July Prayer Points from EMUNAH ISRAEL

Shalom From Israel!

As Americans celebrate their heritage and  the 4th of July – Independence Day , we are so thankful for the long-standing friendship between Israel and the United States. And we are so appreciative of the many American and International friends of EMUNAH Israel!

EMUNAH is a Jewish charity providing life-changing services to help the most vulnerable children and families in the Holy Land. The aim is to break the cycle of distress, abuse and poverty, so that they can look to a brighter future in which they are able to build their own rewarding and stable lives and families. The Hebrew word ‘EMUNAH’ means faith, loyalty, stability, and faithfulness.

In many ways, Israel is in a very difficult time—politically, socially, and strategically. Especially in this challenging season, we are so thankful for the care, support, and prayers of our Christian friends, as we seek to be faithful to our calling to consistently care for the most needy in the Land.

Please would you pray (in faith!) with us this month…

 For America’s Relationship with Israel going forward. America has such a rich Judeo-Christian heritage, and her historical choices to stand with Israel as an ally and friend, have been a blessing to Israelis and Americans alike. Please pray for America, that she would accept God’s help to make wise choices in line with Biblical values – from the grassroots level, all the way up to the nation’s highest leadership. May Americans stand against the growing tide of anti-Semitism, and continue to choose to bless Israel.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. (Genesis 12:3)

 

For the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). Pray for God’s protection and shalom over the Land and the people. Israel has endured thousands of relentless, terrifying rocket attacks in the last few months. And there have specifically been an increase of attacks in the North of Israel in the last month. May the IDF have the necessary strength and wisdom to do what needs to be done to root out terrorism cells. The following is a prayer adapted from a traditional Jewish prayer for the IDF:

May the Almighty cause the enemies who rise up against Israel to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue Israel’s soldiers from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.
May He lead Israel’s enemies under her soldiers’ sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is the Lord your God, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

 

 For the graduates of the EMUNAH residential homes and programs that are currently serving in the IDF: Military service is compulsory for 18-year-olds in Israel, so almost all of the young adults that age out of the EMUNAH Residential Home’s go directly into the IDF to serve their country. (EMUNAH cares for over 800 children across our five residential homes.) While an 18-year old is technically an adult, in many ways they still need support, mentorship, and practical help from caring adults who love them. EMUNAH has a program where we offer apartments, mentorship and a supportive home to come back to, for those young adults who have aged out of their programs.

Please keep these brave young men and women in your prayers. May the Lord protect and strengthen them as they do their part to help defend their homeland. May they receive the support they need: mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually as they stand on the frontlines.

For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you
against your enemies, to give you the victory. (Deuteronomy 20:4)

 

  For Shalom in Israel:  This month we will see the period known in Hebrew as the “Bein HaMetzarim” – meaning “(a time) between the Dire Straits”.  In the 21 days before the9th of Av (a day when the Jewish People mourn the destruction of the two Holy Temples in Jerusalem, the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, and other national tragedies beginning with the spies returning from their mission to “scope out the land and people” and inciting the Israelites to cry out to God to return them to Egypt: Numbers 13:45-14:10 ) comes a day known in the Jewish calendar as the17th of Tammuz (July 5/6, 2023). Starting with a day of fasting, it is a time of deep introspection, reflection, and remembrance.

Our friends from the Christian Group called “Nations’ 9th of Av” (www.9-av.com) are inviting Christians to join with their Jewish brothers and sisters in a dedicated season of prayer this month:

Thus says the Lord of Hosts: ‘Peoples shall yet come, inhabitants of many cities; The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “Let us continue to go and pray before the Lord, and seek the Lord of Hosts…Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem…” (Zechariah 8:20–22)

If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

 

 For new bridges of healing and reconciliation between the Jewish community and the Christian community, especially as we work together to care for the orphans and the needy in the Holy Land.