Editor's Note: Dr. Roger Barrier went to be with the Lord on February 16th, 2024. Dr. Barrier's family is honoring his legacy by continuing the ministry of Ask Roger and preachitteachit.org for years to come as they share more than two thousand still-unpublished sermons and Ask Roger articles. All articles authored by Dr. Barrier that are published and republished are done posthumously.
Roger,
My heart is so burdened for the people of Israel. I wish I could go over there and fight! What can I do now, today, to intervene for God’s people?
Sincerely, Emily
Dear Emily,
I collaborate with my daughter, Brie Barrier Wetherbee, very often. She’s an author and theologian, too, and when she saw your question, asked me if she could share a few thoughts. I think you’ll find her words very helpful. - Roger
Dear Emily,
God has given us the ultimate weapon to fight His Kingdom battles both on earth and in the spiritual realms. He promises that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective: (James 5:16 NIV). This is not a “pie-in-the-sky” panacea or empty promise. You and I CAN move mountains on earth and in heaven when we come together and pray.
This morning, I opened up the news, and it's filled with pro-Hamas, pro-Palestinian rallies right here in the U.S. Did you know that nearly 20% of millennials and Gen Z in New York believe that Jews caused the Holocaust? And only 34% of Americans aged 18-39 believe Hamas is responsible for the conflict. Beheading babies. Raping women. Killing entire families in their beds. Holding hostages. Somehow, that's Israel's fault... simply for existing. I don't understand, except that Satan is really skilled at twisting truth and stirring up hate.
What We Can Do to Help Israel Today
My heart is so heavy for Israel right now. I know yours is, too. So, why don’t we stop right now and whenever the Holy Spirit prompts us, to pray for peace in Israel?
Let’s pray for protection over God's people. Pray for comfort for those who have lost loved ones. Pray for victory over Satan's evil plans. Pray for truth to be made evident in the minds and hearts of the world.
Pray for the Messiah's love to be clear and evident in remarkable ways. Pray for humanitarian aid to reach the hungry and helpless. Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ living both in Israel and Palestine--that we would be made unmistakable by our love for Jesus and for our love for one another.
Praying Through Scripture
Now, I think praying through Scripture is one of the most effective, beautiful ways God has given us to pray—especially when we speak His Word aloud. Join me to read Psalm 91 right now, out loud, for Israel, the Jewish people, and all followers of Jesus Christ:
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
May God bless you with strength, peace, and confidence in His power as you pray. THIS is the most critical, effective way we can fight for God’s people!
Much love, Brie
P.S. For more info on how to pray for peace in Jerusalem, visit https://preachitteachit.org/ask-roger/detail/how-do-you-pray-for-peace-in-jerusalem/. It’s a great ASK ROGER that’ll help you dig deeper.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Liudmila Chernetska
Brie Barrier Wetherbee is a sought-after Bible teacher and conference speaker, author, analyst, and Christian theologian.
This Ask Roger article may feature insights from Roger's wife, Dr. Julie Barrier, co-founder of Preach It, Teach It, worship minister, concert artist, and adjunct professor at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, or his daughter, Brie Barrier Wetherbee, a sought-after Bible teacher and conference speaker, author, analyst, and Christian theologian.
