Isaiah 62 Prayer Campaign

Prayer Letter for January 2025

Dear Prayer Partners,

After the ravages of war thrust upon Israel these past 15 months, it is only natural that we are hoping for better things in the year ahead. Israel does seem to be emerging from this multifront conflict with victory in sight, and we are convinced that 2025 will see brighter days. But the pain and loss of loved ones either killed or still missing will be felt long after the last shot is fired.

I just ran into an Israeli friend who has twin sons serving in the IDF. When I asked how they were doing, she thanked the Lord that they are fine. But she added that for much of the past year, she has spent sleepless nights writing eulogies in her head to each son out of worry something bad would happen to them in combat. What would this loving mother say at their graveside?

All of Israel needs time to heal, and they need their Christian friends to remain at their side during this recovery process. It has been remarkable to see the compassion for this nation shown by Christians worldwide since the October 7 massacres. You have faithfully stood with the Jewish nation and people in their most difficult season since the Holocaust.

As we eagerly await the return of normal life, one lesson of this war has been just how precious peace is. Peace is a fragile and treasured commodity, and it does not just automatically come to us. Rather, the Bible says we must “seek peace and pursue it!” (Psalm 34:14) Hebrews urges us to “pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) This means we must be diligent and pro-active in seeking peace. Often, peace is connected with the righteousness of a people. The Psalmist says “righteousness and peace have kissed” each other (Psalm 85:10; see also Isaiah 32:17; James 3:18).

I am confident that Israel will indeed pursue peaceful relations with their Arab neighbours in the coming year, and there is a real chance that could include Saudi Arabia. Perhaps the door will even begin to open to peace with Lebanon and Syria. But the people of Israel also need to pursue righteousness.

So, as we continue to pray for Israel this first month of 2025, let us pray that Israel will be able to secure a resounding victory over its enemies, recover and rebuild quickly, and actively pursue peace with its other Arab neighbours. Pray that the surrounding Arab countries will be willing and even eager to live at peace with Israel. Pray that Israel and its Arab neighbours will all recognise and reap the many benefits of peaceful relations between them. And pray that both righteousness and peace will rain down over the Land of Israel this year. Ask that the Spirit of the Lord would bring a holy conviction on the people of Israel concerning what truly pleases Him and how they are falling short. And pray that they will begin to walk in righteousness before Him in ways that will bring a secure peace to this Land.

As we enter 2025, we again want to express our gratitude for your faithful prayer support for Israel and us during this difficult season. Your intercession has helped sustain this people during their time of great need.

Have a blessed and prosperous New Year!

David R. Parsons
Senior Vice President & Spokesman
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem

PS: Our next day of prayer and fasting for the Isaiah 62 Prayer Campaign will be on Wednesday, 8 January 2025. Also, please join our daily Global Prayer Gathering at 4:00 PM (Israel time) to pray for the nation of Israel. So, please join us there at on.icej.org/ICEJGlobalPrayer

And let us hear from you about your needs and how God has answered your prayers! Send a short email to prayer@icej.org to let us know you are praying and fasting with us.