Nations are being weighed in the balance. These are tumultuous times. Much is at stake right now, and society is rapidly changing right before our eyes. It is extremely important to have God’s perspective and to land on God’s side in these critical times. I believe it is imperative that once again we take a good, hard look at what God’s Word says about the land of Israel and His covenant promises. So, let’s set our gaze clearly and surely concerning the apple of God’s eye. Let’s be grounded in the foundational understandings of why I pray and take a stand for Israel.

Israel Is Still the Apple of God’s Eye

Pray and take a stand for Israel because Israel is still very close to God’s heart. “For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob [Israel] is the allotment of His inheritance . . . He led him about, He instructed him, He protected him like the pupil of His eye . . . He spread out His wings and took him; He lifted him on His pinions” (Deut. 32:9-11). If God says that Israel is the apple or pupil of His eye, then I want to pray with insight — with His sight. Do you want to be close to the heart of God? Then be close to the things, people and purposes that are close to His heart.

We Must Walk in Compassion

As you pray for Israel, be filled with compassion for Israel’s condition. Psalm 102:13-14 says:
“You shall arise, and have mercy upon Zion; for the time to favor her, indeed, the appointed time has come. Your servants take pleasure in her stones and have pity on her dust.” God wants to give His heart to us so that we can pray over Israel with compassion. The time has come for us to receive His heart so that our prayers will go far beyond merely saying correct words and instead move on into the prayer of the heart — even to the prayer of tears.

God Commands Us to Give Him No Rest

Pray and take a stand for Israel because God wants to establish Jerusalem and give her praise on the earth. The prophet Isaiah declared: “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem, who shall never hold their peace day nor night. You who remind the Lord, do not keep silent; give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a glory in the earth” (Isa. 62:6–7). Now we must understand something very clearly: This is not for our sake; it is for Zion’s sake! It is not about what is convenient; it is a priority!

God Desires to Work through Us for Israel’s Salvation

Pray for Israel so that Israel will be saved. God wants us to receive His heart so that we can pray with accuracy and discernment for the salvation of Israel. The apostle Paul said, “I have great sorrow and continual anguish in my heart . . . My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved” (Rom. 9:2; 10:1). Paul also declared, “For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen by race, who are Israelites, to who belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises” (Rom. 9:3-4). Paul was willing to be separated from Christ so that his brethren might know their Messiah.

God Commands Us to Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

Pray and take a stand for Israel because God wants to bless Jerusalem and her inhabitants with His peace and goodness. David’s exhortation in Psalm 122:6-7 must still be prayed and sung today: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls and security within your towers.” We must pray for the shalom of God for the city of peace.

Israel’s Acceptance of Jesus Will Create a Revival

Pray and act for Israel because the Jewish people’s acceptance of the Messiah Jesus will lead to worldwide revival of unprecedented magnitude. Romans 11:15 says: “For if their [Israel’s] rejection [of Christ] means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” Wow! Life from the dead! Israel’s acceptance of the glorious Messiah will be used to catalyze the greatest spiritual awakening this planet has ever seen. The whole earth will be filled with the fruit of revival.

Jesus Linked His Second Coming with Israel Turning to Him

Pray and take a stand for Israel because the Second Coming of Christ is linked to Israel’s response to Him. Jesus prophesied before His death, “For I tell you, you will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord'” (Matt. 23:39). Jesus linked His second coming to Israel’s nation turning, or returning, to Him. As you hold God’s appointments before Him as a watchman on the walls, you’ll help to fulfill every plan and purpose on His strategic calendar — for Israel and the nations of the earth. So join me and thousands of other watchmen on the walls for such a time as this in our targeted prayer this month. Let us pray together for God’s redemptive purposes to come forth for Israel and all of the Middle East. In Jesus’ mighty name! {eoa}

Dr. James W. Goll is the founder of God Encounters Ministries. He is an international bestselling author, a certified Life Language Coach, an adviser to leaders and ministries and a recording artist. James has traveled around the world ministering in more than 50 nations sharing the love of Jesus, imparting the power of intercession, prophetic ministry and life in the Spirit. He has recorded numerous classes with corresponding curriculum kits and is the author of more than 50 books, including The Seer, The Prophet, The Discerner, The Lost Art of Intercession and Praying with God’s Heart. James is also the founder of GOLL Ideation LLC, where creativity, consulting, and leadership training come together.

Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.