Praise:
Isaiah 54:5 is found in Shabbat's prophetic reading:
For your Creator is your husband; YHWH of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel. He shall be called the God of the whole earth.
(Isa. 54:5)Abba, we glorify You as this prophecy is now a reality through Messiah Yeshua, as multitudes around the world know You as the
God of the whole earth
(Psa. 117:1; Rom. 15:11).We rejoice that since You are the God of all the earth, You reign (Ex. 8:22; Psa. 103:19; Dan. 4:35).
We thank You for the close personal relationship You desire to have with Your people – both Israel and those of us who are part of the Body of Messiah (Jer. 3:14; Hos. 2:20; 2 Cor. 11:2).
We exalt You, Yeshua our Redeemer (Job 19:25; Isa. 44:6; 59:20; 1 Pet. 1:18; Rev. 5:9).
For YHWH most high is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.
(Psa. 47:2) Hallelujah!
Government & society:
Israel will be holding its national election in 12 days. Believers need to see that their eternal destiny is tied in with Israel and not with their birth-nations. Not only that but as end-time events leading up to the Lord's return are mostly centered on Israel, we pray for believers to understand how important it is for them to pray into Israel's elections.
King Yeshua, teach believers the link between Israel's election and Your kingdom (Acts 1:3, 6-7).
Almighty God,
send out Your light and Your truth, and let them lead
Israelis as they vote, and Your Body as we pray (Psa. 43:3a; cp. 23:3b; 32:8).Lord God, we ask for Israel's elections to bring forth a godly government filled with children of Zion that will move in synch with Your will (Deut. 4:5-8).
Abba Father, guide Israelis to consider the deeds, and not just the words, of the politicians as they consider for whom to vote (Jam. 2:24, 26).
God, block a lukewarm “unity” government and create a zealous Zionistic coalition (Zech. 8:1-6).
God of Solomon, strengthen, encourage, protect and anoint PM Bibi Netanyahu with Your wisdom for as long as You have him as Israel's leader (Job 12:13; Prov. 2:6; Dan. 2:21).
Abba Father, expose all lying accusations against Bibi at this time (Psa. 57:3; 96:13).
Lord, let these attacks turn Netanyahu to You and, as a result, save him (Psa. 80:3, 7, 19).
Lord Messiah, give to Bibi, and all other current ministers, godly advisors, and let them speak Your counsel to them in the time they have left in office (Prov. 9:9; 11:14; 24:6).
King of Jacob, shield Israelis against manipulation and lies from Israel's left-leaning media, as well as social media during the election campaigns, and afterward (Num. 23:23; Psa. 63:11; Zech. 2:5).
God of justice, anoint the next government to legislate judicial reform in a way that lines up with Your righteousness as revealed in Your Word (Deut. 16:18; 25:15; Isa. 1:25-27).
Lord God, thank You for the slow but steady advances of various Haredi [ultra-Orthodox] groups to become more involved in Israeli society in both employment and in the military (Job 8:7).
Abba Father, comfort, heal and save all ex-hostages and families of the emotional and mental trauma that they struggle with today and likely for the rest of their lives (Psa. 30:2-3; 147:3; Isa. 61:1-3).
In line with the Torah reading, let Israel apply the death penalty against all murderers (Gen. 9:5-6).
Foreign relations:
Nations are sanctioning Israelis, and boycotting Israeli goods from Judea and Samaria. Boycotting Jewish businesses is how the Nazis began their anti-Jew campaigns as well. Add to this the absurd “recognition” of a non-existent “Palestine” and the addiction nations still have, even after the 10/7 Hamas massacre, to the “two-state” solution, and it appears that God is actively deceiving the anti-Semitic, anti-Zionist crowds in the world today (2 Thess. 2:10-12).
Almighty King, guide Your nation as to its response to the boycotts coming against it from many nations, in particular from Israel's Western “allies” (Psa. 28:3; Jer. 9:8).
God of Jacob, as boycotts increase, bless and increase Israel's economic situation (Neh. 13:1-2).
Abba, as You did in the Torah portion when humans built the Tower of Babel to rebel against You, so do today and come down to confound all those who hate Zion (Gen. 11:1-9; Psa. 129:5).
Messiah Yeshua, extend Your scepter of authority (Matt. 28:18) over the UN and its outreaches that seem to curse Israel daily, and silence them (Jer. 10:25; 30:20; Zech. 2:13; Luke 1:20).
Lord God, if the pressure from nations for a “two-state solution,” is You fulfilling Zechariah 12:2-3, show us and guide us as we pray (Amos 3:7; 1 John 5:14-15).
God of Jacob, we remind You of Isaiah 54:17 in the prophetic reading and ask You to watch over that specific word as multitudes come against Your people at this time (Num. 23:19).
Lord God, we bless You for elevating more sons and daughters of Zion and of Issachar in Israel's diplomatic corps today and ask for even more tomorrow (1 Chr. 12:32; Job 22:21-22; Isa. 48:17).
Abba Father, encourage Israel's representatives, both professionals and laypeople, to increasingly use Your Word, as it will not return empty (Num. 23:19; Isa. 40:8; 55:11; Matt. 24:35).
King Yeshua, show believers the link between the “gross darkness” overtaking their nations (Isa. 60:2) and their leaders, people, and churches cursing and/or betraying Israel (Num. 24:9b; Isa. 60:12).
Abba Father, raise up more believers as spiritual diplomats for Israel today (Psa. 98:2-3; Isa. 60:3).
Gaza:
A US general said that Israel is impeding US President Trump's Gaza “ceasefire” plan (Prov. 16:1, 9). Yet it is Hamas' rejection of disarming or giving up control of any part of Gaza that is the real roadblock. Meanwhile, the IDF is preparing to war against Hamas and Islamic Jihad and to remove them from not just Gaza, but from off the earth.
God of Israel, thank You for Israel's current government insisting that Hamas be disarmed before any of Trump's plan to revitalize Gaza moves ahead (Ezek. 3:8-9a).
Lord, let this be continued as a just and righteous stance by Israel's next government (Prov. 16:12).
Eternal Commander, remove from the IDF leadership all sons of Greece and set Israel free to fight without being hindered by the humanistic leanings of men (Psa. 44:4-6; Matt. 16:23).
God of Israel, remove all rules of engagement which prevent the IDF from gaining a total victory against Hamas (Psa. 60:12; 68:35; Zech. 10:5).
Lord, use Iran's financial crisis to cut off most of Hamas' and Islamic Jihad's finances (Prov. 11:4a).
Abba Father, we pray for Your “day-after” plans come to pass; not anyone else's (Psa. 33:10-11).
Lord, show more Israelis that Gaza is part of their God-given inheritance (Zeph. 3:4a; Zech. 9:5).
Internal security:
The only time in God's Word that He says He will do something with all of His heart and soul is to plant His people back in their land (Jer. 32:41). This is being done openly today! This is also connected with Israel's salvation (32:37-40). As God is fulfilling His word in such a clear manner, it ought to be a persistent topic for intercession in Messiah's Body.
Abba Father, You are replanting Israel in their land with all of Your heart and soul (Jer. 32:41), so by Your Spirit burden believers to intercede for Israel to work in agreement with You and extend its sovereignty over all of its land as soon as possible (Ezek. 36:37; John 15:16; 1 John 5:14-15).
We thank You God of Jacob how Jeremiah 32:44 describes the land You are planting Israel back in (32:41), which is all of the territory from the [Jordan] River to the [Mediterranean] Sea!
Lord Yeshua, change the mindset of believers who do not understand, or refuse to accept, how vital the physical land of Israel is to Your Kingdom purposes here on the earth (Zech. 12:2-9; 14:1-4).
Almighty God, as Jews read Isaiah 54:2-3 in Shabbat's prophetic portion, let faith rise up in them so that they become zealous to possess their possessions (Obad. 1:17).
God, continue using Finance Minister Smotrich, Justice Minister Levin and Defense Minister Katz who are advancing legislation for Jews to settle more easily in Judea and Samaria (Josh. 1:6).
King Yeshua, increase the number of Jewish settlers, farmers and shepherds in Judea and Samaria, and set up walls of protection around them, their homes, their crops and herds (Psa. 121:4; 127:1).
God of Israel, use the illegal buildings that the EU built for Palestinians in Area C to become homes for Jews who make aliyah and want to live in Judea and Samaria (Deut. 6:10-11; Josh. 24:13).
We glorify You Lord of hosts for the counterterrorism operations that Israel's security forces have been executing throughout Samaria and the incredible success they have had (Psa. 44:4).
Lord, arise and turn the Palestinian Authority [PA] security forces – which have become an army – into another massive mistake that implodes on those who hate Your people (Psa. 68:1-2, 30b).
Almighty One, let PA President Abbas' delay of the November PA elections cause an uproar against his demonic rule and turn the PA and Hamas against one another (Hag. 2:22; Zech. 9:13).
Lord God of wisdom, anoint Israeli intelligence people who search through social media with divine discernment to discern all genuine threats from those that are satanic diversions (2 Sam. 21:10).
External security:
America is still battling Iran using various economic means. Meanwhile, Israel is keeping an eye on Turkey and the Houthis and frequently strikes Hizbullah, as the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel has been rejected by Iran's #1 proxy.
King Yeshua, hasten the day when Israel will be the head of the Middle East nations (Deut. 28:13).
We thank You Abba for making Mossad, Israel's spy organization, into a tool in Your hand against Your/Israel's enemies and ask You to increase its effectiveness in every arena (Psa. 68:35; Mic. 3:8a).
Lion of Judah, direct Israel's drone and cyber-warfare operators for Your glory (1 Chr. 5:18).
Messiah Yeshua, increase the paranoia between Israel's Middle East enemies making it impossible for them to trust each other and let that lead to huge geo-political mistakes (Psa. 129:5).
Lord God, protect Israel from getting involved in the war between the Sunni Saudis and the Shi'ite Houthis and use this to further divide the house of Islam throughout the ME (Luke 11:17).
Iran: All-wise God, reveal to Israel Iran's plans against it at this time (Job 12:22; Psa. 139:12).
Thank You for Netanyahu openly stating that Israel's goal is for regime change in Iran (Jer. 51:20).
Almighty God, Psalm 46:9 says You cause wars to cease, so we ask that You, not President Trump, will decide when the war against Iran's radical Shi'ite regime should end (Psa. 76:3-6; Mic. 5:10).
Lord God of hosts, prepare Israel, Your weapon of war, to deal with Iran alone if America backs off and declares “victory,” yet leaves Iran a wounded, and dangerous, beast (Jer. 51:20-24).
Abba Father, have mercy on the oppressed Iranian civilians (Psa. 9:9; 103:6; 146:7).
Lion of Judah; fulfill Jeremiah 49:38a and continue to build Your throne, Your Body, in Iran today.
Hizbullah in Lebanon: Abba, do not let Israel be pressured by America to retreat from its agreement with the US and Lebanon, and to pull back from their buffer zones in Lebanon before Hizbullah has been completely disarmed (Num. 30:2).
King Messiah, increase Your shield over IDF soldiers in Lebanon against roadside bombs, snipers and all kidnapping attempts (Deut. 33:29; Psa. 3:3; 32:7; 121:4).
Messiah Yeshua, protect and guide Lebanese believers as they pray for their nation (Jam. 5:16b).
Other: Abba Father, open Trump's eyes to see why Israel views Turkey, Syria and Qatar as hostile nations and not as “allies” of either Israel, America, or the West (Psa. 55:19-21).
God, as Turkey President Erdogan severely cursed Israel from the podium of the UN last month, we pray for You to watch over and fulfill Numbers 24:9b and repay him in kind.
Messiah Yeshua, protect Your Body in the ME; help them grow numerically and spiritually; and teach them to bless and pray for Israel and the Jews (Num. 24:9b; Jer. 49:38a; Matt. 16:18b).
Lord Yeshua, heed ex-Muslim believers' prayers and save many Muslims (Ezek. 18:23; 2 Pet. 3:9).
Aliyah:
Shabbat's prophetic portion has this wonderful promise from God on the regathering of His scattered people:
For a small moment have I forsaken you; but with great mercies will I gather you. In a little wrath I hid My face from you…but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on you, says YHWH your Redeemer.
(Isa. 54:7-8)In mercy Lord God of Israel, give to Your people dreams, visions, even nightmares, so that they see that today is the day to return to the land of their forefathers (Job 4:12-14; Psa. 95:7b-11).
Abba Father, we are witnessing You fulfilling Jeremiah 31:8-9 in our days and ask that You would not stop until all of Israel has returned to Your/their land (Num. 23:19; Ezek. 39:28-29).
Lord God, set more Jews free who are mentally, emotionally, or financially trapped in their so-called “comfort zones” in the captivity (Psa. 107:14-16; 124:7-8; 137:4-6).
Lord God, use the results of both the Israeli and US elections to set American Jews free from all that holds them back from coming home (Psa. 124:7-8).
God of Jacob, as many Jews are afraid to live in Israel, show them that living in the nations today is very unsafe and that the chances of gentile security forces laying their lives down to guard them is much less than Israeli security forces – who do that on a daily basis (Psa. 38:12).
Lord Yeshua, remind Messianic Jews in the captivity of Psalm 137:4 during their times of worship.
King Messiah, burden Your Body to intercede for aliyah as its goal is Your glory (Ezek. 36:20-24).
Abba Father, show believers that aliyah is literally an answer to the 2,000 year old prayer for Your name to be sanctified through Your will being done on the earth (Ezek. 28:25-26; Luke 11:2).
God, remove all Laban-like spirits from Christian Zionists and instead have them bless the Jews as they make aliyah, and also help them to return to Zion (Gen. 30:27).
Lord God, teach believers of their biblical responsibility to aid the Jews to return: in prayers, with finances, by good works and reassuring words of truth (Isa. 49:22; 60:1-12; 61:5; Rom. 15:26-27).
Abba Father, marry every Jew who has already returned to Your land (Isa. 62:4-5).
Lord God, enable Israel to open wide its gates to all non-Western Jews, as it is doing with the Beni-Menashe of India, and to welcome them home in great numbers (Isa. 43:5-6; 60:4, 8).
Salvation:
God's Spirit is moving among His people in Israel and in the captivity.
Lord God, use the following verse from the prophetic portion to provoke many unsaved Jews to seek You:
Incline your ear, and come to Me: hear, and your soul shall live, and I will make with you an eternal covenant, even the sure mercies of David.
(Isa. 55:3)As Jews then read Isaiah 55:4-5, Abba Father let them seek You concerning the Witness You have given to them who provokes gentiles to rush to, and stand with, Israel!
God of Jacob, draw Jews back to the truth of Your Word (John 17:17), and help them to compare what rabbinic teachings say with what You have actually said (Psa. 119:99-100).
Abba, as Your people recite the Shema, show them how impossible this is to do without Your grace and then turn them to ask You for help:
Hear Israel; YHWH our God is one YHWH, and you shall love YHWH your God with all your heart, soul, and might.
(Deut. 6:4-5; Isa. 30:19)King Yeshua, burden Your Body to pray persistently for “all Israel” to be saved (Rom. 10:1; 11:26).
Lord of the harvest, send forth laborers into Jewish harvest fields, including Haredi [ultra-Orthodox] sects and the Religious Zionists who live in Your land today (Matt. 9:37-38).
God, anoint ex-Muslim believers to be zealous provokers to jealousy of the Jews (Rom. 11:11).
[Ask the Lord concerning specific groups of Jews He wants you to intercede for this week.]
Body of Messiah:
If you use these prayer alerts please know that at least in the West, you are part of a very small remnant of the true remnant of the Body. Most Western believers do not want to get “involved” with political issues, even if it is just to pray. Also Israel has become a divisive issue in many congregations. Yet if our family in Messiah would take the Tanach as seriously as their Lord and Savior did, this would be very different.
Lord Yeshua, we do praise You for the growing remnant in Your Body who stand with and pray for Israel, and who desire for You to be glorified in and through Your nation (Isa. 43:7, 21).
King Messiah, use them as “leaven” to influence many other believers (Luke 13:20-21).
Divine Physician, heal Your Body of its biblical anorexia and prophetic illiteracy by giving it a deep hunger to “eat” all of Your Word (Jer. 15:16; Amos 8:11; Acts 20:32; 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:13-14).
Abba Father, reveal to believers that what You said to Balaam is still valid:
…you shall not curse the people [Israel], for they are blessed.
(Num. 22:12b)God Almighty, show believers that if they are ignorant of the Tanach prophecies of these days, they will miss most of the end time prophecies You are fulfilling at this time (Luke 24:25-27).
Lord Yeshua, let Your Body take Your warnings to heart that in these last days false prophets will come in Your name, will confess You, and yet will deceive many (Matt. 24:4-5, 11, 24-25).
Water:
While the weather has cooled down and clouds are consistently overhead, so far very little rain has fallen here in Israel. Let's remind God of Deuteronomy 11:11-12 and then ask Him to be merciful to His land and people and to provide all the water Israel needs at this time.
IFI: Please pray for our endurance and health as the warfare has definitely increased. We want to finish the race He has ordained for us, yet we cannot unless He refreshes us with His amazing grace. Thank you in advance.
Shabbat shalom from Zion
Chuck Cohen, for the IFI team
1 Thess. 5:23-24