“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.

“Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached. All the tribes of Israel – the Lord’s people – make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the Name of the Lord, as the law requires of Israel. Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David.

“Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘May you have peace.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.”
(Psalm 122, New Living Translation)

Anyone who knows me knows that I love Israel and her people. If ever there was a time in history that Israel needs our prayers, it is now.

Have you ever wondered why the Lord instructs us to pray specifically for the peace of Jerusalem? There are probably many answers to this question but I would like for you to consider the following:

In the Old Testament, when David wrote this psalm, Jerusalem was the “seat of God”, the center of worship, God’s chosen place to reside. Every year the Jews made a pilgrimage, ascending the hills to Jerusalem for their yearly feasts. The anticipation was enormous! Oh, to be in the Presence of the Lord, to be cleansed from sin – a chance to recall the goodness of the Lord their God.

So what does this have to do with you and me?

Throughout the world Jerusalem represents the Spirit of God. Do you know what I mean? Even atheists associate Jerusalem with God! Why on earth would evil desire her destruction? Because Jerusalem is precious to the Lord and to her people.

Our prayers for her are imperative. There is a battle waging that would wipe Israel off the map. There is a battle waging that would erase the evidence of God in this world.

How sad…how sad. We must take this seriously, allow God to mesh this mandate with our spirits so that our prayers for Israel are fervent and passionate.

Pray that warring angels would stand guard on her borders.
Pray for the hearts of her people.
Pray for wisdom for her leaders.
Pray for her peace.

Yes, pray for her peace. Shalu Shalom Yerushayalim!

Father God, Help us heed Your mandate. Give us a heart for Israel. Show us how we, as Christians can support and love Your special people. I pray that Your perfect love would cast away all fear from the hearts of our Jewish brothers and sisters. Grant them safety, wisdom. Comfort them in their pain. And help us understand Your heart, Lord. Thank You. Praise Your Holy Name!