If you’ve ever wondered “Should I be praying for Israel?”, you’re not alone. Christians across the world ask this same question. Some feel a deep pull to pray for the land and people of Israel, while others aren’t sure what Scripture actually says about it.
The Bible is full of verses about God’s promises to Israel, His love for His chosen people, and His unfolding plan for them. As believers, we’re invited to take part in that plan, not just by reading about it, but by standing in prayer.
In this article, we’ll take a gentle but thoughtful walk through the Scriptures. Together, we’ll look at what the Bible teaches about praying for Israel, why it matters for Christians today, and how our prayers can line up with God’s heart.
God’s Covenant With Israel
Before we talk about prayer, we need to remember one thing: Israel’s story begins with God’s covenant.
When God called Abraham, He said:
“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
, Genesis 12:2–3
This covenant was not a temporary promise. It was God’s plan to bring salvation to the world through Israel, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who was born into this very people.
When we pray for Israel, we’re not just praying for a distant country on the map. We’re joining in with God’s ancient promise, a covenant that still carries meaning today.
A Call to Pray for Peace
One of the clearest instructions in Scripture comes from the Psalms:
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure.”
, Psalm 122:6
This verse isn’t just poetry. It’s a call to action. God invites His people to pray for peace, not only peace in a political sense, but also spiritual peace that comes from knowing Him.
Jerusalem has always been central in God’s story. From the days of King David to the life of Jesus and the early church, this city has carried deep spiritual meaning. Today, it remains a symbol of God’s promises and the place where many look for His final plan to unfold.
When you pray for the peace of Jerusalem, you are asking for God’s will to be done in a place that is very close to His heart.
Do Christians Need to Pray for Israel?
Some may ask, “Is this just for the Jewish people, or do Christians also have a responsibility to pray for Israel?”
The answer is yes, Christians are invited to join in prayer for Israel. Why? Because through Christ, we’ve been grafted into the same story.
Paul writes in Romans 11 about Gentiles being “grafted in” like branches into the olive tree of Israel. That means we are connected, spiritually, to God’s promises for His people.
When we pray for Israel, we are not outsiders meddling in someone else’s story. We are family members standing together, praying that God’s purposes will be fulfilled.
Does the Bible Tell You to Support Israel?
Support doesn’t always mean politics or headlines. Biblical support is rooted in love, prayer, and standing with God’s promises.
In Isaiah 62, God speaks of His watchmen who will not rest until Jerusalem is established in righteousness:
“I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.”
, Isaiah 62:6–7
This picture of watchmen is powerful. These were people who stood guard, alert and prayerful, interceding for God’s city. That is support. It’s not about human agendas but about aligning with God’s eternal plan.
So yes, the Bible does tell us to support Israel, but in a deeply spiritual way, through prayer, blessing, and intercession.
Where in the Bible Does God Say to Bless Israel?
We already saw Genesis 12:3, where God promised to bless those who bless Abraham’s descendants.
That promise is repeated in different forms throughout Scripture. In Numbers 6:24–26, God gives a blessing to be spoken over the people of Israel:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
This blessing is not just words. It reveals God’s heart. He longs to bring peace, light, and grace upon His people.
When we pray blessing over Israel, we are simply echoing God’s own desire.
What Is God’s Plan for Israel?
This is perhaps the biggest question of all.
Paul explains in Romans 9–11 that Israel still has a place in God’s story. While not all of Israel has recognized Jesus as Messiah, God’s plan is not finished.
Paul says:
“All Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.’”
, Romans 11:26–27
God’s plan is for redemption. His promises to Israel are not cancelled. Instead, they point to a future where both Jews and Gentiles will find salvation through Christ.
So when you pray for Israel, you’re praying for God’s redemptive plan to be fulfilled, a plan that ends in unity and salvation through Jesus.
How Should We Pray for Israel Today?
Prayer is not about telling God what to do. It’s about aligning our hearts with His. So how can we pray for Israel in a way that reflects His will?
Here are a few biblical prayers you can lift up:
Pray for peace in Jerusalem and across Israel (Psalm 122:6).
Pray for protection over people who live in the land, both Jewish and non-Jewish.
Pray for salvation, that many in Israel would come to know Jesus as Messiah (Romans 10:1).
Pray for justice and mercy, that God’s character would be reflected in the land.
Pray for God’s plan to unfold, trusting that His promises will come true.
Every time you pray these prayers, you are standing in agreement with God’s Word.
Real-Life Examples of Christians Praying for Israel
Over the years, many Christian communities have made praying for Israel part of their worship and devotion.
Some churches hold regular prayer nights focused on interceding for peace in Jerusalem.
Christian ministries around the world gather prayer requests from believers in Israel and share them with their congregations.
Families often include Israel in their mealtime prayers, teaching children to love and pray for the people God first chose.
These simple acts of prayer remind us that we are part of a much bigger story, one that stretches from Abraham all the way to today.
A Heart of Humility
One important reminder: praying for Israel should always be done with humility and love.
It’s not about claiming superiority. It’s not about politics or personal agendas. It’s about honoring God’s Word, recognizing His plan, and standing in love with His people.
As Paul says in Romans 11:18, “Do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.”
Humility keeps our prayers sincere and Christ-centered.
Why This Matters for Every Believer
You may be thinking, “I’m just one person. Do my prayers really matter?”
Yes, they do. The Bible shows us that God hears the prayers of His people. The prayers of one faithful person can move mountains.
When you pray for Israel, you join with millions of other believers who are lifting up the same request. You become part of God’s global prayer army. And most importantly, you step into obedience to His Word.
Conclusion: Joining God’s Heart
So, what does the Bible say about praying for Israel?
It says that God invites us to pray for peace, to bless His people, and to trust in His redemptive plan. It says our prayers matter, not because of us, but because they align with His eternal covenant.
As Reverend James Stone, I want to encourage you: don’t underestimate the power of your prayers. Whether whispered quietly in your room or spoken aloud in your church, every prayer is a seed planted in God’s kingdom.
Pray for peace. Pray for salvation. Pray for God’s plan to be fulfilled in Israel and beyond. And as you do, may you also find your own faith strengthened in the God who always keeps His promises.
