Prayer Points “Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in His sight” (2 Samuel 10:12). This is a solemn time for Israel and the Jewish people as they observe Tisha B’Av. During this time, we pray to God for courage, for resolve, and for a future filled with God’s gift of shalom, peace. God’s people observe Tisha B’Av from sundown on Wednesday, July 22 to Thursday July 23, at night. This day of solemnity and remembrance commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples and other tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people throughout history. We join the people of Israel in their prayers on this holy day. “I called on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief” (Lamentations 3:55-56). The war with Iran continues at the terrible cost of lives lost. May God’s peace be with the families and loved ones of those lost, during this most difficult of times. “The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life” (Psalm 121:7). In answer to the prayers of many, northern Israel is beginning to experience a decline in conflict. We pray for the continued protection of Israel’s vulnerable northern communities, may they experience God’s peace as they move to rebuild what war has destroyed. “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4). This week, Ukraine faced one of the largest missile attacks since the war began more than four years ago. Most were aimed at the capital of Kyiv. One person was killed and 16 were wounded. IFCJ Canada prays for comfort for the loved ones of all those killed in this conflict, for swift healing for the injured, and for peace throughout this troubled region. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them” (Psalm 34:7). We also pray for peace in Nigeria, where many of our Christian brothers and sisters are experiencing violence and persecution for their faith. “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17).
