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CUFI Prayer
Remembering what matters
This week, Israel has concluded its three consecutive commemorative days. Separated this year by Shabbat, the sequence of the commemorative days offers a poignant reminder of the modern State of Israel’s journey. First was Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, in which Israel mourns the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust - an attempt by the Nazis to wipe out the Jewish people from the face of the earth. This was followed by Yom HaZikaron, or Memorial Day, which honours those who died defending the State of Israel. It includes those who have fallen in Israel's wars as well as the victims of terrorism. Only after these two commemorations does Israel celebrate its independence on Yom Ha’atzmaut, or Independence Day, which immediately follows. It reminds us that despite the attempt to annihilate the Jewish people and because of the bravery and sacrifice of those who have defended Israel's borders since, the nation of Israel lives, Am Yisrael Chai!
In light of these commemorative days, we will frame this week's prayers for Israel based on the themes that these three separate occasions represent.
Memory of the Holocaust
Pray that the memory of the Holocaust will continue to the next generation. Pray for all Holocaust education initiatives, including the various educational programmes. Pray that each of us will have discernment to recognise antisemitic attitudes today. May we be bold enough to speak out and compassionate enough to care for the victims of antisemitism where it exists. May we be true friends of the Jewish people in our own countries and may we be faithful advocates of the Jewish state.
Pray for those who harbour antisemitic attitudes in their heart. Whether it is in the form of age-old antisemitic tropes, Far-Left or Far-Right extremism, or Islamist-centred antisemitism. With this in mind, pray for those who are attracted to the ideology of Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups. Repentance is key to unshackle the spirit of antisemitism. But truth in the media, in the homes and in schools is also important for those in Palestinian society to turn away from antisemitic lies against Israel.
We heard disturbing comments this week from the Russian Foreign Minister, who used an age-old antisemitic trope to smear President Zelensky. His comments caused a lot of hurt for Jews around the world. Pray for the Russian people, many of whom are subject to this kind of emotive propaganda intended to stir ill-feeling towards the Ukrainian leadership, but also has the potential to stoke antisemitism within the former Soviet countries. Pray for the Jewish people who live there, and pray that the Russian people will reject these antisemitic suggestions from the Kremlin and not be deceived. Pray that Christians in Russia will take a lead in bearing the light of truth against such lies.
Let's take this opportunity to pray for every living Holocaust survivor. We pray with appreciation for their witness. And even though many are now in their twilight years, we pray that the scars that many still carry, will receive a gentle touch of God's healing love and peace at this time.
For those defending Israel
Pray for every individual currently in the Israel Defense Forces and other services protecting Israel's borders and those who live and visit there. Pray with thankfulness to the Lord for all those who have served in the past and for those who paid the ultimate price. May we not take this sacrifice for granted.
With Israel mandating military conscription, many Israeli civilians have served in the forces. And that means many young people are in line to do so. Pray for them and the next generation of Israelis that follow.
Praise the Lord that He has defended Israel in the past. And He will defend Israel in the future. The enemies of Israel will see the mighty hand of Jehovah protect His people. As Psalm 37 says, "The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming." May it be as it was in the day of King Jehoshaphat, "And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel." (2 Chronicles 20:29)
For victims of terror
Pray for the families of those who grieve loved ones that have been killed in various terror attacks. We must remember that once the stories have run their course in the news and messages of condolences cease, friends and family must continue to live with the hurt and loss for years to come. We cannot name every victim of terror in this prayer, but we're thankful that the State of Israel remembers their names every year in a special ceremony. May all those who suffer from the loss of love ones experience the comfort of the Comforter.
Praising for Israel's independence
Praise the Lord that Israel has celebrated its 74th Independence Day as a strong, secure and sovereign nation. It might be 74 years young, but it is also thousands of years old, as Israel's sovereignty was mandated and written in Law by God thousands of years ago. We therefore acknowledge its independence as a nation and its 'dependence' on God.
After the Jewish State was born in May 1948, five Arab armies (Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq) immediately invaded Israel. Arab rulers thought they were heading towards an easy victory, but they were wrong.
Praise the Lord for the countries that today recognise Israel's sovereignty. We especially thank the Lord for the Prime Minister Boris Johnson's statement this week for Israel's independence day in which he reaffirmed the UK's commitment to stand with Israel.
Terror attack in Israel
At the end of Independence Day, a Palestinian terrorist attacked several people with an axe and knife in the city of Elad. Pray for three victims who were murdered: Yonantan Havakuk, Boaz Gol and Oren Ben Yiftah — all young fathers who between them left behind 16 children. Pray also for those badly wounded.
It is heartbreaking that Israel has to endure such violence. Prime Minister Bennett rightly said, “Our enemies have set out on a campaign of murder against Jews. Their goal is to break our spirit, and they will fail.” We declare AMEN to this statement.
It is a sad reminder that the antisemitic enemies of Israel detest the freedom and values that a sovereign, independent State of Israel represents. But today we stand on the promises of God's Word concerning Israel's protection:
"Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake … no weapon formed against you shall prosper" (Isa 54.15,17)
"For I,’ says the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’… 'for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye." (Zech 2.5,8)
"I have chosen you and have not cast you away"
We close this prayer declaring the Word of the Lord from Isaiah 41:8-10:
“But you, Israel, are My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.
You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its farthest regions,
And said to you,
‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and have not cast you away:
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Thank you for standing with us in prayer for Israel today.
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