By now you have surely heard about (or seen footage of) the terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel.

It is so very horrifying to learn about innocent people—including women and children—being torn from homes, assaulted, and killed and/or taken prisoner. When I hear about the bodies of innocent victims being paraded through the streets while onlookers cheer, I shudder at the level of human depravity. I also can’t help but wonder how I would respond if that were my own family.

The first response should always be prayer. 

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Three thousand years ago, David encouraged others to pray for it: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls…’” (Psalm 122:6-7)

Jesus himself spent a lot of time in Jerusalem. He went there on pilgrimage with his family when he was young. He taught there as an adult. He lamented over it. He was crucified there. And he was raised to life just outside its walls.

This past Sunday I encouraged the congregation where I serve to pray for Israel. Is this just another skirmish in another country? No, it isn’t. What is happening is a significant global event, probably more so than most people realize.

God hears and honours prayer. He has chosen to use this deceptively simple act as he exercises his almighty will. A part of the reason we pray is because we trust in God—and that he responds.

Prayer also ensures that as we think through global and local events our starting place is the right place: on our knees.

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Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.