7 Scriptures about Israel to Pray over Israel
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The world constantly deals with conflicts and crises, and unfortunately, Israel often finds itself a part of one battle or another. In such a world, praying for Israel and its people is more important than ever.
Jesus stood in Jerusalem two thousand years ago and warned in Matthew 24:6, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” Among the inevitable strife and unrest, Christ calls us to stand in faith and intercede for God’s will and peace. As believers, we turn to Scripture to guide our prayers for Israel from a place of calm, not fear. Our prayers must align with God’s promises and provide hope during the turmoil.
Here are 7 Scriptures about Israel to Pray for Israel.
Pray Peace over Israel – Psalm 122:8
“For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’” Psalm 122:8
The psalmist encourages us to actively pray for the peace of Israel, not as a distant request but as a very personal one. Praying for Israel should come from a heart of love for both the Jews and our own family and friends. The desire for peace includes healthy families, communities, and nations. Through praying for Israel, we align our hearts with God’s desire for reconciliation and stability.
The Hebrew word shalom goes beyond simple peace or a lack of conflict. Shalom encompasses a holistic sense of completeness, well-being, and harmony. We pray for both physical and spiritual peace, that hearts will turn to God and experience inner peace from a right relationship with him. This prayer calls us to join with God’s purposes for his people, seeking peace within Israel’s borders and for the wider region.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you and lift up Israel in prayer. We ask for your peace to dwell within Israel’s borders, within Jerusalem, and all who live there. Bring unity where there is discord, and let your peace reign in every household and community. For those who love Israel, we pray for an end to the violence. And may your people find true shalom in you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Pray for God’s Promise over Israel – Ezekiel 37:21-22
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them, and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms.” Ezekiel 37:21-22
God made this prophetic promise through Ezekiel after Judah had been captured by Babylon. Despite Israel’s sin and rebellion, God will faithfully restore and unify Israel.
We pray for the fulfillment of this divine promise—the continued return of the Jewish people to their Promised Land and for spiritual and national unity. We ask for God’s hand to guide and protect them as they navigate attacks from different directions, trusting the Lord to bring them together as one nation, under his rule and for his glory. This goes beyond physical restoration alone. God longs to bring his Kingdom purposes to Israel.
Dear Abba,
We come to you with faith in your promises over Israel. We pray you continue to gather your people from all nations, completing your word. Unite them as one nation, under your rule and guidance. Let your promises of peace and restoration come to pass, and may your name be glorified as prophecies are fulfilled.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Pray for Protection over Israel – Zechariah 2:8
“For this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whatever touches you touches the apple of his eye.’” Zechariah 2:8
Here the prophet expresses the depth of God’s love and protection for Israel, referring to the nation as “the apple of his eye,” an image conveying love and special attention. It also carries assurance of God’s protective hand against any enemies who may seek to do Israel harm.
As we pray for Israel, we ask for God’s protection, both from external enemies and internal divisions. Israel faces challenges from many surrounding nations, as well as from within, where conflict and unrest rear their heads. We ask God to shield them from physical threats while also granting wisdom, unity, and strength to overcome struggles in their midst. God has promised to fight for his treasured possession.
Heavenly Father,
We ask for your mighty protection over Israel. Guard your people, who you called the apple of your eye, from enemies without and within. Surround Israel with your shield of protection against those who hate and seek to harm them. Bring peace and unity among their leaders and people. Let your awesome hand be upon them in favor, defending them from all forms of danger. May they stand on your promises and trust you in all things.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Pray for Comfort over Israel – Isaiah 40:1-2
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” Isaiah 40:1-2
God calls us to bring comfort to Israel. The verse expresses God’s compassion for his people, who have endured hardship and suffering, both in the Bible and throughout history. God has forgiven their sins and desires to restore and heal them. Israel’s time of punishment has passed, and God offers peace, healing, and comfort.
Many in Israel face difficult times—political conflict, violence, and terrorism. Beyond physical struggles, we also pray for their hearts to be comforted by God’s love and forgiveness. Let us ask for God’s mercy and tenderness to encourage and support the nation, bringing healing for pain and hope for despair.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We intercede for Israel’s comfort. Just as you have spoken tenderly to Jerusalem and to us through your Spirit, we ask for you to comfort the Jews today. Bring counsel and healing to the suffering, and let your presence be tangibly felt for all who seek you. Let Israel know you have forgiven and restored them. You desire to bless them, so bring hope and comfort to your people.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Pray to Make Jerusalem a Praise – Isaiah 62:6-7
“I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.” Isaiah 62:6-7
May our prayers for Israel never cease. God calls his people to be “watchmen,” people who intercede day and especially at night, crying out for the Lord to fulfill his promises. Praying for Jerusalem to “be a praise” to God on the earth asks for God’s will to be established and for the nation to become a light of righteousness and truth for the world to see.
Jerusalem remains central to God’s plan, and praying for Israel joins the Father’s desire to transform it into a place where his glory extends to all nations. As Christians, God calls us to persistently pray, asking God to bless and protect Jerusalem so it reflects the Lord’s greatness.
Heavenly Father,
We stand as watchmen and women on the walls of Jerusalem, lifting our voice to you in prayer. We ask for you to make Jerusalem a praise to you in the world, a city shining with your righteousness and truth. Call the Jewish people to repent of any evil or oppressive actions and live according to what is right. Strengthen their leaders. Help them bring honor to your name.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Pray for the Gospel to Soften Hearts – Romans 11:26
“And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.’” Romans 11:26
In this New Testament verse, the apostle Paul teaches about God’s ultimate plan for Israel, as for all nations: salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Paul reveals the hope that all Israel will one day recognize Jesus as Christ and Savior and turn away from unbelief. God’s promise to save Israel includes a deeper spiritual awakening where they will embrace Jesus, the Good News.
While we pray for their physical peace, Christians must ask God to soften Israel’s hearts and open their eyes to the truth of Christ as the long-awaited and prophesied Messiah. This vital and crucial prayer aligns with Jesus’ desire for his chosen people to be fully reconciled to the Father through the Son by the Spirit. Let us stand in agreement with God’s will for Israel’s redemption and restoration through Christ.
Heavenly Father,
We pray for Israel, that they will come to know Jesus as their Messiah. Open their eyes by your Spirit to see the truth of the Good News and awaken their hearts to repent unto the salvation you offer through Christ. Let your Spirit move powerfully among your people, the Jews, and the surrounding nations, as well, leading them into a transformative relationship with Jesus. Fulfill your promise that all Israel will be saved.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Pray for Israel's Restoration – Deuteronomy 30:3-5
“Then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 30:3-5
Moses delivered this message before Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, prophesying Israel’s ultimate restoration, both physically and spiritually.
God will always restore Israel to their land and himself, so this passage invites us to pray for their restoration both now and eternally through faith in the Messiah. We pray for their physical safety and prosperity but also for the deeper restoration the Father desires through his Son and the Spirit.
Heavenly Father,
We pray for Israel’s restoration. We thank you for your faithfulness in gathering your people from the nations and bringing them back to their land. We ask for your continued protection and blessing over Israel. More than just physical restoration, we pray for spiritual revival, for the Jews to come to the Messiah. Let Israel return to you with their whole hearts and experience your fullness through Jesus, both now and eternally. Restore your people in your power as you promised.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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