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1. FOR DEEPER COMMUNION WITH FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT - With few resources in one of the most difficult places on the earth, Jewish and Arab believers need more intimate communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, until they are sufficiently prepared for their destiny and calling.
“…to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Eph. 3:19
2. MORE COMMUNITY AND VICTORY OVER SIN - Most believers lack nearby fellowship (home groups/accountable relationships), yet are faced with extreme stresses, temptations and evil forces.
“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all and that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father.” 1Thes. 3:12 -13
3. BIBLICAL CALLING EMBRACED - Jewish believers need to better understand their identity and calling as priests, a holy nation, host to the nations, a light to the nations, and how to prepare for welcoming the return of Jesus. Pray they be transformed into humble and sacrificial servants as they surrender and bless the gentile nations. May any confusion be broken off about their identity as believers in Jesus with Jewish heritage. (Messianic Jewish identity is fairly new and criticized.)
“You are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple. What’s more you are his holy priests…you are royal priests, a holy nation…you can show others the goodness of God.” 1 Peter 2:5, 9
4. MAY THE REMNANT INCREASE IN NUMBERS - A small group of Israeli Jewish believers live among an unreached society – less than half of 1% of the Jewish population are believers in Jesus, and the Arab Christians are only 2% of the Israeli population and mostly traditional Catholics/Greek Orthodox. Jewish Israeli society is 55% secular or atheist, 33% traditional Orthodox and 12% ultra-Orthodox /Hassidic.
“And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved" Acts 2:47
5. FOR PERSECUTED BELIEVERS TO BE STRENGTHENED/UNAFRAID - Jewish Believers are viewed by Israelis as enemies of Rabbinic Judaism, the official religion, and Arab Christians threaten Islam (Muslims are 20% of population). Believers suffer job, social and housing discrimination for their faith. The New Testament and facts about Jesus and early church are unknown /misunderstood among Israeli society.
“God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.” Rev. 13:10
6. MAY FAMILIES THRIVE, EVEN IF UNDER ATTACK - Most believing families suffer economic hardships and debt (Israel in top 20% expensive countries), experience rejection from unsaved family or lack family support. In last 10 years divorce is more common, and many young adults are leaving the faith of their parents, especially those of leaders. Some are drawn in by secular and worldly society (Tel Aviv is noted as one of the “Gayest cities in world”, reported that 25% of population is gay)
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless, before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” Jude 24
7. PHYSICAL SAFETY AND EMOTIONAL HEALING - As is common with Israelis, many believers suffer from fear, anxiety, depression, trauma and mental illnesses. Physical safety is a daily concern in some areas. (Israelis have 3 times more PTSD than USA due to terrorism, wars, antisemitism, required military service in dangerous zones ages 18 - 21).
“I pray that you may enjoy good health and all may go well with you” 3 John 2
8. FOR JEWISH BELIEVER’S ABILITY AND DESIRE TO IMMIGRATE (ALIYAH) - All immigration by believers is banned by rabbinic and governmental authorities in the legal process. Those who believe Jesus is Messiah are rejected, yet Buddhist, new agers, atheists, are accepted. Over 1 million believers with a Jewish parent or grandparent could qualify to immigrate (Aliyah), if this discrimination were to cease.
“For I will bring them back to this land that I gave their fathers.” Jeremiah 16:15
9. PROVISION AND SUPPORT OF CHURCHES AND MINISTRIES - Although there are hundreds of congregations/home churches and nonprofits, most don’t own facilities, they lack paid and trained staff, struggle because of insufficient resources, and suffer from prosecution. It is estimated only 1% of all donations to Israel by Christians reach local gospel organizations, and instead go toward Jewish Orthodox, secular nonprofits or government entities only. May the Global Church start to give generously to Israeli churches, nonprofits and families of faith who are witnesses and building the Kingdom of God in Israel.
“For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things” Romans 15:25-27
10. FOR FREEDOM TO HEAR THE GOOD NEWS /EVANGELIZE - May the gospel be shared in all realms of society. Historically all media/radio/tv has been controlled by rabbinic and governmental authorities who ban the gospel in native languages. The Orthodox anti-messianic organizations and even some Evangelical Christians actively try to block outreach by the local believers. Non-citizen tourists are restricted by visas of 3 months/year only. No global mission organizations operate openly here. A few Christian organizations who began 30 years ago are operating but signed non-evangelizing agreements.
Currently it is legal for citizens to evangelize all adults but restrictions exist in 1977 Penal Code law, (which prohibits sharing the Christian faith through teaching or aid to minors without consent of parents or to the poor/needy/elderly. Both are punishable with prison time). Recently an amendment has been promoted by ultra-Orthodox leaders that would change the law to apply for attempts to share the good news directly, by direct mail or online, to any adult. This would outlaw all churches / ministries.
“Lord, grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word…and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30
11. FOR MORE LABORERS AND MATURE CHURCH LEADERS - Among the Hebrew, Russian and Arabic communities there is a critical need for laborers: trained bible teachers, preachers, youth/child teachers, worship leaders, and administrators, along with sufficient funding to pay salaries. One small bible school each exists for those who speak Hebrew, Russian, or Arabic, so most church leaders are self-taught bible.
“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15
12. MAY LOCAL BODY CONNECT TO THE GLOBAL CHURCH - Most Jewish or Arab believers and their churches and ministries, lack connection to believers in other nations, but welcome relationship. Though several million Christian tourists visit Israel each year, they rarely meet local believers. Most focus on the Holy Land sites only. Tourists are often discouraged from meeting believers by tour guides on strict time limits. Pray Global Christians will seek relationship with the remnant of believers by requesting ministry newsletters, increase prayer, financial support, zoom meetings and communication.
“…till we all come to the unity of the faith” Eph 4:13
This Prayer Guide is provided by FindingTheHoly@gmail.com, which is contact for additional copies. To find believers and various ministries, contact info and order newsletters, go to these networks:
WWW. FIRMISRAEL.ORG WWW.TIKKUNGLOBAL.ORG WWW.KEHILA.ORG
