Why Pray for Israel?

Why prayer for Israel is so important.

By Lauren Glickert

 

A terrifying scene in Israel: at just three years old, Abigail Mor Edan experienced greater trauma than many individuals will ever experience in their lifetimes. Born into an Israeli family, she lived in the Gaza Strip with her mother, father, and two older siblings. But all of that changed after the invasion. Her older siblings, both younger than ten, watched as their mother was brutally murdered when Hamas terrorists entered their home in early October 2023. They ran outside their house to find Hamas militants surrounding their father who was holding 3-year-old Abigail. Their father was killed—his body fell on top of Abigail, still in his arms.

Abigail’s sisters presumed their father and sister were dead, but Abigail was not. She somehow maneuvered herself from under her father’s body and ran to a neighbor’s kibbutz (home). Meanwhile, Abigail’s sisters entered a safe room in their house. They stayed there for more than twelve hours until Israeli forces rescued them. Abigail hid in a safe room in her neighbor’s home until the father of the house left to defend what was left of their kibbutz.

When he returned, his wife, children, and Abigail were gone. 

 

Remembering the Innocent

I heard Abigail’s story at Grove City College’s Stand with Israel Prayer Vigil held in Harbison Chapel, run by the Young Women for America (YWA) chapter on campus. YWA, a subdivision of Concerned Women for America, is a Christian, conservative group for young women searching to combat wokeism and defend Christian principles in America and beyond. One of their seven core issues is support for Israel. 

Many concluded that HAMAS most likely took Abigail as a hostage. Concerned Women for America took on the role of spreading the word about Abigail’s disappearance after her family contacted the organization. “We have been given the opportunity to be storytellers,” said Vice President of Concerned Women for America, Annabelle Rutledge. “And we are believing that Abigail is still alive… somewhere within the Gaza Strip.”

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Abigail was freed on Sunday, November 26.] 

 

Abigail is a name among many. Her story exemplifies the unthinkable horror and inconceivable pain in the Gaza Strip and throughout Israel. As a conservative Christian, I understand the importance of asking God to intervene. And now more than ever, Christians must stand up. We cannot go and defend the land where Jesus walked, lived, and died. We can, however, pray unceasingly for the Jewish people, the Israeli and Palestinian victims, and the thousands of people being torn apart by these acts of brutality. 

 

Prayer Points

The Stand with Israel Prayer Vigil outlined several prayer points, a good starting place. 

• Pray for peace in Israel (Psalm 122:6-8)

• Pray for the hostages held by Hamas (Jeremiah 31:15-16)

• Pray for the innocent lives of both Israelis and Palestinians (Matthew 25:40)

• Pray for the governments of the United States and Israel (Romans 11:1-8)

• Pray for the terrorists (Psalm 25:22)

• Pray for the Jewish people to come to know Christ as Lord (James 4:8)
• Pray for the Church and Christians in Israel and Gaza (1 Chronicles 16:8-36)

Israel needs prayer. Gaza needs prayer. Palestine needs prayer. Abigail needs prayer. Do not merely watch as innocent lives are destroyed. Please do not become complacent in accepting this fate for Israel. Do not grow callous to the immense terror and gravity of the situation occurring in the Middle East.

I urge you: pray.

 

About the Author

Lauren Glickert is a junior at Grove City College, double majoring in Political Science and Communications. In addition to becoming a marketing fellow for the Institute for Faith & Freedom, Lauren is a student ambassador for Concerned Women for America and Susan B. Anthony. On campus, Lauren engages in several student leadership opportunities such as acting as Vice President for Grove City’s Young Women for America chapter and leading at Grove City Middle School as a Young Life leader. Lauren also served on the Student Government Association, Orientation Board, Homecoming Committee, and actively participates in French Club, several mentorship programs, and organizing campus-wide events.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.