Prayer Letter – June 2015
Isaiah 62 Prayer Campaign


Dear prayer partners,

I want to share an encouraging word regarding the power of prayer!

The most commonly used word for prayer in the Hebrew Bible is palal. It is a powerful word which can be translated as prayer or intercession, but also ‘to judge’ or ‘to decree judgment’. The first few times it used in the Bible reveals already the powerful, transformative effects of prayer.

In Genesis 20, Abraham prays for King Abimelech and he is healed and his life is spared. In other words, the prayer of one man prevented a shift of power in Abimelech’s kingdom.

In Deuteronomy 9:20, Moses intercedes for Aaron after he built the golden calf. God determined judgment for Aaron, but Moses’ prayer changes his fate and he lives for another 40 years – giving priestly leadership to an entire nation.

There are actually several such occasions when Moses prays on behalf of the nation of Israel while it was facing national judgment and the prayers of Moses diverted calamity and ensured the nation’s survival and blessing (Numbers 14, 21:7; Deuteronomy 9:26).

This means prayer is a most powerful tool to bring about a turnaround for a person, family, city, and even an entire nation. It is like decreeing a new season of blessing and well-being for a community.

When Jeremiah writes to the Jewish people in Babylonian captivity, he charges the Israelites to “seek the peace of the city” and “to pray for her” (Jeremiah 29:7). He understood that the prayer of the people of God would result in a powerful transformation of Babylon for the better and that the well-being of the city also would be a blessing to the people of God.

Thus the fate of a nation lies less with its ruler or government, and more with the prayers of the people of God. Too often Christians have complained about their political leaders. We contend that “if we would have another president, prime minister or chancellor, the situation would be better”. However, God places national responsibility upon the shoulders of His people.

“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Note that it does not say “if the president” or “if the prime minister”, but “if my people which are called by my name…”

There are many nations around the world today that need healing and restoration. Europe is turning away from God more and more. America is in a time where its very foundations are being shaken. Many nations in Latin America, Africa and Asia need a touch from God.

So let us stop pointing fingers and searching for others to blame. Rather, let us go down on our knees and trust God that “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).

Be encouraged to pray like never before!

Yours in Christ!

Dr. Jürgen Bühler
ICEJ Executive Director

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PRAYER POINTS FOR JUNE 2015

The next day of prayer and fasting in our Isaiah 62 Global Prayer Campaign will be on Wednesday, 3rd of June 2015.

Please pray with us in the following areas of need:

1)  Prayer for Israel
The recent Israeli elections brought Benjamin Netanyahu back to power, though as head of a narrow coalition. Please pray for the returning prime minister and all the ministers in his cabinet, as well as the 120 members of the Knesset. Pray that Israel’s new government will be able to meet the many challenges confronting the nation, including the steep economic and security issues it faces. Pray especially for moral leadership in the Land of Israel and for voices of biblical faith to arise and give spiritual guidance to the nation. Pray that a modern-day Joshua or Caleb would arise to proclaim the sure promises of God over the nation, and to inspire the people to pursue them and not back down in the face of the enemy. Pray that the Israeli people would indeed “humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…”, so that God might forgive their sins and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Pray that God would have mercy on Israel, just as He did when Moses prayed for the people.

2)  Prayer for the region and the world
The Middle East continues to be riven with political turmoil, violence and war, and desperately needs peace and calm to return to the region. Pray for the innocent victims of the conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and elsewhere, that they might find safety and hope. Pray that the Sunni Arab nations would fully accept Israel as part of the region, and align with Jerusalem against the threat of a nuclear Iran. Pray that Iran would not be allowed to retain its nuclear program, but will be forced to give up its dangerous atomic ambitions. Pray for revival in Iran, Turkey and all the surrounding Arab nations, that many would come to a saving knowledge of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. And finally, pray for your own nations, that a spirit of godly repentance would come upon the peoples to turn away from sin and towards the living God. Praying believing that your intercession can change the direction and destiny of your nation.

3)  Prayer for the ICEJ
The Christian Embassy is gearing up for a number of speaking tours worldwide this summer and then the joyous celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in late September. Please pray for our speakers as they travel, for God to anoint their messages and thereby impact churches, cities and nations. Pray for the staff in our Jerusalem headquarters and in the dozens of offices we maintain around the world. Pray for our expanding television work, that it would be more effective in touching hearts for Israel and bringing in new resources to meet many more needs here in this Land. Pray that the ICEJ would have ever greater favour with the leaders and people of Israel to accomplish our calling here. And finally, pray for our Feast preparations and for the many pilgrims worldwide considering to come, that God would supply their every need to enable them to appear in Zion at this appointed time.