Friday, August 1, 2025
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Prayer Highlights:
The Bible encourages us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Ps 122:6). At Bridges for Peace, we want to partner with you to do just that with clarity and purpose. That’s why we’ve refreshed our weekly prayer update to make it even more helpful and easy to use.
Each week, you’ll find five to seven key prayer focuses, designed to guide and deepen your intercession. For every focus, you’ll receive:
• What You Need to Know – an overview of the situation to help you pray with insight
• Dig Deeper – links to trusted articles and resources if you want to explore more
• Pray with Purpose – practical prayer points to get you started
• Anchored in Scripture – powerful verses to declare and stand on as you pray
Thank you for standing with Israel in faithful, Scripture-based prayer. "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16b).
Wisdom from Above: Praying for Israel’s Leaders
What You Need to Know:
Last week, the Knesset (Israeli parliament) began their annual three-month recess. During this time, no official legislation can be passed. However, the prime minister along with key ministerial committees remain actively involved in leading the country. Issues which require the attention of Prime Minister Netanyahu and senior leaders include the ongoing situation with the hostages still held in Gaza, Israel’s increasing isolation on the world stage along with the need to provide a defense against the misinformation and lies being spread on social media. The relationship between Israel and the United States is currently solid but the Trump administration does face some opposition with regard to the perceived humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Foreign Minister Gidon Sa’ar have joined the prime minister in a concerted effort to present Israel’s goals and need for assurance that its citizens can dwell securely without threats from Iran or any of their terror proxy groups.
Dig Deeper:
Putin Discusses Syria and Iran in Phone Call with Netanyahu
Netanyahu Pushing Gaza Migration Plan to Keep Ben-Gvir in Coalition
Pray with Purpose
- Pray for Israel’s leaders to have hearts that seek wisdom from above as they navigate through these difficult days.
- Give thanks that the Lord Himself sets kings in place and removes them as you offer prayer on behalf of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- Pray for unity among Israel’s leaders.
Anchored in Scripture
A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. (Proverbs 1:5)
Guarding the Land: Prayers for Israel’s Security
What You Need to Know:
After the violent clashes in southern Syria during early July, there is a fragile calm with humanitarian aid coming to the Syrian Druze who endured October 7-like attacks on their villages. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who met with Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani last week in Paris, held a follow-up meeting in Baku on July 31. The border with Syria remains an area of fragile peace as Israel is determined to maintain a buffer zone of security for its Golan Heights communities as well as uphold its commitment to defend the Syrian Druze population.
Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based terror group, may have suffered significant setbacks as a result of Israeli military action, but it has not given up the fight. Potential threats from the radical terror group in southern Lebanon require continued and diligent alertness on the part of Israel’s security forces.
Dig Deeper:
Analysis: Syria Seeks Balance in Suweida amid Druze–Bedouin Clashes
Israeli, Syrian Officials to Meet in Azerbaijan to Discuss Security
IDF Assesses its Successes Against Hezbollah Since Ceasefire
Hezbollah Braces for another Israeli Strike, Plans Cross Border Attacks
Pray with Purpose:
- Pray for the IDF soldiers and their commanders along Israel’s northern borders, asking for the Lord’s hand of protection to be upon them.
- Continue to pray for the security situation in Judea and Samaria, Israel’s biblical heartland and home to more than half a million Jewish residents.
- Pray that there would be confusion in the camp of Israel’s enemies and that their plans to destroy the Jewish people would come to nothing.
Anchored in Scripture:
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. (Psalm 91:15)
Aligning Against Israel: UN and the Nations of the World
What You Need to Know:
Pressure against Israel from the nations has increased over the past week as leading Western countries like France and the United Kingdom have announced their intent to recognize a Palestinian state in September if Israel does not end the war in Gaza. The United States is standing firm with Israel and refused to attend the preliminary session held on July 28. After the UN session, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar addressed the body and eloquently spelled out what the recognition of a Palestinian state will do: reward the terrorist group of Hamas and remove any possibility of their ultimate defeat and removal from power. In his speech, Sa’ar also addressed the false representation by Hamas and the media of humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Dig Deeper:
Israel and the US Boycott UN Meeting on 2-State Solution
Full Speech: Israeli FM Addresses the Gaza Conflict after UN Session
UK Pushes Back Against Israel’s Criticism of the Recognition of the State of Palestine
Pray with Purpose:
- Pray that the fear of the Lord would fall on all those who dare to consider dividing the Land He gave to Israel forever.
- Pray that the current US administration will continue to stand strong in Israel’s defense on the world stage.
- Pray that believers in the European nations who are threatening to recognize Palestine will intercede on behalf of their nations.
Anchored in Scripture:
Remember, Lord, the reproach of Your servants—how I bear in my bosom the reproach of all the many peoples, with which Your enemies have reproached, O LORD, with which they have reproached the footsteps of Your anointed. (Psalm 89:50–51)
Frontline Faith: Praying for Soldiers and Hostages in Gaza
What You Need to Know:
At a few months shy of the two-year mark, the current conflict in Gaza is Israel’s longest war. It is also the most complex in terms of fighting an enemy which is embedded in a massive network of underground tunnels, with schools and hospitals concealing their entrance points. To say nothing of the Israeli hostages who have been held in those tunnels for over 660 days.
The IDF continues its ground campaign, locating tunnels and destroying arms caches. Making conditions more difficult, Israel has been experiencing a heat wave, with 16 soldiers hospitalized for heat-related conditions. Moreover, two young soldiers were killed this week when a terrorist attached an explosive device to the armored personnel carrier they were riding in, bringing the total number of deaths to 898 since the Swords of Iron War began.
Dig Deeper:
Netanyahu Admits the Situation in Gaza is Difficult
IDF Footage Shows Hamas Terrorist Stealing Aid from Gazans
People are Breaking: Hostage Families endure Agony as Talks Falter
Pray with Purpose:
- Continue to intercede for the hostages who remain in captivity and for their families who have been in agony.
- Pray for the young soldiers who are unselfishly placing themselves in danger that the people of the State of Israel may live.
- Pray for the Lord’s comfort for families of the fallen soldiers and all those who mourn in Zion.
Anchored in Scripture:
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
Lifting the Weary: Praying for Vulnerable Israelis
What You Need to Know:
This week a military reservist was found dead in his home. Suicide is suspected. The IDF released data showing 21 soldiers died by suicide in 2024, with an additional 17 in 2023. Although data will not be released officially until the year has ended, it appears 2025 may equal or exceed last year’s figure, as there have been 18 deaths so far this year. The IDF is intensifying its focus on those potentially at risk through counseling and the help of grassroots organizations like the Helem Club, which assists those suffering from PTSD.
Another group of struggling Israelis are those who were displaced from their homes as a result of direct rocket attacks. As of a month ago, between 9,000 and 10,000 Israelis fell into that group, including a large number of new immigrants. Even with help from the government, the challenge of rebuilding lives remains.
Dig Deeper:
After the Battlefield, Suicide Becomes a Leading Threat to Israeli Soldiers
IDF Reservist found Dead in Suspected Suicide
Pray with Purpose:
- Pray for the soldiers who have experienced trauma during the war, that they will reach out for help before taking drastic messures.
- Pray for those around them to be aware of anyone who is considering suicide.
- Pray for the displaced Israelis and Gazan families as well—all who have lost homes and belongings due to war—asking the Lord to give them strength and hope to begin again.
Anchored in Scripture:
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. (Isaiah 40:29)
Standing against Hate: Combatting Antisemitism in Prayer
What You Need to Know:
The hatred may come as a French father and his young, kippah-wearing son fill their car with petrol in Italy, as a shipload of Israeli tourists approach the Island of Rhodes, hoping for a bit of respite from the stresses at home or as Jewish comedians find out they are not welcome at an arts festival in the UK. The hatred may be vocal as the air fills with shouts of “From the River to the Sea, Palestine shall be free!” It may be a “civilized” rejection letter or a slap in the face to Israeli parents and their young children who witness a sea of angry protestors at the port of a holiday island in Greece. It does not matter what form it takes, it is an expression against the people and the Land through which God has chosen to reveal Himself to the world. And we must stand against it.
Dig Deeper:
Protestors Met by Riot Police as Israeli Cruise Ship Arrives in Rhodes
Jewish Father and Son Harassed at an Italian Gas Station
Cultural Antisemitism: Jewish Comedians Dropped from UK Arts Festival for Israel Support
Pray with Purpose:
- Pray for courage to confront antisemitism in whatever form it takes and wherever you may encounter it.
- Pray for the discernment to recognize “teachable” moments when those who have expressed hatred for the Jewish people are open to the Holy Spirit.
- Pray also that the Church in the West will take a vocal and public stand against all forms of antisemitism.
Anchored in Scripture:
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. (Psalm 33:13)
Grateful Hearts: Praise Reports from the Battlefront
What You Need to Know:
We can give praise that a bit of truth about the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached mainstream social media. Although not on its main social media platform, publishing giant the New York Times has issued a statement telling the truth about a Gazan child who is suffering from a medical condition having nothing to do with malnutrition and is currently receiving treatment in Italy. Images of the child have been widely circulated as proof that Gazans are starving.
And on a slightly different subject, the Jerusalem Post reported that “Costa Rica became the sixth Latin American country to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism,” which is definitely as step in the right direction. And finally, two European nations stood in defense of Israel and prevented the Jewish state’s removal from a prestigious research program.
Dig Deeper:
New York Times Issues Clarification of Misleading Image of Gazan Child Claimed to be Starving
Costa Rica Becomes the 6th Latin American Country to Adopt the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
Israel Has Not Been Eliminated from the World’s Largest Research Program
Pray with Purpose:
- Give thanks for this small, but significant victory in Israel’s war to present truth regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Pray that more will follow.
- Give thanks for the two European nations who came to the defense of Israeli researchers and kept the nation in the “Horizon Europe” program.
- Again this week we give thanks for all the faithful intercessors and pray that the Lord will strengthen you in the battle. Without prayer, nothing is possible.
Anchored in Scripture:
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.” (1 Chronicles 16:31)
Related Resources
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