Pray for: Palestine

The horrific Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 not escalated murderous violence in this region, but provoked deep division on the Israel-Palestine situation globally – not least among Christians. Pray for God’s purposes to be fulfilled in these areas:

• A just settlement of land issues. There are hundreds of Jewish settlements (including many illegal outposts) in Palestinian territory, and there are over 2 million Arab-Israeli in Israel. Both sides feel strong claims to the land. Both feel aggrieved at past – and very real – injustices. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their exclusive capital. Both believe God is on their side. Pray that the God of all justice will bring true justice and mercy to both Jews and Arabs in the Holy Land.
• Improved living conditions. Estimates suggest that 70% of Gaza live in deep poverty, and 80% depend on external aid. Only 5% of Gaza have regular access to clean water. The conflict of 2023 increased the misery by orders of magnitude as what little infrastructure and economic activity existed was flattened by Israel’s bombings. Debate over the causes and the fault does not change the fact that there is much suffering. God longs to bless and show kindness to all nations and peoples. May we pray that Gazans might know it, too.
• Leadership for the Palestinian people focused on advocating and caring for Palestinians, rather than genocidal hatred against Israel. Hamas (elected back in 2006) is more dedicated to harming Israel than helping Palestinians. But other factions such as Fatah and the PLO have proven ineffective, unpopular, or corrupt. Pray for God to establish a governing authority for Gaza and the West Bank that will serve His purposes – the peace, restoration, and salvation of the Palestinian people.
• Pray not only for the peace of Jerusalem, but also that both sides meet the Prince of Peace. Human negotiations may lead to temporary ceasefires, but it is through Him alone that any meaningful reconciliation will come.