Standing in Solidarity: How to Pray for Israel Amidst Hamas War

Article by a friend of ours from Jerusalem, Rick Ridings

As of the morning of Saturday, October 7th, 2023, Israel is at war. Here are some prayer points regarding the current situation in Israel and Gaza:

1. Contain and Restrain

The Lord has given me a strong word for this season, that we are to pray to “contain and restrain” regional conflicts, so that they do not escalate into a premature World War 3 that would greatly hinder the Great Harvest.

So pray that this situation will be “contained and restrained”, especially that Hezbollah will not join in on the conflict and start firing rockets upon the North of Israel. Pray also that Israeli Arabs will not continue to join in with isolated attacks on individuals, etc.

Pray for great wisdom for the military and governmental leaders.

2. The Area Surrounding the Gaza Strip

Pray protection in a special way over the most vulnerable areas close to Gaza. We have a good friend who pastors a Messianic Jewish community in Sderot, where some of the hostages were taken.

Pray protection for them. Pray for miraculous rescues of hostages that were taken by Hamas.

3. The Succat Hallel House of Prayer in Jerusalem

Pray also for our house of prayer in Jerusalem, Succat Hallel (Hebrew for “Tabernacle of Praise”). Pray for protection over the worship watches, and for the watchmen coming and going.

A group of Muslim young men were gathered across the street from Succat Hallel today shouting “Allahu Akbar” (“Our god is greater” — referring to the god of Islam) and “Hamas is in the streets”.

Pray the Lord will give us both courage and wisdom. Heidi Baker had been scheduled to minister to our Jewish and Arab youth this evening, but had to cancel so she could stay close to the students she has here at this time.

Please pray that we (Rick and Patricia) can still be able to fly home tomorrow (Sunday) from Dubai, where we are meeting with spiritual leaders today.