When I was a college student, the Messiah of Israel found me, though most believers like to say we found Him.  I really was “minding my own business” when He began to draw me into His magnificent kingdom, the Kingdom of God, on the same day the Yom Kippur War began in 1973.  Five weeks later I received Him–I was alone when the Ruach HaKodesh, the Spirit of God, revealed the truth and love of Messiah, my need for forgiveness, and His provision of atonement.  After I prayed, I literally felt unseen chains break off.  I was free.

I learned there were 400 believers on our campus of 15,000.  There I met a fellow believer named Mike B.

Fast forward thirty years. My husband and I moved to another state.  A neighbor across the street invited us to his fellowship.

While looking at the announcements in the bulletin I noticed that the speaker for the evening was a man named Mike B.  Same name.  Could it be the same person? I didn’t remember Mike as being the “type” to be serving in some far off place.

We returned early that evening to see if it was Mike.  Sure enough, twenty eight years after having last seen him, there he was.  He had served the LORD in Africa and was now in Eastern Europe.

Mike had a hard time recognizing me in my salt and pepper hair!  But we hugged and rejoiced at the miracle that had just taken place.  Neither of us had ever been in that fellowship before, as I had moved to that state the week before, and he had been living in Africa and then Eastern Europe over the past twenty five years.  He had just gotten back to the States  a week or so before, and this was a speaking engagement that had been arranged for him.

We marveled at the encouragement the LORD us–that He has directed every step of our lives, and knows the times and the seasons of our lives.

I met his dynamic wife, Kathy, and asked her to tell me about the transition to Eastern Europe…to the same country and city where my grandmother was from!

“The ground is really hard there.  It’s a predominantly Catholic country.”

She spoke of the profound hardness of heart that she and Mike encountered there to spiritual things.  This is not difficult to understand.  World War II ravaged the entire continent.  The suffering was unspeakable. Volumes have been written on the subject.

I had a thought…should I tell Kathy why there might possibly be hard hearts or resistance to spiritual things?  Or, would it be interpreted as self serving?

I knew I had to speak.  “You know, Kathy, during the war, a large majority of the people of that country strongly participated in helping the Nazis destroy its Jewish population.  There is a covenant in Scripture, the Abrahamic Covenant. (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 17)  Here, the LORD promised the Patriarch Abraham three things:  Land, seed, and blessing.  He also stated that “I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you.”  This covenant and promise was reaffirmed to Isaac in Genesis 26; to Jacob in Genesis chapter 28:13-15; 35:9-12; 48:3-4.  Numbers chapter 24:1-9 is very clear:  “Blessed is everyone who blesses you (Israel), and cursed is everyone who curses you (Israel).”

“I am wondering, Kathy, if the way to have softened ground in the country where you are laboring is to join the other believers in confessing the very serious sin of anti-Semitism that led to hundreds of thousands of Jewish deaths.  Innocent blood has been shed in that land…the innocent blood of God’s covenant people is on the soil and on the hands of their ancestors.  Perhaps there is a curse on the land spoken of in Genesis 12.  In addition, the sin of hatred that generations of people in that country have participated in has opened a big door to the enemy of their souls:  Satan.  The people are indeed in bondage.

Kathy listened.  Kathy agreed.  She left to join her husband.

Then it was time for Mike to give the message.  I was amazed.  He had changed the talk he had planned to give, to one that would address what I had shared with Kathy.  He requested prayer for the nation where he was serving…for a spirit of repentance to be granted for the sins that nation committed against the Jews during WWII.

Reader, does it sound strange that the sins of ancestors can have such an impact a generation or two later?

It is not strange, for the Scripture speaks of the principle of curses going to the third and fourth generation (Deuteronomy 5:9), and the blessing of lovingkindness going to a thousand generations (Deuteronomy 5:10) to those who love Yahweh (The LORD) and keep His commandments.

One of His commandments is to bless, and not curse Israel!

So, what can we get from this true encounter?

1. The Living God, the God of Israel, is in the business of doing wondrous things.  He literally directs steps/paths of those who seek Him.  It is thrilling to be led by the LORD.
2. When hearts are closed to spiritual things we can’t prejudge and just say, “Oh, they’re not open to Biblical truth.” Such people need us to be the intercessors to help “break up fallow ground” (Hosea 10:12), confessing the sins of a nation or city or people group, so other prayers can be heard on high.  Please note that Daniel, Nehemiah, Ezra, Isaiah all cried unto God, saying, “I have sinned, and my fathers/people have sinned.”  No one exists alone spiritually.  Sin in our lives affects others, including a nation’s destiny.
3. Anti-Semitism is not just a current topic with political implications.  The spiritual ramifications for hating the Jewish people are borne out in history–in nations, as well as, in individual lives.

Dare I ask if you come from a heritage of hate, a heritage of specifically hating the Jewish people?  If so, confess the sins of your ancestors and any residual anti-Semitism that may exist in your heart.  This may be a key to possible breakthrough in your own life.

Shalom!

1 John 5:14-15 says, “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us:  And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.  When we pray the Scriptures we are praying wisely, because we are praying His will!

The context of the Gospel is Jewish (“Salvation is of the Jews”, said Yeshua–John 4:22) and the Scriptures are replete with verses revealing how to pray for Israel with the Father’s heart. We must ask Yahveh (The LORD) to reveal His love for the Jewish people and His burden for them (He says in Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you (Israel) with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you.”)

The Jewish people are a brokenhearted people and if we intercede for them it must be with a humble and tender heart.  Then we know we are praying in accordance with the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh).

When we pray for Israel, we are praying not only for the country in the Middle East, but for all Jews everywhere in the dispersion (Diaspora).

Here is a sample prayer to guide you in your praying.  Prayer for Israel is a very important ministry in which Yahveh, the Holy One of Israel, wants to engage us in these last days:

“Abba (Father), in the Name of Yeshua, I thank You for preserving the Jewish people.  Truly this reveals Your faithfulness to keep Your Word and Your covenants.  Thank You that the only time Israel will cease from being a nation is when the fixed ordinances (sun, moon and stars) depart from before You (Jeremiah 31:35-36)  Thank You that no weapon formed against Israel shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).  Israel has faced many enemies over the centuries.  I understand Satan has wanted to destroy Israel because she is the apple of Your eye (Zechariah 2:8) and because Messiah will return when Israel’s eyes are opened and they call upon His name (Zechariah 12:10).

Thank You for Michael the Archangel that You have assigned to protect Israel (Daniel 10:13).  O Yahveh of Hosts (hosts = armies in Biblical Hebrew), please station angels about her borders and the people.  Thank you that You who keep (guard) Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4).

Abba, as the prophets of old, we confess our sins and the sins of our fathers, particularly where Christians have participated in the sin of anti-Semitism, failing to show the love and patience of Your Son to the Jewish people.  These scars formed in history have wounded and confused Your chosen people.  Cleanse us from this sin which breaks Your heart.  Your Word says they are beloved and their gifts and calling as a nation are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).  I ask You to convict church leaders and teachers who have taught that You are finished with Israel.  Please forgive them and open their eyes.  Like the Apostle Paul, let them say, “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved.” (Romans 10:1).  May I extend mercy to the Jewish people even as Your Word commands in Romans chapter 11, verse 31 that “through my mercy they may also obtain mercy.”

Thank You that only a partial hardening has happened to Israel (Romans 11:25).  Thank You for the remnant (Romans 11:5) that has believed and for those who will come to faith.

I do not beg You for the salvation of the Jewish people, for Messiah Yeshua already died for them (1 John 2:2).  Rather, I wrestle them out of the domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13) with the weapons of our warfare which are not carnal but mighty through You to the pulling down of strongholds (II Corinthians 10:3-5).  I cast down the thought patterns of unbelief, fear and  father-rejection.  I take captive these thoughts and all confusion to the obedience of the Messiah (II Cor. 10:5).  As Your Word says, ” …Yahveh (The LORD) rebuke thee…”.  (Zechariah 3:2 KJV)

Father, Your Word says that “… to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away (2 Corinthians 3:15-16 NASB)”  Thank You that You are able to take the veil away and please do so for (personalize with the Jewish person, or people, you know).  I pray for religious Jewish people – the Orthodox and Hasidic Jews. In the Name of the Lord Yeshua, I come against the spirits of deception that would tell them that religion will save them.  Reveal to them, Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), that it is only by the blood atonement of the Messiah Yeshua that they are saved.  Have mercy on them O, God, Who delights in mercy (Jeremiah 9:24).

I pray today for the approximately 300,000 Jewish people in the former Soviet Union who have not yet left in fulfillment of prophecy (Jeremiah 23:3,7,8).  Protect them from the growing violence against them because they are Jews.  I thank you for delivering approximately 90% of the Jewish people out of the former Soviet Union in faithful fulfillment of Your prophetic Word.   I thank You for the many Russian believers who are now in Israel.  Strengthen them and give them grace in adjusting to their new home.

I pray for the Jewish people of Europe and Latin America who know they need to leave their countries because of growing anti-Semitism and return to Israel.  Please make a way–let every mountain of hindrance be removed so they can depart speedily. I pray for provision and the way of escape to be made clear to them.

I pray for Your Body of believers in Israel– for protection, growth, unity, boldness and provision.  Protect them, dear Lord.

I pray for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – for a hedge of protection, wisdom and courage, as the Gentile nations pressure him to return land that You promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants forever (Genesis12:7; 15:18; 17:8)  Thwart and confuse all plots and plotters against the Jewish people (Psalm 83, Psalm 124, Psalm 129:5).  Bring her enemies to repentance (Matthew 5:44).  Let them henceforth use their energies to build Your kingdom and to comfort Israel. (Isaiah 40:1)

I pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).  Thank You for prospering my life because I love her (Psalm 122:6)  Speak to my mind the ways You want me to reach out to Your people.  Make me a comfort to Your people (Isaiah 40).

I particularly pray for Holocaust survivors who need a revelation of Your personal love after experiencing such devastation.  Holy One of Israel, naturally, I don’t desire to feel the brokenness that the pogroms of Russia or the Holocaust have caused.  I am willing to receive the prayer burdens of Your heart for the Jewish people.  I am willing to stand as a watchman for the nation of Israel (Isaiah 62).  I give You no rest until You make Jerusalem a praise on the earth (Isaiah 62).

I pray for more laborers in this end time harvest, particularly for those to labor among elderly Jewish people in South Florida, New York City, Los Angeles & Chicago.  I pray for those laborers to be wise, tender and kind, full of your Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit).  I pray for divine appointments for them, that their steps would be directed to Jewish people searching for You, Your love, Your forgiveness, Your peace, Your touch, Your comfort. May they be anointed to speak your Word with power, conviction and the Ruach HaKodesh.  May they walk in humility and in the bond of peace with other laborers in the same part of the harvest.  May they be protected from all harm.  May their families be exceedingly blessed.

I pray Lord Yeshua for Your speedy return.  Soon may You hear the Jewish people say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD.” (Psalm 118; Matthew 23:39). Maranatha, even so come, Messiah Yeshua!

I pray all these things on the authority of the blood atonement and in the name of Yeshua, the soon returning King of the Jews.

Copyright ©1996 Prophetic Prayers by Prophetic Prints.  If you wish to copy this prayer for free distribution, permission is hereby granted to duplicate it provided there are no changes or omissions made to this prayer and this byline is included.  Please note this prayer has a Spanish translation, as well.  Please email us through our contact form to receive a copy.