Prayer Letter – November 2014
Isaiah 62 Prayer Campaign

Dear prayer partners,

As you pray, there are three important areas of biblical truth that we need to familiarise ourselves with. These truths should not only be grasped as theological concepts, but they need to become part of our mindset, driving decisions in our lives and, of course, they need to be at the foundation of our prayers.

First, we need to know our God. The more we understand the greatness and majesty of God, the more faith will rise in our hearts. The God we serve is the omnipotent Creator God who spoke and the heavens and earth came into existence. He can speak a word today and any situation will turn around. He is the One who has “all power in heaven and on earth”. He has all power to forgive sins, restore relationships, heal sicknesses, and drive away any power of darkness. That is why heaven is full of praise and worship for the Almighty God. “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” (Revelation 19:6)

Why not stop right here and praise the Almighty God for His power, might and wisdom. Declare His Lordship over every area of your life and especially those in which you need Him. There is nothing impossible for Him.

Secondly, we need to know our calling. The God we serve is not only the Almighty Creator, but He also greatly enjoys fellowship with His saints. Have you ever wondered why, out of the billions of people in this world, He called you? The answer is simple. Because it pleased Him! In Ephesians 1:5, the Apostle Paul writes, “having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will…”

So God desires our fellowship and cooperation. In the Garden of Eden, He would come and talk to Adam and Eve each day in the coolness of the evening. And God not only desires our fellowship, He wants to share His authority, governance and creativeness with His people.

Jesus made one of the most powerful declarations during his life on earth when he said: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Right afterwards, he said to his disciples: ‘Now you go! Disciple nations! Proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, heal the sick, cast out demons, and nothing can harm you’ (Matthew 28:18ff, Mark 16:15ff).

Jesus seeks our engagement in His kingdom. As you pray today, have the boldness of a David, a Gideon or a Paul. Know that if God is with us nobody can be against us! Pray with faith and expectation. Stop right here and ask the Lord to increase your faith. Ask for forgiveness when you limited Him by doubt or unbelief. Declare that with God you can do the impossible.

Finally, we need to know the will of God. Praying against the will of God is wasting our time. The good news, however, is that the will of God has been revealed to us in His word. Through it we know that He desires “all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4); He came to destroy the “works of the devil” (1 John 3:8); and He wants His light to shine even in the darkest places (Isaiah 60:1-2). Never give up hope for your family, church, city or nation. God is looking for a man or woman of faith who is willing to stand in the gap.

The Lord God desires the restoration of Israel (Zechariah 8:1ff); He intends to rebuild the ancient ruins (Ezekiel 36:33); He declares His intent to bring the Jews back from the four corners of the earth (Isaiah 11:12); and He wants to see all of Israel be immersed in the spirit of His new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31).

God also has a plan for the Arabs living in and around Israel. Some of the most beautiful promises in the Bible are given to them. He wants them to be saved by His blood and live in peace and cooperation with Israel (Isaiah 19).

Much could be added to this, but today let us come with boldness before the throne of Grace and declare His Kingship over every situation in our lives that needs resolution. Let us declare as Jesus taught us: “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

In Christ,
 
Dr. Jürgen Bühler
ICEJ Executive Director

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PRAYER POINTS FOR NOVEMBER 2014
The next day of prayer and fasting in our Isaiah 62 Global Prayer Campaign will be on Wednesday, 5 November 2014. Please join us!

Please pray with us for the following areas of need:

1)  Pray for the security situation in Israel
Many people speak about Israel being on the verge of a new intifada, as her adversaries stoke violence over their rival claims to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. Please pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).

2)  Pray for Israeli Arab Christians and Palestinian Christians
More and more Israeli Arabs are making a deliberate decision to join the Israeli army. They consider Israel as their nation, and appreciate that it is the only true democracy in the Middle East, making it worthwhile to defend. A courageous Galilee priest, Father Gabriel Naddaf, is leading a unique effort to better integrate young Christian Arabs into Israeli society. Please pray for these efforts. Please pray that more and more Arab churches will set an example to stand solidly with Israel. Pray that Israel has the wisdom to support them in the way they need it in order to protect them from religious (Islamic and nationalistic) tensions.

3)  Relationship of the Church to Israel
Pray for the Church in your country and in your own church, that God will reveal to its leaders His heart and zeal for Israel. Ask God for divine appointments to open doors and hearts for a stronger connection with the Jewish people. In Zechariah 8:11ff, God declares a new season in His dealings with Israel. Proclaim in faith a new season for the Church in your country with regards to Israel.