7 October: Pray for Israel, Gaza and the Middle East
Three years after Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, we continue to pray for stability, for God’s intervention, and for His Kingdom to come in the Middle East. As Israel and the world remember those who were killed and who endured captivity, and as people in Gaza continue to suffer the devastation of war, the global Church is called to intercede.
Israel
Israel will hold parliamentary elections on 27 October. Among the candidates are at least nine Israelis whose families were directly affected by the 7 October attacks. They represent diverse political views but share a desire to help heal Israel’s wounds.
A 24-hour global prayer gathering will take place on 7 October, broadcast from Jerusalem and organised by the Friends of Zion Heritage Center. More than 1,000 Christian leaders are expected in Israel this week for the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit, with believers worldwide invited to join in prayer.
Pray for Israelis who are grieving and traumatised, especially those who lost loved ones or survived captivity. Pray for deep healing and that many will encounter Jesus as Messiah, Healer and Saviour.
Gaza
On 3 October, two Palestinian Christian women, Maysa Abu Daoud and her daughter Mary Najjar, were among five people killed in an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Gaza City. The strike took place despite the ceasefire agreement.
Pray for the people of Gaza, who have suffered enormous loss, displacement and deprivation. Pray that the ceasefire will be respected, that food, water and medical aid will reach those in need, and that people will be able to rebuild their lives. Primarily, pray that the people of Gaza will encounter Jesus Christ, the One who still works miracles.
Lebanon
Christian communities in southern Lebanon continue to face isolation and hardship. Travel and access to food and humanitarian support remain difficult, leaving families insecure and fearful.
Pray for the people of Lebanon — those in the southern Christian villages and the hundreds of thousands displaced within the country — for protection, provision and safe places to live, and for Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, and that they will be able to encourage and help one another.
Yemen
Renewed fighting around Taiz has displaced nearly 200,000 people. Many lack food, medical care and basic shelter.
Pray for displaced Yemenis to receive sufficient food, water and medicine, and for believers to be protected and provided for amid violence and hardship.
Iran–US Tensions
Pray for the tensions between Iran and the US. Ask God to restrain further escalation and to give wisdom to those making decisions that could affect the wider region and the global economy. Pray also for Christians in Iran, that they will be protected and strengthened in their faith.
Please pray:
- Pray against hatred between people groups. Ask God to break entrenched cycles of hostility and revenge and to soften hardened hearts.
- Pray for leaders across the region, that God will restrain those who seek violence, expose evil, and grant wisdom and courage to pursue peace.
- Pray for the Church throughout the Middle East, that Christians will remain faithful to Christ and have opportunities to serve those who suffer and to share the Gospel.
