Israel At War – Prayer Points for Christian Friends of EMUNAH Israel

Dear Friends,

The People of Israel urgently need your prayers and support.

The horrors of the last week-and-a-half are impossible to put into words—Israeli families have endured unspeakable loss and trauma.

The numbers are staggering and heart-breaking: At least 1,400 Israelis have been murdered, including many innocent children and babies. The violent tactics of Hamas’ terror have been more extreme than even ISIS.

As the war continues, Israel is facing a humanitarian aid crisis, as thousands of Israeli families are left homeless in the aftermath of rocket attacks. And, sadly, the stress and hardship is far from over – right now Israel is fighting for her survival. Our finest young people are courageously on the frontline. This is our hour of need. Will you please join us in prayer?

Please pray for the grieving families. May they know the comfort only HaShem (God) can give.
“The LORD is close to the broken-hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

Please pray for the safe return of hostages being held by Hamas. More than 190 Israelis and other nationals have been taken hostage by militant Hamas terrorists. Among those missing are babies, women and the elderly. We are afraid to even think about what they are enduring in captivity. Please pray for their recovery and their safe return.
“As for you, because of the blood of your covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; This very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.” (Zechariah 9:11-12)
“The LORD guards/keeps/watches over (Shomer) all those who love Him, but He destroys all the wicked.” (Psalm 145:20)

Please pray for the wounded. At least 3,600 Israeli men, women, and children have been injured. And please pray for the medical staff who are tirelessly treating them.
“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in Hashem (God) will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)

Please pray for the IDF and all the 360,000+ reservists who have been called up to defend their Historical and Biblical Homeland. May God give these Defenders of Israel His protection, courage, resiliency, focus, and wisdom. Please also pray for the leadership of the government and military who have countless important, strategic decisions to make.
“When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people. He shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be faint hearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” (Deuteronomy 20:1-4)

Please pray for EMUNAH Israel. As one of Israel’s largest social welfare organizations (NGOs), we are on the ground across the cities and towns of Israel providing essential social services in this time of urgent need. EMUNAH provides crisis counselling centers and practical support for Israel’s most vulnerable children and families year round, but now, the need is significantly greater than ever.
“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.” (Psalm 10:14)

EMUNAH is launching an Emergency Appeal as Israel deals with the atrocities and horror of war. We are determined and focused on providing continuous support to the thousands of children and adults affected by the current situation in Israel.

One first goal is to enable more people to access the psychological counseling they desperately need in response to the trauma of the war. At the EMUNAH Sarah Ronson Counselling Centre, located in Sderot near the border of Gaza, and our counselling center in nearby Netivot, staff are continuing to support vulnerable people, while sitting in bomb shelters themselves. Even the death of one of the counselors from Netivot has not deterred our dedicated and professional staff.

All of EMUNAH’s 13 counseling and crisis centers face an unprecedented need to scale up their services, to provide hundreds more therapy sessions, crisis interventions, and to be safe havens for the thousands of children, women, and men across the country, traumatized by the horrific and brutal events of this war so far. The need for psychological support is already great and will continue long after the war ends.

Israel needs your help today more than ever. Every donation makes a real difference.

Pray for the Shalom/Peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you be secure. May there be shalom within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.” (Psalm 122:6-9)