Are you feeling the same heartache as I am for the innocent people caught in the conflict between Israel and Hamas? The news reports of the atrocities there are horrendous. I cry every time I see a picture of the wailing babies, covered in blood and dust from the rubble surrounding them, clinging to their parents for dear life. I want to save them all!
While physical rescue may not be possible, believers can make a difference by offering intercessory prayers to bring protection, provision, and peace in the chaos there.
What is Intercessory Prayer?
Through prayer, we commune and communicate with our Heavenly Father. It is a vital part of our relationship with God, and a healthy prayer life leads to a vibrant walk with Christ.
Intercessory prayer is when we pray on behalf of others, as the Lord has led me to pray for Israel and the hurting people on both sides of the war there.
Anytime we are standing in the gap between someone and God, praying for His perfect will to be done in their lives, we are exercising intercessory prayer.
For example, praying for prodigal children to repent and return to God; the lost to come to salvation; addicts to be delivered from strongholds; victims of abuse to be extracted from the situation and protected from their perpetrators; and the horrors of human trafficking to cease.
With all the evil in the world today, the list of things to lift to the Lord in fervent prayer is endless!
Intercession is pleading with God in brokenness and humility for divine intervention in situations where the circumstances seem insurmountable. Like the situation in the Middle East.
Let’s look at some examples of intercessory prayer in the Bible…
Examples of Intercessory Prayer in the Bible
Prayer is powerful! Instead of just worrying, weeping, or wringing our hands in times of trouble, our first response should be to beseech the Lord God Almighty for divine intervention.
- Job – He interceded on behalf of his children- Job 1:5, and then for his friends- Job 42:10.
- Abraham – For the righteous souls to be spared in Sodom- Genesis 18:23-32.
- Moses – Multiples times for the Israelites, for example- Exodus 32:11-13, 31-32; and for Miriam in Numbers 12:13.
- Solomon – In possibly the longest prayer in the Bible, at the dedication of the temple, he intercedes for the children of Israel- 1 Kings 8:22-53.
- Hezekiah – At the threat of invasion by Sennacherib, he beseeches the Lord to save Israel from her fierce enemy- 2 Kings 19:14-19.
- Nehemiah – Upon hearing the news of affliction and destruction in his homeland, he prayed for God’s help- Nehemiah 1:3-11.
- Daniel – He prayed for forgiveness and mercy for God’s chosen people- Daniel 9:3-19.
- Elisha – 2 Kings 6:17 “Lord open his eyes that he may see…” were the words of intercession he spoke to the Lord for his servant, who was shaking in his sandals at the sight of Syrian soldiers surrounding the city they were in. For the full story, read 2 Kings 6:8-23. Countless times, I’ve prayed that same simple prayer!
- Jesus – John 17 records the powerful High Priestly prayer of our Savior. Another instance of intercessory prayer is when He is in agony on the cross, crying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”- Luke 23:34. Jesus, the Mediator between God and men, is at the right hand of the Father, continually making intercession for His beloved Bride, the Church. 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 7:25.
Romans 8:34 KJV – Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Stand in the Gap for Israel Today
From these examples of intercessory prayer in the Bible, we can see that there is a heart attitude required to stand in the gap for someone else. Each of them was broken over the circumstances they saw someone else enduring. They had humility, holiness, and a heart for others.
We can follow their lead and urgently and desperately cry out to God on behalf of the hurting and helpless in Israel and Gaza.
Sometimes there are just no words. Seeing the destruction, death tolls, and devastation is overwhelming. Praise God for the intercession of the Spirit who takes over for us with exactly what needs to be said.
Romans 8:26-27 KJV – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Intercessory Prayer for the Victims of the Israel-Hamas War.
If intercessory prayer is new to you, begin with confessing your sins and getting a clean heart. Then make your requests known to God, with a grateful heart for His goodness and grace. (Phil. 4:6)
Close your eyes and imagine the heart-wrenching scene. Hear the cries of anguish echoing through the ravaged streets. Envision the pain and suffering, the smell of smoke and burning buildings. Feel the weight of their struggle in your heart.
Put yourself in their shoes as you earnestly pray for these people, created in the image of God the same as you and I were.
Pray with faith, believing that God is well able to do exceedingly, abundantly, more than we ask or imagine. (Eph. 3:20-21)
James 5:15-16 KJV – And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
A simple prayer of intercession for Israel
Heavenly Father, with broken hearts and outstretched hands, we lift these hurting souls up to your throne of grace. We plead for help and hope in their time of desperate need. Have mercy on them, Lord. Send provision for their physical needs and preachers of the gospel for their spiritual needs. Deliver them from evil and draw them to your precious Son and the hope found in Him alone. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our King, we pray. Amen.
I would love for you to share your own intercessory prayer for Israel. Just drop it in the comments below!
Psalm 122:6 KJV – Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Posts related to intercessory prayer:
The Importance of Intercessory Prayer
11 Prayers for Unity in Your Marriage
3 Prayers for Someone With Chronic Pain
3 Reasons Prayer is Essential for Your Spiritual Growth
The Significance of Praying ‘Our Father’ in the Lord’s Prayer
Pray With Confidence
I hope these examples of intercessory prayer inspire you to petition God on behalf of others. If you desire a stronger prayer life, check out Pray With Confidence. It’s a website for helping women overcome prayer obstacles, and I am one of the regular contributors.
Here are some links I think will be a blessing to you:
63 Insightful Bible Verses About Grace
Short Prayers for Spiritual Stability
Check out the prayer resources, Bible verses, and tough questions tabs as well. There are many great options for your spiritual growth!