Isaiah 62 Prayer Campaign

Prayer Letter for May 2026

Dear Prayer Partners,

While the Hebrew month of Iyar does not record a single dramatic covenantal breakthrough like Passover or Shavuot, it is filled with events that initiated long transitional processes: the building of the Temple, prolonged wilderness wanderings, and the rebirth of the modern Israel. Many of these events are not spectacular but administrative, like counting the people. They required endurance rather than excitement.

The first giving of manna illustrates this truth. At first, manna was extraordinary, supernatural provision raining daily from heaven. But over time, the miracle became routine. The exciting became monotonous. What was once received with gratitude eventually tested Israel’s patience and revealed their true hearts.

From the beginning, God was clear about His intention to “test” Israel, whether they would walk in His laws (Exodus 16:4 / ESV). The manna was not only provision, but also a trial.

Numbers 11:4-6 (ESV) records the turning point: “Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! … But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.’”

Moses later explained God’s purpose behind this daily provision. “And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart… And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna… that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:2-3 / ESV)

The manna provided bodily nourishment for a multitude to survive the desert. But spiritually, the fixed routine was designed to shape character. Rising before the sun to collect it, eating the same food every day for 40 years, and trusting God for daily provision forced Israel to confront issues of trust, gratitude, endurance and obedience. Many failed the test. They complained and rebelled against God and His leader.

Numbers 11:7 describes manna as like bdellium. Rashi associates it with a pearl that forms when a foreign irritant enters an oyster. Over time, the oyster coats the object layer upon layer until something beautiful emerges. The daily manna was like that grain of sand. It rubbed on Israel’s desire for novelty, control and abundance. But when received in faithfulness, it produced precious humility, patience and reliance on God.

Iyar thus speaks powerfully of transition times when God has already started something but the fulfillment still lies ahead. Faithfulness is not found only in moments of spiritual excitement or extraordinary encounters. It is found in obedience without applause, daily discipline in the Word, and trusting God daily. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “We are leaky vessels and must be filled every day.”

In a world saturated with constant stimulation and instant gratification, Iyar calls us back to the quiet faithfulness of daily dependence. It is this routine obedience and steady intake of heavenly bread that forms pearls of godly character. Let us gather the manna faithfully this month.

Blessings in Christ!

Dr. Jürgen Bühler
President
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem

PS: Our next day of prayer and fasting for the Isaiah 62 Prayer Campaign will be on Wednesday, 6 May 2026. Also, please join our daily Global Prayer Gathering at 4:30 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.