Praying for the Jewish People

Dear Friends,

We recently received two requests to pray for the Jewish people. One came from our long-time friend and partner in ministry, Marty Waldman. He and his wife Marlene fellowshipped with us in the 1980's before being sent out to establish Baruch Ha Shem (bless the Name) Messianic Synagogue in Dallas. God has blessed and increased them with a beautiful building and a thriving congregation.

This year for the first time, they feel that they are to send invitations to the entire Jewish community in North Dallas. They have written a beautiful invitation which has been mailed to every Jewish home in the area. They believe that this is the time when God will give a breakthrough with these people. They called to ask us to pray as these invitations go out that the Holy Spirit will touch hearts and remove the veil so that they can see their Messiah.

At the same time, we received a prayer letter from Eitan Shiskof in Israel, who spoke at our last Firstfruits gathering. He was issuing a call to join with his congregation in a season of prayer and fasting for renewal and an increased Presence of the Lord in Israel. Here are some excerpts from his prayer letter:

"Something in me is crying out for renewal, and I sense that I am not alone.  As I look around Israel---at the people (our homicide rate has spiked this summer), the government (convictions and indictments for corruption have continued to sink major political leaders - one, our former Prime Minister), the economy (unemployment is rising seriously), and the threats and accusations hurled at us by the international community---I can't help but see this need for renewal on a national scale.  And though there are many signs of progress among our precious Yeshua-following congregations, at the same time the Messianic movement in Israel stands like a thirsty man in search of springs in the desert. 

Announcing His intention to open just such springs in the desert, the Lord addresses our situation in Isaiah 43. 

He says "but you have not called on me (v. 22)."  In other words, "If you want the surpassing reality I just put before you, you must call out to me with heart passion."

Therefore, at Ohalei Rachamim we are setting aside three days to fast and pray (September 13-15) leading up to the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh HaShana).  We are taking Isaiah 43:19, "Behold I am doing a new thing" as our theme promise from God. 

We must enter a new phase, a new level of Divine presence in the land.  What was before sufficient is no longer.  Yesterday's manna will not feed us today. 

Thank you for joining me in intercession for the September days of prayer and fasting."

Days of Fasting for Renewal  - September 13-15 (Sunday - Tuesday). "Behold, I am doing a new thing. (Isaiah 43:19)"  Please join us for any portion of this fast. We plan to meet in the morning, evening (and perhaps at noon :-] ) to simply worship the Lord, turn back to Him and away from sin, seeking Him with all our heart for personal, congregational and national renewal.

National Day of Prayer & Repentance  - In a similar spirit, all Messianic congregations across Israel are being called to a national assembly, a day of repentance and prayer for revival on Sunday, September 20, the second day of Rosh HaShana.  Please consider this as a day for your fellowship to pray in concert with us.  We feel that the timing is critical to bow before Yeshua in acknowledgment of our need for His Lordship in the entire movement of Israelis who love Him.

We would like to invite you to pray for the Jewish community in North Dallas as these invitations go out and to pray with the Messianic community in Israel as they seek the Lord for His presence to return to Israel. It is a blessing to be united with these two Messianic congregations and to be counted among those they would call on for prayer as they, like the Apostle Paul, desire to see the salvation of Israel.

Blessings,
Linda Heidler
Glory of Zion International Ministries