Wondering what’s the latest on the Gaza conflict?

As of yesterday (May 21), a ceasefire finally came into effect after 11 days of rockets and airstrikes that have claimed the lives of civilians. Such intense fighting has not been seen since 2014.

We urge you to continue to pray for the region as the violence has left thousands injured and destroyed many areas. 

A boy pulls a cart carrying his brother and their belongings as they flee their home during air and artillery attacks. / Original image source: BBC

The following points have been adapted from prayer lists originating from All Israel News and All Arab News, which cover breaking news and trends in Israel and the Middle East.

Based in Jerusalem, both sites have Arab, Jewish and international staff working together to present and analyse events with a biblical perspective and worldview for Christians.

PEACE & RECONCILIATION

1. Pray for the spirit of peace and reconciliation in the peace talks between the Israel Cabinet and Hamas representations. 

2. Pray for the political situation and against further instability.

3. Pray against any spirit of hate and rage that might trigger violence, and for God’s love and grace to cover all the hurt and pain. 

4. Pray that there will not be any fear between Jews and Arabs, especially from the civil unrest over the past two weeks in mixed neighbourhoods in Israel.

5. Pray for humility, wisdom and unity among leaders in the land.

6. Pray against any anti-semitism in the world, so that Jewish communities, embassies, synagogues and schools abroad will be safe. 

Read: Ephesians 2:14-16, Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8, Psalm 133:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Residents return to their neighbourhood hit by bombardment after a ceasefire brokered by Egypt between Israel and Hamas. / Original image source: AFP Photo

REST & RESTORATION

7. Pray for safety and the supernatural protection of God.

8. Pray for sleep and restoration for civilians affected by the rockets. And also for the soldiers who have been serving for the past two weeks as well as their parents and families. 

9. Pray for provision, grace, strength and vision for those who need to rebuild homes and infrastructure.

10. Pray for the recovery of the wounded, especially for the children, and wisdom for medical personnel. 

11. Pray for comfort for the families of those who have lost loved ones.

12. Pray for the well-being of the society, for healing and protection from anxiety and trauma, as well as a lightening of the burden from the intensity of the events.

Read: Psalm 91, Proverbs 3:24, Psalm 127:1, Isaiah 40:1

FAITH

13. Pray for the kingdom of God to come and that all men will know His name.

14. Pray for the salvation of people on both sides.

15. Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit during this season of Shavuot/Week of First Fruits/Pentecost.

Read: Acts 4:12, Matthew 6:10, Isaiah 11:1-2

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