that do exist between those in leadership in Israel to bring forth answers to problems and not further division (Phil. 2:2-3).

   • As the government seeks for a way to recruit the ultra-orthodox into the IDF, grant the wisdom that Moses had for the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh who requested their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan (Josh. 4:12-13).

   • Almighty God, please aid Israel's political and military leaders to talk a whole lot less – especially when it comes to threatening their enemies – and to do a whole lot more (Jam. 2:20, 26).

   • Pour out, like a flood, Your truth and clarity upon Israeli society to counter Hamas' lies (Isa. 59:19).

   • God, turn families whose loved ones are still hostages, to cry out to You for mercy (Psa. 50:15).

   • Hear Your people's groans, recall Your covenant, set Your people free and save them (Ex. 6:5-7).

   • Creator God, speak to Your land to supply Israel's needs abundantly (Psa. 135:15; Ezek. 36:8-12).

3. Gaza:

   Israel is intensifying its attacks against Hamas in Gaza. Also, the IDF has just called up thousands of reservists for a new campaign if no deal for the hostages is agreed upon soon. Yet it is exasperating to hear most of Israel's leaders' – except for Bibi and a few others – constantly affirming that the increased pressure is to get Hamas to negotiate over the release of the hostages. But ending Hamas-Amalek, and repossessing Gaza once and for all is God's goal (Zeph. 3:4a; Zech. 9:5).

   • Abba, remember what Hamas did and arise and fight against them (Psa. 74:22-23; Ezek. 25:15-17).

   • Messiah, set this territory free from demonic spirits and cleanse Your land (Num. 35:33; Psa. 10:16).

   • Lord God, thank You that the coalition's security cabinet has agreed to destroy Hamas, conquer and retain territory – yet only if Hamas will not negotiate – so harden Hamas' hearts (Rom. 9:16-17).

   • Lord of hosts, let Hamas' pride and hatred of Israel be their downfall (Prov. 16:18; Obad. 1:3-4, 8).

   • God of Israel, fulfill Psalm 55:18-19 and impart Your peace to Israel while sending great affliction upon Hamas terrorist who have no fear of You, the One True God.

   • Abba Father, continue to teach Israel how to most effectively war against Hamas (2 Sam. 22:35a).

   • Lord of lords; renew the strength, courage and motivation of the IDF troops in Gaza (Isa. 40:28-31).

   • God Most high, increase Your protection over the IDF against Hamas attacks and traps, kidnapping attempts, and against friendly fire or all other types of accidents (Psa. 4:8; Zech. 9:16; 10:5-8).

   • Almighty One, as You often did in biblical days, we ask that You would rescue all the remaining hostages and remove them as human shields for Hamas today (1 Sam. 30:18-19; Isa. 49:24-26).

   • King of Israel, we praise You that tens of thousands of Gazans have already emigrated, and ask for great wisdom to Israel to facilitate all others who want to escape (Isa. 60:12; Jer. 12:17).

4. Foreign relations:

   Most Israelis, including their leaders, do not have a relationship with God. There is a huge difference between knowing about God, which is true for the majority of Israel, and knowing Him personally (Jer. 31:34). Thus to ask Israel to trust in God alone at this time, and not to look to other nations for help, is asking for a miracle. Yet we pray to a God who does do miracles and wants us to ask Him to do just that (Psa. 50:15; Jam. 4:2b).

   • Our Father, may Your foreign policy be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:9-10).

   • Sovereign Lord, overrule all meetings between Israeli leaders and leaders of other nations or global NGOs like the UN, so that the above request is fulfilled quickly (Psa. 103:19; Prov. 19:21).

   • When Israelis read Leviticus 20:26 in the Torah portion, show them that You have separated them from all other nations in order to be completely Yours (Num. 23:9b).

   • Give Israel's representatives a midwife-type of courage to fear You more than any "Pharaoh" and to disobey all international demands that are against Your will (Ex. 1:17; Num. 23:23; Psa. 146:3-5).

   • Lord God, empower the pro-Israel ministers in Trump's administration to warn him of the danger for both America and himself if he deals with Israel like any other nation (Deut. 7:6-8; Psa. 33:12).

   • Lord, let Trump's changing of his mind on issues important to Israel and its enemies show Israel the danger of placing their trust in him – or in any other person – but to trust only in You (Psa. 118:8-9).

   • Guide Bibi in navigating Israel's relations with America and its president (Psa. 23:3b; Prov. 21:1).

   • Abba Father, help Israel's representatives – professionals and laypeople – to speak from Your Word, since that which You say will not return empty (Num. 23:19; Isa. 40:8; 55:11: Matt. 24:35).

   • Thank You King Messiah, for using Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's Foreign Minister, and giving him wisdom and boldness in speaking to and dealing with the nations (Prov. 28:1b; Isa. 43:21).

   • God, continue to use and protect Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon (Psa. 81:10; 119:13).

   • Messiah Yeshua, stir up believers to warn their birth-nations of Your judgments falling upon many of those countries today as a result of their betrayal of Israel (Ezek. 29:6-7; Joel 3:1-2).

5. Internal security:

   Amos 9:14-15 from Shabbat's prophetic portion is a huge encouragement now that Israel is back in its land. I will bring again the captivity of My people of Israel; they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall never again be plucked up out of their land which I have given them, says YHWH your God.

   • Lord, we ask You to embed the above verses, as well as Isaiah 54:2-3, into the hearts and minds of the majority of Israelis today.

   • Use Leviticus 20:24 in the Torah portion to provoke Your people to be zealous to possess the land.

   • Lord, show believers that praying for this is not for political but prophetic reasons, so that You will be glorified when many see You fulfilling Your prophetic promises (Ezek. 36:34-36; 37:14).

   • Abba Father, thank You for all that Finance Minister Smotrich is successfully doing to extend Israeli civilian rule over Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria (Jer. 31:4-5; 33:12-14).

   • God, we bless You for increasing the population in Jewish communities in all of Judea and Samaria, and ask for You to do the same throughout the rest of Your land (Isa. 49:19-20; 51:3).

   • Lion of Judah, anoint the IDF to fulfill the prophecy found in Numbers 24:8-9.

   • Abba Father, guide the IDF as it uncovers and stops arms smuggling attempts into Israel (Job 12:22).

   • Lord God, protect Your people and Your land from any future arson-terrorism (Isa. 43:2).

   • Lord, we bless You for always being awake to guard over Israel (Psa. 121:4), and ask You to make that true also for Israel's security guards at checkpoints and all other posts (Gen. 31:1-2).

6. External security – Middle East [ME]:

   Israel is disappointed by the negotiations between the US and Iran over Iran's nuclear program, and concerned by Trump's other activities with the Houthis, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. While Trump is a deal-maker and is doing things with his "America First" slogan in mind, putting Israel in danger is very dangerous for America, Israel must know what God wants it to do – with or without US backing.

   • Give Israel Your priorities in facing the multiple enemies who surround it (1 Chron. 19:10-13).

   • Give Bibi wisdom as it has been reported that he likes what Trump says about Iran and Syria, but is disappointed in what he is doing with both Iran and Turkey, and that Trump is very disappointed with Bibi and is not waiting for Israel before making deals with other ME nations (Psa. 12:2; Jam. 1:8).

   • Lord, let the voices in the US administration that state very strongly that Iran cannot maintain any type of nuclear program be those which influence Trump more than the appeasers (Eccl. 8:11).

   • Abba, we ask for Your plans for Iran to be fulfilled – and not man's (Psa. 99:1; 103:19).

   • Lord God of glory, arise and destroy Iran's current leadership (Psa. 68:1, 30b; Jer. 49:38).

   • Righteous Judge, judge any nation that maintains financial transactions with Iran – even though they are aware that Iran remains the #1 supporter of terror throughout the world (Jer. 12:13; Hag. 1:6).

   • God of hosts, show Israel how vital it is to deal with Iran's nuclear weapons program, regardless of what the US agrees to, and then guide Israel's timing and methods (Ezek. 37:10; Nah. 1:7-8).

   • [After Israel responded to a Houthi missile hitting near its main airport by bombing their airport and other vital places in Yemen, the Houthis said they would not target US ships anymore, but will target Israel. Trump said that he believes them [huh??] and will now stop attacking them.] Lord God, show Israel what it must do to defend itself by itself and to stop looking at the US, or any other nation, for help in protecting itself, and so bring good out of this very disappointing situation (Rom. 8:28).

   • Thank You Lord for Netanyahu openly criticizing Qatar this past week over their two-faced dealings with Hamas, Iran and the West, including Israel (Psa. 55:21; 59:7; 62:4).

   • Lord God, guide Israel to enforce Bibi's decree that Syria south of Damascus must be demilitarized with no Syrian army or terrorist groups allowed to be based there (Psa. 44:5).

   • Magnify Yourself in Israel's growing relationship with the Druze in southern Syria (Psa. 115:1-3).

   • God Almighty, use Turkey's anti-Semitic, anti-Israel President, Erdogan for Your holy name's sake just like You did with Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar (Ex. 9:16; Eccl. 8:8b; Rom. 9:17).

   • Lord Yeshua, protect Your Body in the ME; guide them as they pray and teach them how to bless – and not curse – Israel and the Jews (Gen. 27:29; John 10:16, 27).

7. Aliyah:

   Recent elections in Canada, Australia and the UK should be an impetus for Jews in those nations to leave with all due haste. Yet most Jews, like those who remained in Nazi Germany, still refuse to see the graffiti on the walls and declare – as if it is a biblical truth – "This too will pass!"

   • We praise You Lord for the aliyah which is a sign to the world of Your faithfulness and power to fulfill Your promises, even though most nations are opposed to this (Isa. 43:12; Heb. 10:23b).

   • Draw Your people home in grace and mercy (Isa. 54:7; Jer. 31:3), yet if they refuse use the growth of global anti-Semitism to wake them up and then turn their hearts to Zion (Jer. 16:16; 51:9-10).

   • Show Jews that while Israel is not 100% safe, it is safer than staying in the nations (Psa. 121:3-4).

   • Bring down the power that the media has over Jews which through how they report – and distort – the news coming out of Israel, causes Jews to fear coming home (Num. 14:9).

   • Abba Father, remove those insidious "comfort zones" from deceiving Your people (Job 7:13-14).

   • Almighty God, remove from Jews the nice-sounding name of where they reside: "the diaspora" [Gk. "scattering"], and insert instead the biblical term: "captivity" (Deut. 30:3; Ezra 2:1; Psa. 126:1-4).

   • God Almighty, marry Your people to the land, and let them understand that it is a marriage – for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health – and not just a love affair (Isa. 62:4-5).

   • King Messiah, remake Israel's diplomatic outreach to Jews in exile to focus more on aliyah and less on enabling them remain safe and secure where they reside (Deut. 28:65-67; Psa. 53:6; 107:1-9).

   • Bring back home the Israelis living in the nations, especially Messianic believers (Isa. 35:10; 51:11).

   • Lord Yeshua, reveal to Your Body that the aliyah is the central pillar to Your will being done on the earth today (Isa. 43:5-7; Jer. 32:41; Matt. 6:10).

8. Salvation:

   Shabbat's Torah portion reveals that sacrificial bloodshed is needed for atonement from sin (Lev. 17:11-14). Yet the temple was destroyed in 70 AD and sacrifices were only accepted in God's house. Thus they can no longer be offered, so the rabbis have substituted other things to take the place of blood, like fasting, charity, one's own death, etc.. Nevertheless, the final blood sacrifice – the death of God the Son which was accomplished 40 years before the destruction of God's house – was and is still available!

   • Lord, as Jews love to ask questions, let them ask the rabbis about this issue of blood needed to make atonement for one's sins (Isa. 45:11a; Matt. 7:11).

   • We thank You that Paul declares in 2 Timothy 3:15, that the Tanach contains enough truth to make one trust in Yeshua as the Savior, and ask You to reveal Him to many Jews who do read Your Word.

   • As Jews often say they do not need a "mediator" between them and God, let the declarations in the Torah of how the priest makes atonement for the sinner show them that this teaching is not biblically correct (Lev. 4:20, 26; 5:6, 13; 6:7; 12:8; 14:18-20; 15:15, 30; 19:22).

   • Lord, burden many believers to pray for all Israel to be saved today, and to focus on asking for this for Your holy name's sake (Isa. 45:25; 46:13; Ezek. 36:23-32; Luke 2:32; Rom. 10:1).

   • Abba Father, through Messiah Yeshua's blood sacrifice, save Holocaust survivors and their families; survivors of terrorism; hostages still alive and their loved ones; IDF soldiers and their families; loved ones of soldiers killed or wounded; widows, widowers, orphans; rabbis in Israel and exile; Israeli politicians, judges, lawyers, diplomats; Jewish university students in Israel and in exile; professors, teachers, medical personnel; Israeli media personalities, tour guides and archeologists; Israelis living in exile; Jewish hippies, LGBTQ+ and new agers; Jews in Iran, Turkey, Ethiopia, India, and China; Spanish and Portuguese speaking Jews; and unsaved loved ones of Messianic Jews.

9. Body of Messiah:

   The kingdom of God is not a democracy; the Lord Yeshua is not a president or a prime minister. And the Word of God is not something that can be taken lightly. When God declares that He curses those who curse His people Israel – He means it (Num. 24:9b)!

   • God Almighty, allow Your Body to understand that You do not change (Mal. 3:6), therefore what You said to Pharaoh about Israel being Your son, Your firstborn (Ex. 4:22-23), is still true.

   • Lion of Judah, let the biblical link You have woven between Israel and Your glory become very clear to Your born-again children at this time (Isa. 46:13; Jer. 13:11; Luke 2:32; Rom. 9:4).

   • Messiah Yeshua, cast out replacement theory from the Body (Eph. 5:27; 1 Tim. 4:1), and take with it all attitudes of Jew-hatred and Israel-hatred (Gen. 18:18; 22:18; John 4:22; Rom. 9:1-5).

   • Abba, as Israel is the pupil of Your eye, let believers see the full repercussions of this, which is that You view the world through the lens of Israel (Zech. 2:8b)!

10. IFI:

    As we move closer to the Lord's return, the intensity and frequency of prophetic events will increase. We know this because the time of the end is like a woman enduring labor-pains (Mark 13:8; 1 Thess. 5:3), becoming closer and more painful. So we covet your prayers to be able to hear God's direction for this ministry's intercession daily. Thank you for supporting us by prayer, financially and through your words of encouragement.

Shabbat shalom, and blessings from Zion

Chuck Cohen, for the IFI team

Num. 6:24-27