Prayer is a cornerstone of the Christian life, a vital connection between believers and God’s will. Among the many subjects for prayer, the Bible specifically calls for intercession on behalf of Israel. While the Church is distinct from Israel in God’s redemptive plan, both are integral to His purposes. As dispensational theology underscores, Israel retains its covenantal role in God’s unfolding work, especially in eschatology.
This essay explores why the Church should pray for Israel, examining covenant promises, Israel’s current needs, and the biblical mandate for intercession. By studying these themes, believers can align their prayers with God’s will, participating in His redemptive plan for His chosen people.
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God’s Covenant Promises to Israel
The Abrahamic Covenant
The foundation of Israel’s role in God’s plan lies in the Abrahamic Covenant. God promised Abraham, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). This covenant, reaffirmed in Genesis 15 and 17, established Israel as God’s chosen people, with a role to bless the nations.
Romans 11:29 reminds us that “God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.” These promises remain valid, reflecting God’s unchanging faithfulness. The Church, by praying for Israel, acknowledges God’s covenant and seeks its fulfillment in God’s timing.
The Role of Israel in Redemption
Israel has been central to God’s redemptive work throughout history. Through Israel, God revealed His law, established covenants, and brought forth the Messiah (Romans 9:4-5). These blessings benefit the Church today, as Gentile believers share in the spiritual heritage of Israel (Romans 15:27).
The future restoration of Israel is also a key element of God’s eschatological plan. Jeremiah 31:31-34 speaks of a new covenant with Israel, fulfilled during the Millennial Kingdom. Ezekiel 37:21-28 promises the re-gathering of Israel under one King, Jesus Christ. Praying for Israel aligns the Church with these prophetic truths.
Biblical Call to Pray for Israel
Psalm 122:6 explicitly commands believers to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” This prayer not only seeks physical peace but also spiritual renewal. As believers intercede for Israel, they demonstrate obedience to God’s Word and participation in His covenantal plan.
Israel’s Current State and Need for Prayer
Spiritual Condition
Many Israelites today have yet to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Paul expresses this burden in Romans 10:1: “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” Despite their current spiritual blindness, Scripture assures that “all Israel will be saved” when they turn to the Lord (Romans 11:26-27).
The Church’s prayers play a vital role in seeking this spiritual awakening. As 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 explains, the veil over their hearts will be lifted when they turn to Christ.
National and Global Challenges
Israel faces significant political and social challenges, including territorial disputes, terrorism, and global hostility. Zechariah 12:3 foretells that Jerusalem will be “a heavy stone for all the peoples,” a prophecy evident in current events. Believers are called to pray for peace and protection for God’s chosen nation.
As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, intercession for leaders and nations pleases God and brings peace. This includes praying for Israel’s leadership and global standing.
God’s Faithfulness Amidst Rejection
Despite Israel’s current rejection of Christ, God’s covenantal love remains steadfast. Romans 11:1 assures us that “God did not reject His people.” Praying for Israel recognizes God’s ongoing work to fulfill His promises and restore His people in His perfect time.
The Church’s Relationship to Israel
Distinction Between Israel and the Church
Dispensational theology emphasizes the distinction between Israel and the Church. While the Church is the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27), Israel remains God’s covenant people with a unique role in His plan. Romans 11:17-18 uses the olive tree analogy to show that Gentile believers are grafted into the blessings of Israel.
Shared Responsibility to Pray
The Church benefits from Israel’s spiritual heritage, including the Scriptures, covenants, and Messiah (Romans 9:4-5). Paul reminds believers in Romans 15:27 that “if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.” Prayer is a form of spiritual support that reflects gratitude and unity.
Unity in God’s Kingdom
While distinct in roles, Israel and the Church will be united under Christ’s reign in the future Kingdom. Revelation 21:12-14 portrays a New Jerusalem with gates named after the tribes of Israel and foundations named after the apostles. Praying for Israel anticipates this ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan.
Biblical Reasons to Pray for Israel
God’s Command to Bless Israel
Genesis 12:3 declares, “I will bless those who bless you.” Praying for Israel is a way of blessing God’s chosen people, aligning with His purposes. David M. Levy of Israel My Glory writes, “To bless Israel is to bless the apple of God’s eye and participate in His eternal plan for the world.”
Praying for God’s Will
God desires Israel’s repentance and restoration (Ezekiel 36:24-28). Praying for Israel aligns believers with God’s will and anticipates the fulfillment of His covenant promises.
Intercession for Christ’s Return
The Bible teaches that Israel’s repentance is a precursor to Christ’s second coming. Zechariah 12:10 foretells that they will mourn for the one they pierced, and Jesus Himself said, “You will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord’” (Matthew 23:39). Praying for Israel’s salvation aligns with the Church’s hope for Christ’s return.
Practical Ways to Pray for Israel
- Prayer for Salvation
- Pray for individual Jews to recognize Jesus as Messiah (Romans 10:1).
- Ask God to remove spiritual blindness and open hearts (2 Corinthians 3:14-16).
- Prayer for Peace and Protection
- Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
- Intercede for protection against hostility and global anti-Semitism (Psalm 121:4).
- Prayer for Fulfillment of God’s Purposes
- Pray for God’s covenant promises to be fulfilled (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
- Ask God to prepare Israel for its eschatological role in His Kingdom (Romans 11:26).
Conclusion
The Church, though distinct from Israel, is called to pray for Israel as part of God’s redemptive plan. The Bible provides clear commands to intercede for Israel’s peace, salvation, and role in God’s purposes. By praying for Israel, believers align their hearts with God’s covenantal promises and His eternal plan.
The centrality of Christ unifies these prayers. Jesus is the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world. As believers pray for Israel, they anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises and the return of Christ, when Israel and the Church will be united under His reign.
As the psalmist writes: “For the Lord has chosen Zion, He has desired it for His dwelling” (Psalm 132:13). May we faithfully pray for Israel, trusting in God’s faithfulness and His sovereign plan.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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