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Intention
At a time of tumult in Israel, let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Scripture

“I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the LORD”.
Our feet are standing
in your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
That is where the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
to praise the name of the LORD
according to the statute given to
Israel.
There the thrones for judgment stand,
the thrones of the house of David.
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”.
For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you”.”—Psalm 122:1-8

Reflection
In 2005, while I was living in the UK, I joined an eight-day tour of Israel called “Where Jesus Walked”.

At this time, Israel was stable, as far as I can remember. I loved sailing on the vast Sea of Galilee, being reminded of the storm on the lake and Jesus calming the wind and the waves (Matthew 8:23-27). We visited Bethlehem, which is Palestinian owned — and walled. It wasn’t quite how I pictured it, not was it a favourite place, I must say!

My highlight was arriving in Jerusalem. We walked a path to the Garden of Gethsemane — a breathtaking experience. The olive trees in this garden were still there; very old and thick, but still alive. This is where Jesus asked his disciples to keep watch for Him, as he prayed on the night before his trial and crucifixion (Mark 14:32-42).

We saw what was believed to be the Upper Room; where the Last Supper took place. We walked through the old part of Jerusalem, where Jesus carried his cross. It was very emotional. The garden was next, where Golgotha was, and the empty Tomb in this beautiful setting. A sign on a door of the tomb read “HE IS NOT HERE, FOR HE IS RISEN”.

We visited the Wailing Wall, where many Jewish people and tourists were praying. Later that day, Israel’s military practiced there for a parade. Everywhere we went, the military’s presence was evident, even back in 2005.

To me, at that time in history, Israel was the most amazing place. Places we visited made the Bible come alive. I could recount many more stories, like standing in the Jordan River, being on the Road to Emmaus where Jesus met the two men who didn’t recognise him until later that night (Luke 24:13-32).

Fast forward 16 years, and the nation of Israel seems to be under one of the biggest threats of destruction in history. It feels like the book of Revelation is being played out before us — especially with so many believing the narrative of the mainstream media, that Israel is the main aggressor.

To visit Israel at this time in history, other than in guided tours, would be dangerous for many reasons. However our prayers and support for the region at this time are beneficial. God has his eyes on Israel. It is where Jesus was born, where he ministered for three years, where he chose twelve disciples and taught them, where he ministered to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Jesus ascended to heaven (Luke 24:50-53) and promised that He would return to take those who believe in Him to the place he has prepared for us, to be with Him for eternity. God’s heart is for all Israel to be saved. Even as we pray for our loved ones and neighbours who don’t know Jesus, let us pray also for the Jewish people, that God would turn their hearts towards him in these crucial days. Let’s pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for love for Israel. We pray that people around the world and particularly in Australia will be awakened to realise just how treasured the Holy Land and the Jewish people are to You. We ask for an awakening in Israel, that people in the region would know that it is only through You, Jesus, that they can have eternal life. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer Points for May 2021
1. Pray for Revival and Transformation for Australia
2. Pray for 1 Billion people worldwide to hear the Gospel
3. Share the Good News of Jesus with 5 people

Barbara Burns was born in Victoria, but after marrying, she lived in Sydney for 50 years. She has three daughters and eight grandchildren, and by the grace of God, all are members of God’s family. During her nursing career, Barbara spent time in England, and experienced work and life on the Africa Mercy Hospital Ship in West Africa. In 2016, she relocated to Melbourne and also attended the Bethel School of Faith. Barbara now works casually and volunteers with the ACL and Life Church. She has been part of the Canberra Declaration community since early 2019.

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