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December 2011 Prayer Guide
Isaiah 62 Prayer Campaign
Download the 'Isaiah 62' prayer guide for December 21st/28th (pdf) »
Please note: Our monthly day of prayer typically falls on the 4th Wednesday of each month, but due to the upcoming Christmas celebration some of our national branches will be observing the day of prayer on Wednesday December 21st. Whenever you can join us, we would welcome and value your ongoing prayer for Israel and the work of the ICEJ.
God Became Man!
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed...” (Luke 2: 34-35a)
So God became man! That is an incredible concept, which caused offence and misunderstanding back then and even to this day – both in Israel as well as in the Christian world. Simeon was right when he exclaimed: “This child is destined … for a sign which will be spoken against.” (Luke 2:34).
Even today, belief in the Incarnation of God through the virgin birth is being shed in many Christian circles like it were some irrational fundamentalist ballast. Yet this is not about some bizarre medieval dogma, but the very essence of who Jesus is.
December Prayer PointsPrayers for Israel: This year the Jewish community in Israel and worldwide is celebrating the feast of Chanukkah - the festival of lights - from the 21st to the 28th of December at the same time as the Christian celebration of Christmas: For Light - Please pray during this week of Chanukkah that the comfort and light of Israel may bless the Jewish people. For Peace - Pray that the recent incidents of violence by Jewish youths in the settlements would be stopped, for protection for Palestinians and Israelis alike and that there would not be an escalation of tension. For Protection - That the final wave of 550 Palestinian terrorists recently released by Israel as part of the Egyptian brokered deal to free kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit would not return to terror. Prayers for the Middle East: The turmoil that has engulfed the region this year has only increased in recent weeks. With the immient US troop withdrawal from Iraq, the pace of the Iranian nuclear program, the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and the internal conflict in Syria - the nations of the Middle East need our prayers: For Egypt - Please pray for protection, courage and revival among the Egyptian Christians that the gospel will spread and many people will be saved! Please pray, that moderate political forces will be strengthened and that this new round of instability and violence would not spread to neighboring Jordan. For Iran - That the Europeans and especially Germany will consider imposing stricter sanctions on Iran which will have a real effect in weakening and destabilizing the regime in Tehran and slowing their nuclear program. For deliverance - Pray that Israel will cry out to God in this crisis and seek His face and His hand of deliverance. For more in-depth prayer points: |
A Feast of Adoration
Therefore, Christmas should be for us a feast of gratitude and adoration. God came down to us and had mercy upon a humanity which urgently needed His salvation. This child is still spoken against, yet he has brought deliverance to millions of faithful followers around the world.
Yet the Hebrew prophets made clear that this child is also the deliverer of his own nation, Israel. This part of his ministry is still unfolding. But all signs point to the fact that it will soon be fulfilled. Until then, as we pray for Israel this month, let us do so following the shepherds and wise men in spirit of gratitude and worship for our Savior.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14)
Thank you for your faithful partnership in prayer throughout 2011.
Merry Christmas!
Dr. Jürgen Bühler
ICEJ Executive Director
Read the full text of Dr. Bühler's Christmas devotion: 'Unto us a Child is Born' »
