Spiritual Health
Orthodox Jewish believers carry a strong calling in the midst of some difficult religious circumstances, which makes this first petition of the utmost importance. For various reasons, some Orthodox believers lack regular, organized fellowship – relying mainly on a network of believing friends for spiritual encouragement and support. This difficulty can lead to a deficiency in consistent discipleship, accountability, teaching and overall encouragement. Those who do receive fellowship also need prayer in this area as any believer does – to press on towards the goal in faith and wisdom. Regardless of the situation, there are always potential outside forces that can erode our spiritual health.
Therefore, please pray for:
1) A continuing increase of faith in God and Yeshua (Jesus) and a yielding to Him (Philippians 3)
2) Wise spiritual discernment and sound thinking (2 Timothy 1:7)
3) A continuing increase of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-26)
Spiritual/Physical Protection
As in any life of a believer, the adversary will battle against us, attack us and instigate others to be against us. Israel is one of the enemy’s main targets in that it is the apple of God’s eye and the center of outpouring for His redemptive plans. There are numerous ways the devil executes his attacks, which we will not go into. But we do ask for specific prayer for Orthodox believers in this realm.
Please pray:
1) For spiritual protection from the enemy – that he will not be allowed to erode our faith in any way and that we will recognize his subtle attacks. Pray that his falsehood and lies would be far from us. That no one in this community would be drawn away from faith in Yeshua, and that our identity would be firmly rooted in Him. (Unfortunately, some here in Israel have fallen away – pray that devil would not have victory in this area.) (Ephesians 6:10-18; I Peter 5:8&9)
2) For physical protection – blessed physical health, protection from possible terror attacks or hate crimes. (Psalm 91)
Our Children
Our children face a unique set of potential issues as Orthodox believers, mainly identity issues – being Israeli and religious, identifying with society yet being distinct in a highly controversial way.
Therefore, please pray:
1) For a solid root of faith to form in our children that would blossom into strength and reliance on God and Yeshua in times of adversity or exclusion, and also faithfulness in times of peace and security. (II Corinthians 16:13; Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 3:13&14)
2) That their identity would be firmly set in Him and the truth of who He and His Word say they are – not in what the world might say. (Deuteronomy 7:6-8; I Peter 2:9)
3) For a special hedge of protection to surround them in all stages of their lives both physically, spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and socially. (Psalm 73:23&24)
Body Growth
There are very few Orthodox believers and those who are need more fellowship with like-minded believers. Those from these backgrounds are also much more equipped with specific knowledge bases that God can use to begin to reveal the true Messiah to religious communities in Israel.
Therefore, please pray:
1) For a stronger/larger network and connection of Orthodox believers. That this community would be spiritually vibrant, lending much encouragement and strength to its members. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
2) That we would see a breakthrough and increase of new Orthodox believers in general (specifically from native Israeli backgrounds). (Acts 2:47)
3) That those who are already believers or those who come to faith in Yeshua would be safe people for others to connect with – spiritual soundness and no possibility of ulterior motive. (Ephesians 5:1&2)
Provision and Fruitfulness
Please pray:
1) For God to meet our needs and for us to yield our needs (or what we think are our needs) to Him. That His faithful provision would continue to be a testimony in our lives. (Matthew 6:31-33)
2) That those who are or want to do ministerial work would receive financial help for this – to produce materials and to make up for time missed working. And that these works would manifest much fruit. Lack of support has caused a major stall in the area of producing materials geared specifically for Orthodox written by Orthodox. While this may be God’s timing, we also recognize how the devil can cause stagnation. Please pray against his schemes, and pray for forward progress. (II Corinthians 9:8-11; John 15:17)
3) Please also pray that God would continue to speak and extend wisdom and insight to those who do write (apologetically) or speak about Yeshua to others. That the Holy Spirit would reveal deep truths and the depth of Yeshua in an Orthodox mindset. (Colossians 4:5&6; Ephesians 1:17; Psalm 25:4&5)
