PRAY FOR ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

1/23/2026

Psalm 122:6–7

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.’”

The nation and people of Israel remain very important to God, and Scripture clearly instructs us to pray for their peace and salvation. Though many in Israel rejected the Messiah, God has not rejected them. Romans 11:11 tells us that salvation was made available to the Gentiles so that Israel might be provoked to jealousy and ultimately reclaim what was theirs from the beginning.

We see God’s original redemptive order clearly in the ministry of Jesus. When the Canaanite woman cried out to Him concerning her demon-possessed daughter, calling Him “Lord, Son of David,” one might have expected immediate compassion. Yet Jesus responded, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). In essence, Jesus was saying that His earthly assignment was first to Israel.

When Israel rejected their Messiah, God extended salvation to the Gentiles. John 1:11–13 declares:

“He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God…”

Through Christ, you and I—who were once outsiders—have now been made children of God. Praise God!

Scripture describes Israel as the natural branches of the olive tree, temporarily removed so that the Gentiles could be grafted in (Romans 11:17–21). Yet even in this, God warns us not to become arrogant. Romans 11:18 reminds us that it is not the branches that support the root, but the root that supports the branches. Therefore, our posture toward Israel must always be one of humility, gratitude, and compassion.

The Apostle Paul captured God’s heart perfectly in Romans 10:1–3 when he said, “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” Though they possess a zeal for God, many have not yet embraced the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. For this reason, we must not only pray for the peace of Jerusalem, but also for the salvation of Israel.

God’s plan for Israel is not finished. As believers, we have a divine responsibility to intercede—believing that the same grace that saved us will also reveal Jesus to them as their Messiah.

Prayer Points

• Pray for the government and leadership of Israel and the Middle East, that God will direct them to fulfill His divine agenda on the earth.

• Pray for the salvation of souls in Israel and the Middle East—that God will open their eyes to Jesus Christ, their Messiah.

• Pray for the peace of Israel, especially Jerusalem. Declare that no weapon formed or fashioned against Israel will prosper.

Faith-Filled Confession

Thank You, Father, for the nation of Israel. Thank You for her leadership and government. I declare that You are directing the leaders of Israel in the way they should go. I proclaim that no weapon fashioned against Israel shall prosper. It is well with the people, and Israel shall be saved, in Jesus’ name. Amen.