Should we Pray for Israel?

Those who object to praying for Israel often exclaim that the nation as a whole is ungodly, commits various sins, and does that which is objectionable. Therefore, they say, we ought to give them neither our aid nor our prayers.

However, we must recognize that Israel is in a state of rebellion, as they have been in the past. And we have to remember that the prophets foretold Israel’s return to God and her shining as a glorious nation, which will happen when the King establishes his throne in Jerusalem.

Just as Israel has been sinful and rebellious in times past but always returned to God, as seen most notably in the book of Judges, so too will Israel return to him at the end of the antichrist’s reign, after which the nation will shine as the stars. Until that day comes, the saints must endure Israel’s rebellion and pray for the nation, as the alternative is not praying, which provides more opportunity for the harming of the nation by her adversaries, the chief of which is the Devil.

The sum and substance is this: Israel is in a state of rebellion but will return to God in the future; the saints must endure Israel’s rebellion and sins, looking forward with long-suffering to the Lord clothing her with righteousness when he returns to the earth; we ought to pray for the peace of Israel because the world is increasingly going against her, with Satan and his ministers leading the assault.

And remember that David said by the Holy Ghost, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” (Psalm 122:6)