Prayers for Israel
As we watch the events taking place in Israel, we should be reminded to pray. We are called to pray for the physical and spiritual peace of Jerusalem (and all of Israel). It’s a time to pray for the peace of Israel, protection of people, wisdom for the leaders, help and comfort during trouble, deliverance from enemies, and a spiritual awakening. I would like to give you a list of prayers for Israel that you start and continue to pray, in addition to other resources for praying for Israel.
God’s chosen?
We often hear of Israel being called “God’s chosen”. So why did God choose them? The answer is so that they would be the channel of blessings for all families & nations on the earth (Genesis 12:1-3). God chose one nation for the benefit of many. Israel serves as a picture of God’s sovereign plan to redeem the entire earth. Israel’s role consists of restoring all the nations to God. Israel was meant to reveal God to the nations (Isaiah 42:6). Jesus fulfilled this role and brought salvation to the entire earth (Isaiah 49:6). God’s plan was to show love to the entire world through this chosen family (the family of Abraham) and this chosen nation. We can also “live out of our identity as God’s chosen people—those whose special purpose has always been to extend God’s inclusive love to many.”[1]
“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations.” Isaiah 42:6 (NLT)
“He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”” Isaiah 49:6 (NLT)
We received the Messiah, Jesus, through the Jewish people. Those who accept God’s son, Jesus, as Messiah and Lord have been grafted into Abraham’s family and are also now God’s chosen people (Romans 11:17).
“But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree.” Romans 11:17 (NLT)
Israel will continue to remain the beloved chosen people because God’s gifts and calling for Israel are irrevocable and His covenants remain forever (Romans 11:28-29).
“Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.” Romans 11:28-29 (NLT)
Prayers for Israel
Below are some prayers for Israel along with accompanying relevant scriptures. Please feel free to pray these individually as you feel led or collectively as a whole.
Lord, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem and in all of Israel. May those who love you be secure. Let them have peace within their walls and security within their citadels.
“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)
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
“LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.” Isaiah 26:17 (NIV)
Please give Israel’s leaders wisdom and discernment. Help them to lead with stability, justice, integrity, and truth. Let them seek you for guidance and instruct them in the way they should go.
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8 (NIV)
Let there be peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Scripture tells us how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity.
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Psalm 133:1 (ESV)
Watch over the righteous in Israel and hear their cries for help. Deliver them and rescue them from trouble. Turn your face against those who do evil. We know you are close to the brokenhearted and you rescue those whose spirits are crushed.
“The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.
The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:15-18 (NLT)
Help Israel, and remind them of where their help comes from. Our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
Please protect the innocent on all sides. We know you hate the shedding of innocent blood.
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV)
“Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked.” Exodus 23:7 (ESV)
“This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” Jeremiah 22:3 (NIV)
Comfort the people of Israel. Heal and restore them. Help them to rebuild what has been destroyed. Preserve them through trouble. Strengthen and protect them.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (NIV)
“I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their lips. May they have abundant peace, both near and far,” says the LORD, who heals them.” Isaiah 57:18b-19 (NLT)
“Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all their troubles!” Psalm 25:22 (NKJV)
“Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.” Psalm 51:18 (NLT)
“The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.” Psalm 147:2 (ESV)
“I will restore My people Israel from captivity; they will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will firmly plant them in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land that I have given them,” says the LORD your God.” Amos 9:14-15 (BSB)
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” Psalm 138:7 (ESV)
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
We pray for the well-being and divine protection of any taken captive. Cause their captors to treat them with kindness and mercy.
“He even caused their captors to treat them with kindness.” Psalm 106:46 (NLT)
“And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their captors to show them mercy” 1 Kings 8:50 (NIV)
Watch over and protect Israel from all evils. Be their shield. Set a hedge of protection around their homes and cities, their families, their children, and their soldiers.
“Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.” Proverbs 30:5 (NLT)
“But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3 (ESV)
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” Psalm 18:2 (NLT)
“The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:7 (NLT)
“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4 (ESV)
“Have You not put a hedge [of protection] around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands [and conferred prosperity and happiness upon him], and his possessions have increased in the land.” Job 1:10 (AMP)
“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.” Psalm 5:11 (NLT)
“For the people of Israel belong to the Lord; Jacob is his special possession. He found them in a desert land, in an empty, howling wasteland. He surrounded them and watched over them; he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes. Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions. The Lord alone guided them; they followed no foreign gods.” Deuteronomy 32:9-12 (NLT)
Grant deliverance from the threats of those that come against them and against you. Just as you have delivered and rescued before, you will deliver and rescue again.
“And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)
“Our God is a God of deliverance; the Lord GOD is our rescuer from death.” Psalm 68:20 (BSB)
“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.” Exodus 20:2 (NLT)
“And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!”” 1 Samuel 17:37 (ESV)
“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” Daniel 3:17 (ESV)
Arise oh Lord and let your enemies in Israel be scattered. Let those who hate you flee from your presence.
“Let God arise, Let His enemies be scattered; Let those also who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; As wax melts before the fire, So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.” Psalm 68:1-2 (NKJV)
“And whenever the Ark set out, Moses would shout, “Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before you!”” Numbers 10:35 (NLT)
“You crushed the great sea monster. You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.” Psalm 89:10 (NLT)
“Your enemies, LORD, will surely perish; all evildoers will be scattered.” Psalm 92:9 (NLT)
Let there be a falling and stumbling of evildoers. Cause these evil groups to lose power, position, respect, and authority. We know that what others mean for evil, you can turn around for good. Thwart the evil plans and practices of Israel’s enemies. Let righteousness and justice prevail.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
“Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.” Psalm 21:11 (NIV)
“When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.” Psalm 27:2 (NLT)
“In pride and arrogance the wicked hotly pursue and persecute the afflicted; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.” Psalm 10:2 (AMP)
“The trouble they make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads.” Psalm 7:16 (NLT)
“The nations have fallen into the pit they dug for others. Their own feet have been caught in the trap they set. The LORD is known for his justice. The wicked are trapped by their own deeds.” Psalm 9:15-16 (NLT)
“He has turned back their own wickedness upon them and will destroy them by means of their own evil; The LORD our God will wipe them out.” Psalm 94:23 (AMP)
“They devise crafty schemes against your people; they conspire against your precious ones. “Come,” they say, “let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence.”… O my God, scatter them like tumbleweed, like chaff before the wind! As a fire burns a forest and as a flame sets mountains ablaze, chase them with your fierce storm; terrify them with your tempest. Utterly disgrace them until they submit to your name, O LORD. Let them be ashamed and terrified forever. Let them die in disgrace. Then they will learn that you alone are called the LORD, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth.” Psalm 83:3-4, 13-18 (NLT)
**See also 1 Kings 2:32,44, Esther 7:10, Esther 9:25
We also pray that truth and love prevail. Put a stop to fear, lies, and false information. Let lies be exposed and truth revealed.
“Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” Ephesians 5:11-14 (NLT)
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (NLT)
“For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth.” 2 Corinthians 13:8 (NLT)
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4 (NIV)
“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.” John 3:20 (NIV)
“For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.” Luke 8:17 (NLT)
“The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!” Luke 12:2-3 (NLT)
““But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.” Matthew 10:26 (NLT)
“For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.” Mark 4:22 (NLT)
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” John 16:13 (NLT)
“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10 (ESV)
We ask for a spiritual awakening for real and lasting peace, which is only found in the Prince of Peace, Jesus. We pray that as a nation they would accept Jesus Christ as their true Messiah. Open the eyes of the blind and bring them from darkness to light. We pray that your love and peace would be shown. Help them to find life, blessing, peace, and a saving faith in Jesus the Messiah. Pour out your spirit and let everyone who calls on you be saved.
“This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14 (NIV)
“This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Romans 13:11 (NLT)
“Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.” Romans 10:1 (ESV)
“to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. [Jesus]’” Acts 26:18 (ESV)
“I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 (NLT)
“For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 (NLT)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” Ephesians 2:14 (NIV)
“You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” Acts 10:36 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls.” Joel 2:28-32 (ESV)
Give us a revelation of your heart for Israel and how important it is in your eyes, and awaken our hearts to what is on your heart. We know that you have an everlasting covenant with and an eternal love for Israel. We thank you for your faithfulness to our covenants and promises. Help us to remember to stand with the children of Israel and not against them. We pray for the believers worldwide to align with God’s will for the Jewish people. We pray that the Jewish people will return to your covenants and see your faithfulness in spite of the tragedies they have experienced.
“Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch.” Isaiah 62:1 (NLT)
“I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3 (ESV)
“For the people of Israel belong to the Lord; Jacob is his special possession.” Deuteronomy 32:9 (NLT)
“Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD, Israel is my firstborn son” Exodus 4:22 (ESV)
“What other nation on earth is like your people Israel? What other nation, O God, have you redeemed from slavery to be your own people? You made a great name for yourself when you redeemed your people from Egypt. You performed awesome miracles and drove out the nations and gods that stood in their way. You made Israel your very own people forever, and you, O Lord, became their God.” 2 Samuel 7:23-24 (NLT)
“…for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye” Zechariah 2:8b (ESV)
“Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores His captive people, Then Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad.” Psalm 14:7 (AMP); see also Psalm 53:6
“But God replied, “No—Sarah, your wife, will give birth to a son for you. You will name him Isaac, and I will confirm my covenant with him and his descendants as an everlasting covenant.” Genesis 17:19 (NLT)
“I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you.” Genesis 17:7 (NLT)
“Have you noticed what people are saying?—‘The Lord chose Judah and Israel and then abandoned them!’ They are sneering and saying that Israel is not worthy to be counted as a nation. But this is what the Lord says: I would no more reject my people than I would change my laws that govern night and day, earth and sky. I will never abandon the descendants of Jacob or David, my servant, or change the plan that David’s descendants will rule the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Instead, I will restore them to their land and have mercy on them.” Jeremiah 33:24-26 (NLT)
“For the Lord has chosen Jerusalem; he has desired it for his home. “This is my resting place forever,” he said. “I will live here, for this is the home I desired.” Psalms 132:13-14 (NLT)
“Praise the Lord your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king so you can rule with justice and righteousness.” 1 Kings 10:9 (NLT)
“Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT)
“Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.’” Zechariah 1:3 (NLT)
“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” Jeremiah 24:7 (NIV)
Put an end to any kind of hatred and/or antisemitism, both in Israel and around the world. We pray that the body of Christ will stand firm against any form of antisemitism.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” Ephesians 4:31 (NLT)
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Matthew 5:43-44 (NLT)
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness… But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.” 1 John 2:9, 11 (NIV)
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” 1 John 4:20 (NIV)
Song: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” In English and Hebrew Live in Jerusalem // Joshua Aaron
Take Some Practical Steps to Say Some Prayers for Israel:
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First, pick one or of the prayers above to pray individually as you feel led, or pray them collectively as a whole.
You can pray the entire list, or be guided by the Holy Spirit in praying one of the specific prayers.
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Next, save the prayers somewhere: Bookmark them, Pin them, print them, screenshot them, or write them down somewhere.
Save these prayers and keep them somewhere to use as a reference during your prayer times.
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Then, designate some times to pray for Israel or consider using prayer cues.
You can be reminded to pray when you see or read news articles about the events taking place in Israel. You can also post reminders for yourself with post-its or digital reminders.
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Finally, you can also revisit these previous posts and other resources for other helpful ways that you might pray for Israel:
Scriptures About the Lord is My Strength (you can pray some of these scriptures for strength over Israel)
God is Our Rock (you can pray that God will be Israel’s rock)
Other Resources:
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- More prayers at https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayers-for-Israel
- Rabbi Jason Sobel (a Jewish follower of Jesus) recommends praying through the Psalms. Resources from Rabbi Jason Sobel: https://www.fusionglobal.org/
What are some ways that you pray for Israel? Share them with us by leaving a comment below.
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If you know anyone who could benefit from this, please pay it forward! Share this post via the sharing links below. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
- Quinn, Carissa. “Who Has God Chosen?” BibleProject, BibleProject, 2020, bibleproject.com/articles/who-has-god-chosen/. ↑
