1. Praise:

    It is exciting to serve a God who delights in our prayers (Prov. 15:8b). Not only that, but He actually waits to do His will until He finds someone to ask Him to do it (Ezek. 36:37).

    • Abba, we bless You that You can freely do whatever You desire (Jer. 32:17, 27), yet Messiah tells us that we are to participate with You by asking for Your will to be done on earth (Luke 11:2).

    • We thank You that before You judge a nation, You first seek out an intercessor to stand in the gap between You and that nation, pleading for You to have mercy (Ezek. 22:30-31).

    • We praise You for the confidence that we have that whenever we pray in line with Your will – You will hear and answer [obviously in His way and in His timing] (1 John 5:14-15).

    • Lord God, thank You for encouraging us to persist in prayer and to not give up (Luke 18:1).

    • Bless You for telling us that often the reason we do not have is because we do not ask (Jam. 4:2b).

    • Lord, we rejoice that You are totally sovereign over the nations today (Psa. 103:19; 1 Pet. 3:22).

    1. External security – Iran:

      Last Friday night into Saturday morning, Israel attacked various Iranian military sites in retaliation to Iran's ballistic missile barrage of several weeks ago. While Israel's response was limited by US pressure, still the Israeli Air Force [IAF] completed their mission, all of its planes returned safely and Iran's air defense systems were totally useless to stop them.

      • Lord, we asked You to control both the timing and the targets of Israel's attack, so we trust that You did just that, and we give You the glory for answering these requests (Prov. 21:30-31; Eccl. 3:8).

      • Thank You for Israel's incredible ability to gather accurate intelligence from human and artificial sources, and we ask You to enable them to decipher that data correctly (2 Kin. 6:12; Psa. 105:14-15).

      • We praise You Lord that the attack severely damaged Iran's ballistic missile capabilities (Jer. 49:35).

      • If You want Israel to do even more damage to Iran, then drag Iran into Your trap (Ezek. 38:4a, 10).

      • As Iran's leaders see Israel destroy both Hamas and Hizbullah, release Your terror and the fear of the IDF upon them, causing them to panic and make major geo-political errors (Ex. 15:3; 2 Chr. 20:29).

      • Cause the border crises that Iran is dealing with to flare up, especially with Pakistan (Zech. 14:13).

      • Lord God, as Israel has destroyed so much of Hizbullah's banking systems and its financial reserves, let Iran's finances be deeply impacted and drain them completely (Job 20:28-29; Zech. 5:3-4).

      • King of kings, remove Iran's political, military and religious leaders (Jer. 49:38b; Rev. 19:11-18).

      • Messiah, bless Your Body in Iran; protect them; help them to grow numerically and spiritually; and use them as salt and light to impact the rest of Iranian society (Jer. 49:38a; Matt. 5:13-16; 16:18b).

    2. External security – "Operation Northern Arrows:"

      Israel's war against Hizbullah, Iran's main proxy in Lebanon, is making great progress. The goal is to remove from Israel's northern border region all Hizbullah terrorists and to destroy their infrastructure so that the 60,000 plus Israeli citizens who live there, and are now scattered, can return and be secure. For some reason, some IDF officers and much of the West thinks that this has already been accomplished. It has not!

      • God, unless this is absolutely Your will, do not let Israel agree to end this war against Hizbullah by submitting to a "new-and-improved" UN Security Council resolution 1701 (Isa. 36:16).

      • Show them that like the old, the new 1701 rests on Hizbullah keeping its word, and as Muslims are permitted by Allah to lie to an enemy, this is another very dangerous deception (Psa. 55:21; 120:7).

      • Let the IDF continually hit the arrows on the ground to totally defeat Hizbullah and do not let it stop short of that which is Your objective for this war (2 Kin. 13:17-19).

      • Lion of Judah, anoint the IDF to fulfill the prophecy found in Numbers 24:8-9.

      • As we intercede, Lord God, fulfill Joel 2:17-21, by removing Hizbullah's spiritual protection and also by chasing them far away from Israel's border (Mal. 1:5).

      • We bless You for the reports that many Hizbullah terrorists are deserting their positions and even fleeing from Lebanon (Deut. 28:7; Psa. 68:1). More, much more, Lord!

      • Lion of Judah, use all Israeli drone and cyber-warfare operators for Your glory (1 Chr. 5:18).

      • As the Lebanese see how Israel has weakened Hizbullah, Sovereign God, let them rise up and set their nation free from Iran's clutches through its Hizbullah proxy (Job 18:5-18; Psa. 29:5-6).

      • Lord, protect the Lebanese Body and warn them against cursing Israel (Gen. 12:3a; Num. 24:9b).

  3. Government & society:

    Throughout history, both biblical and secular, we see how God used one man to stand for that which is right and just in His sight. Moses, Mordechai, King David, Abe Lincoln, and Churchill all had flaws yet they were called into His kingdom for that time. We perceive Israel's PM Bibi Netanyahu like that, and until God removes him from office, we are burdened to pray for him to complete the task that God has laid on him – and in the process to be saved.

    • Lord God, we praise You for reminding us to trust in You and not in Israel's leaders, yet as they are in that position by Your will, continue guiding us as we pray for them (Prov. 15:29; Dan. 2:21).

    • Abba, You have placed Netanyahu as Israel's prime minister today, so we ask You to equip him to complete the work that You have assigned for him (Psa. 75:5-7; Dan. 5:21).

    • God, his heart is in Your hands, so turn it onto the path that brings You the most glory (Prov. 21:1).

    • Lord God, move upon Bibi to think and act more like a son of Zion daily (Psa. 68:27-28).

    • Bring around him godly advisors, and let him hear all advice that is from You (Prov. 11:14; 24:6).

    • Abba, if he needs to fire Defense Minister Gallant then let him do it as soon as possible (Psa. 109:8).

    • Almighty God, anoint Israel's current coalition for Your glory and unify them in everything that is in Your will for Israel today (Psa. 115:1-3; 133:1).

    • Give them a Solomon-type wisdom to deal righteously with the issue of ultra-Orthodox young men being drafted in the IDF like all other citizens (1 Kin. 4:29-30).

    • Sustain the IDF and Israel's society during this lengthy war (Deut. 20:1-4; Hag. 2:4; Zeph. 3:16-17).

    • Messiah, impart Your "perfect peace" to Israelis who are faced with murdered or sexually abused loved ones, or loved ones still hostages, or whose fate is still unknown (Isa. 61:1-3; Matt. 5:4).

    • Lord God, build up Israel's economy in a miraculous way (Psa. 132:13-15; Jer. 32:17).

    • As "friendly" nations embargo weapons shipments to Israel, use that to have Israel manufacture a lot more of its own weapons and ammunition locally (2 Chr. 32:5b; Jer. 50:25; Rom. 8:28).

    • Use the huge increase of finances allotted to Israel's Iron Beam laser weapon system help it to be ready for actual combat in a very short space of time (2 Chr. 29:36; Psa. 64:7).

  4. Foreign relations:

    God is using Israel's current situation, at least in part, to fulfill Numbers 23:9b: Behold, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. The other issue He is aiming for is to turn His people to look to Him alone as the One who is restoring and protecting them (Jer. 31:10).

    • King of Israel, may Your foreign policy be established on the earth as it is in heaven, and use Israel to have a major role in helping that to come to pass (Deut. 28:9-10, 13; Psa. 33:10-11; Luke 11:2).

    • Lord God, protect Your nation from its "allies" – as well as its enemies (Prov. 25:19; Ezek. 29:6-7).

    • God, use the winner of next week's US presidential elections to wean Israel away from trusting in and looking to the US to instead trust in and look to You alone (Psa. 146:3-5; Jer. 17:5-8).

    • No matter who wins, protect Israel and prepare it for those dangerous 70+ days between the election and before the new US president is sworn into office (Ex. 14:13-14; 2 Chr. 20:15; Isa, 4:5).

    • Lord Yeshua, watch over Numbers 24:9b concerning the UN and its outreaches (Isa. 8:9-10; 54:17).

    • We praise You for the overwhelming approval by Israel's Parliament to outlaw UNRWA in most of Israel (Isa. 60:1-2). [UNRWA keeps Palestinian refugees as refugees longer than any other refugees on the planet, allows Jew-hatred to be taught in its schools for Palestinian children, and has been exposed for having hosting Hamas terrorists on its staff – including in some top positions.]

    • As the international community is very angry with Israel over this, use it to further Numbers 23:9b and make Israel's forehead like flint to resist allowing UNWRA's continued operations (Matt. 5:37).

    • Abba Father, sustain Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon with Your wisdom and boldness as he defends his nation in that modern-day anti-God tower of Babel (Psa. 51:15; 81:10; 109:1-3).

    • Messiah Yeshua, have more believers warn their birth-nations of Your judgments which are falling on many of those countries today because of their betrayal of Israel (Ezek. 29:6-7; Joel 3:1-2).

  5. "Operation Swords of Iron:"

    The war in Gaza is still being waged against Hamas. There have been major successes, including Hamas leader Sinwars death, as well as the elimination of hundreds of terrorists each week. Yet although on a lower flame, the war continues.

    • Lord God, encourage Israel to end the war against Hamas victoriously and to reject any diplomatic solutions which allows Hamas to remain in Gaza (Deut. 25:17-19).

    • With much of the world's focus on Lebanon and Iran, release the IDF from all man-made restraints and let them fight this war in a much more biblical manner (Lev. 26:7-8; Zech. 12:4-8).

    • Anoint Israel's soldiers to fight as those prophesied sons of Zion (Zech. 9:13-15; 10:3a-7).

    • Considering Israel's pre-war expectations, God, we praise You for superbly protecting its soldiers in Gaza and ask for that to continue against all Hamas attacks and traps, against all kidnapping attempts, and against friendly fire and any other types of accidents (Psa. 4:8; Zech. 9:16; 10:5-8).

    • Allow Israel's victory over Hamas, and Hizbullah, to strike a major blow against the spirit of Islam which possesses the minds and hearts of multitudes of people in the Middle East (Est. 8:17).

    • Use the investigation of what went wrong leading up to Oct. 7th to reveal the humanistic thinking of many of the IDF's leaders, and either change their outlook or replace them (Ezek. 34:10).

    • Change Israelis mindset about the hostages from "Bring them home!" to "Let them go!" (Ex. 9:1).

    • Merciful Father, help Israel to rescue the hostages – both dead and living (Isa. 49:25; Jer. 50:31-34).

    • Harden Hamas' hearts to reject any hostage deal that is bad for Israel (Ex. 7:13-14).

    • Lord God, for Your name's sake, move upon more Israelis to see its biblical duty to possess Gaza as a part of the inheritance You have given to the tribe of Judah (Josh. 15:1, 47; Judg. 1:18; Prov. 16:9).

  6. Internal security:

    Israel has not let up on its aggressive assault against Palestinian terrorists in Judea and Samaria. It is having great success in these areas which comprise Israel's biblical heartland. Yet recently, there have been deadly terror attacks in Israel outside of Judea and Samaria, with some being carried out by Israeli-Arab citizens.

    • God of Israel, stop all Israeli-Arabs who are planning any terrorist activities against their Jewish neighbors and do not allow that type of influence to spread (Psa. 5:4; 10:15; 34:16).

    • As European, Arab, and other nations, plot together create a Palestinian State on Your land, judge them – and let them know that it is You doing the judging (Isa. 8:9-10; 23:9-11; Joel 3:1-2).

    • Lord of hosts, put the fear and dread of Israel upon all of its enemies throughout Your land that You have given to Your people (Deut. 11:24-25; Josh. 2:9-11; 2 Chr. 20:29).

    • God, uproot Your enemies from out of Your land – and do it suddenly (Psa. 125:3; Jer. 12:14-17).

    • Lord God, since You are regathering Israel, we look to You to continue protecting them (Jer. 31:10).

    • God, let the IDF use the world's focus on Lebanon and Gaza, to intensify its activities in Judea and Samaria and extinguish the ability and will of terrorists there to fight (Ex. 15:14-16; Deut. 30:7).

    • Lord of all, banish all satanic protection from off Palestinian terror groups (Num. 14:9; Josh 2:24).

    • Abba, place armed civilians in the right place and at the right time to stop any terrorist (Josh. 4:12).

    • Lord God, ordain it so that most terrorists fall into their own traps (Est. 7:10; Psa. 7:14-16).

    • In line with Genesis 9:6 in Shabbat's Torah reading, let Israel start using the death penalty against all terrorists who have shed innocent blood in Your land (Num. 35:16-21, 30-31).

    • Despite Israel's war-like atmosphere, God increase the populations, homes and businesses of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, and everywhere else throughout Your land (Isa. 49:19-20; 51:3).

    • Lord, save many Palestinians and use them to provoke Jews to jealousy (Matt. 5:44; Rom. 11:11).

  7. Aliyah:

    It is God's will for all Jews to return to His/their land, and this is linked to all Israel being saved (Ezek. 39:28-29). Yet a majority of Jews still live in "the captivity" in gentile nations. Although anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism has increased exponentially since last Oct. 7th, most Jews remain there. Only God knows what it will take to shake them out of their false comfort zones, yet we continue to pray for that – and that He will do it with as much mercy as possible (Isa. 54:7-8).

    • Lord God, we thank You for linking aliyah with Israel's salvation (Psa. 14:7; Jer. 31:7-9; Joel 2:32).

    • King of Zion, return Your people back to Your land with great mercy (Jer. 31:3).

    • But if they resist, Lord of hosts, release angels to drag them back (Gen. 19:19:15-16; Acts 12:7-11).

    • Lord, use the sudden increase of anti-Semitism in the West to chase Your people home (Jer. 16:16).

    • Abba, as Jews in the West today are concerned about being visibly Jewish, let them realize that they no longer have the freedom to express their identity as in times past (Psa. 56:5-6).

    • Abba, create more ways for Jews who want to return to be able to – other than just by the airlines, most of whom are not flying into Israel today (Isa. 14:1-2; 60:4, 8-9).

    • Lord God, draw home a huge flood of immigrants all at once, and let it wash away all bureaucratic barriers in Israel which make aliyah more difficult than it needs to be (Psa. 66:6; 98:8).

    • Change the rabbinical definition of "who is a Jew?" to line up with Your definition (Psa. 119:116).

    • Messiah of Israel, remake Israel's diplomatic outreach to Jews in exile to emphasize aliyah and to de-emphasize remaining safely in the captivity (Deut. 28:65-67; Psa. 53:6; 107:1-9).

    • Abba Father, release funds from wealthy Jews and rich Christians to support both the aliyah and the successful integration of new immigrants into Israeli society (Ezra 1:4; Isa. 60:9).

    • Lord Yeshua, show more believers that Isaiah 43:5-6 speaks to them of co-laboring with You to return the Jews home – for You glory's sake (Isa 43:7).

  8. Salvation:

    The focus of Yeshua's life while on earth, including His dying for sinners, was all for God's glory (John 13:31-32; 14:13; 17:1-5; Phil. 2:9-11)! This must be our ultimate goal, even when praying for Israel, so that the spirit of humanism which focuses on what is best for mankind, does not take the highest place, as it already does in much of the Body, especially in the West.

    • Lord, we pray in agreement with Israel's cry to You in Psalm 106:47: Save us, YHWH our God, and gather us from the gentiles, to give thanks to Your holy name, and to triumph in Your praise.

    • Messiah Yeshua, quicken believers to pray for all Israel to be saved – for Your holy name's sake (Isa. 45:25; 46:13; Ezek. 36:23-32; Luke 2:32; Rom. 10:1).

    • Abba Father, please remove that partial blindness which You placed on most Jews during the past two millennia, and reveal Messiah Yeshua to them at this time (Rom. 11:25-26).

    • In grace and by Your mercy, Abba save many Holocaust survivors and their families; terror attack survivors; hostages still alive and their loved ones; IDF soldiers and their families; loved ones of soldiers killed or severely wounded; widows, widowers, and orphans; Jews who are furious with God; rabbis in Israel and exile; Jewish anti-missionaries; Israeli diplomats, lawyers, university students in Israel and in exile; professors, teachers, scholars; medical personnel; Israeli media personalities; tour guides; archeologists; anti-Bibi and anti-government demonstrators; Israelis living in exile; hippies, new agers and LGBTQ+ Jews; Jews in Iran, Ethiopia, India, China; Spanish and Portuguese speaking Jews; and unsaved loved ones of Messianic Jews.

  9. Body of Messiah:

    With so much of the world is focused on Israel, how is it that much of the Body is not? Is there still a stubborn refusal to accept that the Old Testament [the Tanach] is still as valid a part of God's Word today as is the New Testament? This unbiblical attitude would have been inconceivable to anyone in the New Testament, including Messiah Yeshua, as the Tanach was only Bible they had, read, trusted in and loved.

    • Messiah Yeshua, lovingly rebuke every believer who refuses to trust in the Tanach (Luke 24:25-27).

    • As we read in the prophetic portion, may more believers perceive that You look with great favor on those who still tremble at all of Your Word (Isa. 66:1-2).

    • Abba Father, reveal to the Body how Israel's modern day restoration and its salvation is essential in preparing for Your Son's return (Zech. 12:2-10; Matt. 23:37-39; 24:30).

    • King Messiah, use those who do understand this to be spiritual leaven and impact all others in their fellowships and wider communities (Luke 13:20-21).

    • Yeshua Lord, replace replacement theology in Your Body today (Eph. 5:27; 1 Tim. 4:1).

  10. Water:

    The Sea of Galilee is in good shape to start the rainy season, praise God, Yet as He opens the heavens and fills it up, even to overflowing, Israelis often see that as a sign of God's mercy. Please prayer for that as we approach the winter rainy season (Isa. 41:17-20).

  11. IFI:

    With events of major importance occurring more frequently, it can be overwhelming and difficult to know on what to focus our intercession. Please pray for the Lord to guide us as clearly as possible so that we hit those targets He has ordained for us to hit. Thank you.

Shabbat shalom and blessings from Jerusalem

Chuck Cohen, for the IFI team

Isa. 66:10-13 [from Shabbat's prophetic portion]