Saturday Story Time – Jimbob Prays for Jerusalem

Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,  “May you have peace.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem. Psalm 122:6-9

Today the escalation of war between Iran and Israel is increasing. There are many things we can do as Christians, but the first is prayer. This is not the only action we can take, but it should never be skipped. 

Listening to news reports, reading material about strategies, trying to understand the conflict, talking with friends about the horrors of war are all helpful ways to stay engaged, BUT that is not praying to our Father in Heaven.

Why should we pray an Old Testament passage for the Jewish people? 

• Pray is in the imperative in the Hebrew. It’s a call, an expectation, a command to be followed. 
• Don’t harden your heart to the call to prayer. Allow God’s values to become yours.
• God loves all people, but the Jews were first in God’s covenant with Abraham for a heritage of people and land. He still loves them. Praying blessing for them aligns our heart with God’s.
• Jesus modeled prayer and empathy for the city which represents the country in Matthew 23:37-39. He foresaw the destruction of the city because they rejected His presence among them. If we want to be like Jesus, we will follow His lead.
• Embrace God’s reciprocity of blessing. To speak well-blessing for others connects favor to your own life. Praying for peace of Jerusalem opens the door for blessing to come to your life and family.
• Peace or Shalom is more than the absence of war, it includes health, prosperity, growth, for family relationships and cultural goodness.
• Repentance is always connected to prayer. God may shine light on our lack of praying, hidden racism, lack of empathy, pride, etc. When God reveals, we thank Him and repent. This is ALL part of praying.

Ultimately the people of Israel and their enemies need Jesus as their Savior. We can speak blessing for peace without cursing. Leave ALL the room for God to be Judge. Our responsibility is to pray for peace and share of the love of God expressed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. 

How often should you pray for the peace of Jerusalem? There is no right answer for everyone. But when you are praying with the tears Jesus felt over the city, I think you are getting pretty close.

Blessings, Love y’all