Israel’s Independence Day, known as Yom Ha’atzmaut, is celebrated on May 1 this year. This date is determined by the Hebrew calendar, so it changes annually. As Christians who love and stand with Israel, we contend earnestly in our prayers for God to move supernaturally for them. Pray for divine intervention in a way that only God can bring; Israel’s current situation needs that, and Israel deserves it. In the words of the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks,

[Israel] has sought to be a blessing to others, giving medical aid, technological aid, agricultural advice, and humanitarian relief to any and every country that turned to it for help. If there were any justice in the world, Israel today, far from being condemned, should be hailed as a model for every new country, every developing region, in how to sustain democracy, create economic growth, revive an ancient language, rebuild ancient ruins, and provide a home for refugees. Israel is a living tutorial in hope.[1]

As part of your intercession for Israel, speak Psalm 91 into the spirit realm. Contend that God’s presence, covering, protection, and victory be given to Israel during this time.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”

For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;

Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.

You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.

For you have made the LORD, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.

No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.

For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.

They will bear you up in their hands,
That you do not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.

“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.

With a long life I will satisfy him

And let him see My salvation.” (Psalm 91:1–16)[2]

We contend in our intercession for Messiah to come and manifest the prophecies about Messiah where Israel is concerned. The war against Israel has been a wicked attack beyond anything our modern world has seen. So proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners; comfort all who mourn, giving them a garland instead of ashes that God may be glorified (Isaiah 61:1–3).

It is time for God’s favor and His divine intervention to rest upon Israel. They are to be blessed above all peoples (Deuteronomy 7:14). So we bless Israel today. We want divine intervention for the hostages, for the Israeli Defense Forces, and to see truth prevail over the lies and disinformation of the media. Together we pray for the peace of Jerusalem. And we celebrate Israel’s resilience as a nation to stand as a light to the nations (Isaiah 60:1–3).

Recommended listening: GIG167 Israel at War—Rally to Her Needs

[1] Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, “Can a Country be Born in a Day?” Aish.com.

[2] All Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995).