The following is an excerpt from the booklet, How You Should Pray for Israel, available for free at www.liftingupzion.org.
In 1 Timothy 2, we are encouraged to pray for all people. We read that we should pray for all people so that we can live a life that is peaceful and quiet. Praying for all people plays a part in the peace we’ve already prayed for in the previous chapter.
This passage of Scripture gives two groups of people to pray for: “kings and all who are in high positions.” Some other versions say, “…and all who are in authority.” This includes people who hold any position of authority, including political leaders and other leaders in society.
All of the people of Israel, from the youngest to the oldest, need our prayers. We can pray for them in much the same way we would for our loved ones or any other group of people.
Here are some examples:
We can pray for their well-being, that they would prosper and be in health, according to 3 John 1:2. We can pray for their wisdom, according to James 1:5. We can pray for their protection from all harm, according to Psalm 121:7-8.
Anything you would consider praying for your friends and family is likely good to also pray for the people of Israel, just as they would be good to pray for any other people group.
The political system of Israel is governed as a democracy. Elections are held in which the citizens vote for the political party they want to run the nation. As a result, various positions are held by both Jewish and Arab persons. After voting, seats are filled in the Knesset, Israel’s legislative branch of government. There are 120 members in the Knesset.
The Knesset members then vote for the prime minister and a president. The prime minister is the principal leader of the nation. The prime minister appoints members to his cabinet, and those members serve as ministers or leaders over various government departments.
All of the nation’s political leaders, including the members of the Knesset, the prime minister, the president, the various ministers, and the many other advisors, need our prayers.
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.
Proverbs 21:1
The Lord has the heart of kings and leaders in His own hands, and He will direct them as He wills. As we pray for Israel’s political leaders, it is vital that we do not pray for what we think they should do in their nation. Instead, we should pray that the Lord guides them to accomplish His own will. The Lord alone knows what is best for Israel and what the leaders of Israel ought to do.
Would you join me in praying for the people and leadership of Israel?
Father in heaven, thank you for the privilege of approaching You in the name of the Lord Jesus. In Your Word, it says that prayers should be made for all people, so today, I want to pray for all of the people of Israel. I pray for all of those who live in the land of Israel, and I also pray for all of those who have a heritage in the bloodline of Israel who live across the world, and I ask You to bless them.
Father, I ask that You give them wisdom and guidance so they may make wise decisions. I ask that You would protect them from all harm. I ask that You bless them and remember Your promises to their ancestors.
Father, I also pray for those leading the people of Israel, including the nation’s political leaders. I pray for the prime minister and ask that You grant him your wisdom and that he makes wise decisions according to Your will. I pray that he will not take bribes or compromise integrity but that he will lead the nation in truth.
Your Word says that the heart of the king is in Your hands like a stream of water, and You turn it whichever way You will, so I declare that You turn the hearts of all of Israel’s leaders and Knesset members according to Your will, and I pray Your will be done on the earth as it is in heaven.
Lord, I also pray for the members of the Israel Defense Forces; I ask that You keep them safe and give them the ability to work in unity. Give them the ideas and insight they need to live in safety and security. Help them face the many difficult situations before them with integrity and honor.
Finally, Father, I pray for the rabbis of Israel and Jewish leaders in Israel and around the world. I ask that You guide their hearts to Your truth and lead them according to Your Word. I pray that You would accomplish Your will in their lives.
I pray all this in the name of Your Holy Son, Jesus. Amen.
