1. Praise:

   The original Passover in Egypt is in Shabbat's Torah portion (Ex. 12). What is vital to see is that the Passover is not the feast – but the lamb itself which was sacrificed and whose blood was applied to the doorposts to protect the children of Israel from God's judgment on Egypt and its gods. Thus shall you eat [the lamb], with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is YHWH's Passover. (Ex. 12:11; cp. vv. 6, 21, 27)

   • Lord Yeshua, we praise You for being our Passover (1 Cor. 5:7).

   • We rejoice that You are the Lamb of God who takes away our sins (Isa. 53:6-8; John 1:29).

   • With awe, we read that You were the Lamb slain from before creation (Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:18-20)!

   • Messiah Yeshua, we thank You for Your blood protecting us from God's righteous judgment against our sin nature (Rom. 3:21-26; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).

   • We bless You that in the instructions of the memorial feasts of the original Passover, there is a place for gentiles – as circumcision typifies being born again (Ex. 12:41-49; Ezek. 44:9; Rom. 2:29).

2. Government & society:

   The hostages, war with Hizbullah in Lebanon, threats from Iran, and pressure from the West and major NGOs against Israel's right to defend itself is what Israel's leaders and society face on a daily basis. So our prayers for Israel are an ongoing burden.

   • King Messiah, we trust in You and not in Israel's leaders, but as they lead Israel by Your will today, please lead us as we intercede for them (Psa. 10:17; Prov. 15:29).

   • Abba, promote more sons and daughters of Zion in influential positions in Israel (Zech. 9:13).

   • Specifically Lord, please guide PM Bibi Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz to select Your chosen son of Zion as the next IDF Chief of Staff (Psa. 75:6-7).

   • Abba, You have raised up Netanyahu to be Israel's leader today (Dan. 4:32), so also empower him to finish all that You have ordained for him (Psa. 68:27; 75:5-7; 80:17; Phil. 1:6).

   • With the constant and intense pressure on Bibi, we ask that our prayers for him will be like Aaron and Hur holding up Moses' arms in the midst of the war against Amalek (Ex. 17:10-12).

   • God, surround Netanyahu with wise counselors and supportive friends (Prov. 17:17; 18:24; 27:6).

   • When Bibi's court trial resumes, Lord, give him strength and healing, courage and encouragement, and expose the truth of all of the various allegations against him (Psa. 33:4; 51:6; 77:10-11).

   • Lord, redo Israel's ultra-liberal judicial system into a righteous institute (Deut. 1:6; Isa. 1:25-26).

   • God Almighty, we ask You alone to decide if and when new elections should take place (Dan. 2:21).

   • Lord God, with many Israelis still traumatized by the Oct. 7th massacre, turn them to cry out to You like their ancestors in Egypt did, and to trust You to hear and move on their behalf (Ex. 2:23-25).

   • Abba Father, heal the released hostages completely – and save them (Psa. 103:2-6; Jer. 17:14).

   • May the families whose loved ones were murdered by terrorists who are being released from Israeli jails as a part of this hostage deal, cry out to You for justice (Job 8:3; Psa. 82:3b; Prov. 21:3).

   • As more terrorists murderers are released, let there be an increase of voices in Israel for the use of the death penalty so that this injustice is no longer possible in the future (Num. 35:16-18, 21, 30-31).

   • Abba Father, thank You for sustaining Israel's economy at this time (Psa. 132:13-15).

   • Lord of hosts, we thank You that Israel is producing much more of its own weapons and ammunition locally (2 Chr. 32:5b; Jer. 50:25; Rom. 8:28).

3. Foreign relations:

   The world's anti-biblical approach to Israel, and its God, has resulted in a gross darkness covering the earth. So this is the time for Israel to rise up and shine forth God's glory openly before the world (Isa. 60:1). And God's glory is foundational to all of our prayers.

   • King of kings, may Your foreign policy be established on earth as it is in heaven, and let Israel have a central role in that being manifested (Deut. 28:9-10, 13; Psa. 9:19-20; 33:10-11; Luke 11:2).

   • God, speed up that prophesied time when Israel will be the head of the nations (Deut. 26:19; 28:13).

   • Prepare Bibi for his visit to America next week to meet with US President Trump, and give him the strength and courage to say "no" if anything is demanded of Israel that is not of You (Prov. 24:5).

   • Lord God, use Trump and his administration for Israel's good and for Your glory (Prov. 21:1).

   • God, especially at this time, enable Trump's inner circle of advisors to warn him against dealing with Israel as if it were just any other nation in the world (Deut. 7:6-8; Zech. 2:8).

   • Lord God, overrule Steve Witkoff, America's Middle East envoy, as his links with Qatar seems to be distorting his views of what Israel needs to do to live in its neighborhood (Psa. 9:19-20).

   • Abba Father, continue to draw Israel away from trusting in the US at all (Psa. 118:8-9; Isa. 30:1).

   • You tell Moses in that You created man's mouth and teach those You send what to say, so please speak to, and through, Israeli politicians and diplomats as they speak to the world (Ex. 4:11-2).

   • Abba, turn Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's Foreign Minister, into a wise and fearless diplomat (Luke 1:74).

   • Continue imparting godly boldness into Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon (Psa. 81:10; 119:13).

   • God, if it is time for Israel to wipe the dirt off its feet and leave that anti-Christ infected UN, then remove from it all fear of going outside the camp of this world (Matt. 7:6; 10:14; John 14:27).

   • Wake up believers, especially in the West, to warn their leaders not to curse Israel, but to be a true friend during its restoration leading to its salvation (Num. 24:9b; Isa. 60:12; Zech. 12:9).

4. "Operation Swords of Iron:"

   Based on the ceasefire/hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, seven Israeli and five Thai hostages were returned this past week. Still, close to 80 hostages are in Hamas' clutches which uses them to cause intense emotional and mental grief and division in Israel. Not only that, but Israel still is not sure how many are alive and the IDF is being pulled out of blood bought strategic territory for no real guarantee of a resurgence of Hamas.

   • Abba, while not all things are good, we trust that You work through all things for good (Rom. 8:28), and ask You to lead us in prayer in this heart-rendering and divisive situation (Rom. 12:15).

   • Lord, please move on influential people in either politics or in the media to remind the world of Hamas' atrocities of Oct. 7th 2023 as the reason why Israel is at war with them (Prov. 8:7a; 12:17a).

   • God of Israel, remember what Hamas did and war against them (Psa. 74:22-23; Ezek. 25:15-17).

   • Lord of hosts, in line with Obadiah 1:3-4 and 1:8 use Hamas' pride to deceive and destroy them.

   • Lord, turn this apparent Hamas victory into a defeat of deep shame, and turn this apparent no-win situation for Israel into a victory for Your glory's sake (Ex. 17:14; Job 34:24-26; Psa. 44:4).

   • God, after phase one of this unjust deal, let Israel pursue the war until total victory (Isa. 41:15-16).

   • Remove the weariness of this battle against evil from off the IDF and the rest of Israeli society and let them see the necessity to gain a complete victory over Hamas (Psa. 44:5-8; 60:11-12; 68:35).

   • Lord God, increase Your divine shield over all IDF soldiers who are still in Gaza (Psa. 3:3-7).

   • If Israel's reluctance to repossess Gaza is the main blockage to gaining total victory, Lord, please speak clearly to Israel's leaders and people about this (Judg. 2:1-4).

5. Internal security:

   The Hamas deal includes the release of close to 2,000 terrorists from Israeli jails, many of whom are murderers. Since they are returning to Judea and Samaria, Israel's military and government are blessedly united in intensifying the war against the terrorists in these areas. This specific answer to prayer encourages us to persist in asking that Israel extend its sovereignty over all of its land west of the Jordan River in 2025.

   • Lord God, whether through Your Word or through circumstances, show Israel's leaders of the need to extend Israel's tent-pegs over more of Your land today (Deut. 8:17-18; Psa. 44:3; Isa. 54:2-3).

   • Lord Yeshua, let Your Body see their divine responsibility to intercede for this that You are doing with all of Your heart and soul (Jer. 32:41; 1 John 5:14-15).

   • Abba, convince more people in Israel that possessing the land which You swore to their forefathers is still Your will for them today (Num. 33:51-53; Deut. 8:1; 9:5; 19:8; Obad. 1:17; Zech. 1:17).

   • As we see in the Torah portion, Lord again separate Your people from the judgments that are falling on their Jew-hating enemies in Your land (Ex. 10:22-23; 11:6-7).

   • Anoint all of Israel's security forces battling terrorists in Judea and Samaria to fight like sons of Zion (Zech. 9:13-15; 10:3a-7).

   • Lord Yeshua, expel all demonic protection over Palestinian terrorists (Psa. 101:8).

   • Lord God, expose all terrorist plans and any tunnels in Judea and Samaria (Psa. 59:12; Obad. 1:6).

   • Almighty God, push terrorists into the traps they have set for Your people (Est. 7:10; Psa. 7:14-16).

   • Considering the many attempts to murder Jews, we praise You for protecting them throughout Your land over this past year – and ask that Your protection be increased (Psa. 121:4; Jer. 31:10).

   • Lord of hosts, make the IDF's "Operation Iron Wall" initiative against terrorists in and around Jenin be successful and duplicated elsewhere in Judea and Samaria (Num. 35:33; Zech. 9:13-16; 10:3b-7).

   • Abba Father, as You are jealous over Your land (Ezek. 36:5-7), block and destroy all plans from the UN or other nations to divide Your land and create a "Palestine" (Psa. 33:10-11; Zech. 14:1-3).

6. External security – Middle East [ME]:

   Israel's foes perceive the Hamas deal as a victory for them, bringing them one step closer to wiping Israel off the map. Yet being reminded of Micah 4:11-13, that they really do not understand the God of Israel's plans, we persist in prayer.

   • Lord, we thank and praise You that Hamas and Hizbullah are no longer the existential threat to Israel that they appeared to be before Oct. 7th (Psa. 44:4-6).

   • Sovereign Lord, we ask You to fulfill Micah 4:11-13 against all other ME enemies of Your nation.

   • Almighty God of hosts, continue using Israel as Your weapon of war against all Your ME enemies (Jer. 51:20-24; Zech. 9:13-16).

   • We are amazed that so far all Israeli jets have returned safely no matter their assignment, and we ask that for Your glory's sake and love for Israel – this would continue (Psa. 115:1-3; 121:4; Isa. 31:5).

   • Lord, You created the destroyer who guards Your people from its foes, so we pray for You to release it against all of Iran's nefarious plans and false gods (Ex. 12:13, 23; Isa. 54:15-17; Hag. 2:22).

   • Abba, expose to the world if Iran's leaders' shame at their proxies and ally Syria's demise is causing them to push forward with the development of nuclear arms (Job 6:19-20; Psa. 6:10; 44:7).

   • Lord, sovereignly destroy Iran's nuclear facilities (Psa. 54:5; 137:8; Isa. 34:8), or if You want Israel to do it, guide the timing and tactics of all Israeli attacks (Prov. 21:31; Jer. 51:20-25).

   • Lord God, fulfill Jeremiah 49:38b and remove Iran's political, military and religious leadership.

   • God of righteousness, judge all nations, especially Western nations, who still have financial dealings with Iran – although they know it is the world's #1 supporter of terror (Jer. 12:13; Hag. 1:6).

   • Lord of hosts, God of Jacob (Psa. 46:7, 11), again we ask that in line with Psalm 46:9, You be the One to cause the war with Hizbullah to cease – and not any man-made ceasefire (Mic. 4:3).

   • Let Bibi remind Trump that 60,000 + Israelis are still not able to return to their homes in the north because of Hizbullah's failure to abide by the ceasefire agreements that the US is supposed to enforce.

   • Abba, as South Lebanon up to the Latani River is a part of Your inheritance to the tribes of Asher and Naftali, please guide Israel as to when and how to possess it (Deut. 11: 24; Josh. 13:2-7).

   • Stir up the Lebanese people to finally kick Hizbullah out of their nation (Prov. 28:15; 29:2).

   • Reveal every anti-Israel plan of Turkey's anti-Christ-like leader Erdogan (Prov. 5:21; Jer. 32:19).

   • Lord God, use Erdogan for Your glory like You did with Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar (Rom. 9:17).

   • Almighty One, hasten the completion of Israel's Iron Beam laser defense system to aid in the defense against both drones and UAVs (Ex. 14:20; Psa. 112:4).

   • Messiah Yeshua, release multitudes of Muslims from the power of darkness today (Col. 1:13).

   • Lord Yeshua, protect Your Body in the ME, guide them in prayer and show them how important it is for them to bless – and not curse – Israel (Gen. 27:29; John 10:16, 27).

7. Aliyah:

   It is a privilege to be alive and witness the return of the Jews to the land that God has promised to them hundreds of times in the Tanach (Jer. 31:10). Yet this comes with a sense of great responsibility as He expects His Body to be actively involved in this whole process.

   • Lord Yeshua, show Your Body their biblical duty to aid the Jews in making aliyah – by prayer, through finances and by good works (Isa. 49:22; 60:1-12; 61:5; Rom. 15:26-27).

   • Abba Father, let the surge of interest in aliyah become an actual surge of aliyah (Jer. 50:4-8).

   • Lord God, bring many millions of Jews home and do it soon (Psa. 106:47; 107:2-3).

   • Show them that while Israel is not 100% safe, it is safer than staying in the captivity (Psa. 121:3-4).

   • Great God, watch over and fulfill Jeremiah 46:27-28 in the prophetic portion today (Jer. 30:10-11).

   • Lord, send forth more hunters to chase home those Jews who refuse to heed the fishers (Jer. 16:16).

   • Set free Jews who are mentally and emotionally trapped in the nations (Psa. 107:14-16; 137:4-6).

   • Abba, remove the insidious "comfort zones" that deceive Your people in the West (Job 7:13-14).

   • Let Your people see the historical record that when Jews live in gentile nations, there is a time when those nations could not, or would not, protect them (Deut. 28:37, 64-67; Psa. 137:3-4).

   • Lord God, challenge Jewish pride which says, "They will not chase us out!" and show them that You are the One both chasing and drawing them home (Prov. 16:18; Jer. 31:3-5, 8-10; Zech. 8:1-8).

   • Close the doors in other nations to receive Jews, and open wide the doors in Israel (Isa. 22:22).

   • Show Jews who want to make aliyah where to obtain or find all the needed paperwork (Psa. 23:1-3).

   • King Messiah, turn Israel's diplomatic outreach to the Jews in the nations to focus more on aliyah and less on helping them remain safely outside of Israel (Deut. 28:65-67; Psa. 53:6; 107:1-9).

8. Salvation:

   Exodus 12 in the Torah portion, which recounts the original Passover in Egypt, is full of types and foreshadows of Messiah Yeshua and His blood-bought salvation for us. Most Jews have some idea of what believers believe, so this chapter is a solid foundation from which we can ask the Father to open their eyes to the Lamb of God who takes away their sins (John 1:29, 36).

   • Abba, let Your people see that the original "Passover" was the lamb (Ex. 12:6, 11, 21, 27).

   • Lord, show them how the whole congregation of Israel was involved in slaying the lamb (Ex. 12:6).

   • Cause them to consider that the blood was placed outside of the homes in Egypt so that You, the God of their fathers, would see it (Ex. 12:13).

   • God, let them perceive that the lamb's blood protected them from Your judgments (Ex. 12:12).

   • May the fact that gentiles were provided a way to also partake of future Passover feasts provoke them to recognize that this is a picture of the Body of Messiah in today's world (Ex. 12:41-49).

   • Almighty God, create a "holy dissatisfaction" in many Jews causing them to read and study all of the Tanach, and not just the Torah (Jer. 15:16; 2 Tim. 3:15).

   • Messiah Yeshua, impart a burden to pray for Israel's salvation on gentile believers (Rom. 10:1).

   • [Ask God which specific group or groups of Jews He desires for you to pray about at this time.]

9. Body of Messiah:

   At this historical time, it is important for believers to know all of the Word of God. Yeshua's disciples should be reading and studying His Word to see and agree with what He is doing today (2 Tim. 3:16-17; in context, these verses refer to the Old Testament).

   • Lord Yeshua, confront believers who reject the Tanach as still Your Word today (Luke 24:25-27).

   • King Messiah, brainwash Your Body in all of Your Word (Eph. 5:26).

   • God Almighty, please convict all of Your Body that since You do not change (Mal. 3:6), what You said to Pharaoh about Israel being Your son, Your firstborn (Ex. 4:22-23), is still true.

   • Lord Messiah, expel the curse of generational anti-Semitism out of Your Body (Num. 14:18b).

   • Lord God, by Your Spirit teach believers the biblical links between aliyah, the salvation of Israel and Your return in glory to Zion (Psa. 53:6; 147:2; Jer. 31:1-10; Zech. 14:1-4; Matt. 23:39).

   • King Yeshua, let those in the Body who do see this be like spiritual leaven and influence everyone else in their fellowships and wider communities (Luke 13:20-21).

   • Lord, raise up more sons and daughters of Zion as elders in Your Body (Zech. 9:13; Acts 20:27).

10. Water:

    Please continue to ask God to open the heavens and send the rain to refresh the land and fill the Sea of Galilee, as this is rightly seen by many Israelis as His mercy upon them (Isa. 41:17-20; Matt. 5:45b).

11. IFI:

    After 30 years, my wife and I are moving to a new house. As moving is often stressful, we ask for your prayer support and that despite this move, I will be able to concentrate on leading IFI and writing these alerts. Thank you in advance.

Shabbat shalom from Jerusalem

Chuck Cohen, for the IFI team

1 Cor. 1:9