ISAIAH 62 PRAYER INITIATIVE
April 2018 Prayer Letter

Dear prayer partners,
The world paused recently to mark the passing of Rev. Billy Graham, the preeminent evangelist of our generation. Graham was shown tremendous respect, as seen in the massive crowds of admirers lining the 130-mile route of his funeral procession. Because he focused so intently on preaching the Gospel and for the most part avoided politics, he earned universal respect – even from those on the ideological Left. Yet, he never compromised on the Gospel. In one memorable message at a large crusade gathering, Graham insisted there is only one path to God:
There is no other name under heaven known to men by which we must be saved. There is no other way except the way of the Cross… If there had been another way of salvation, Jesus would have never died on the Cross. On the night he was betrayed, the night before he died, he knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane, and he said: “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” What was he praying? He was saying: “O God, if it is possible to save… the human race any other way, if they can work their way to heaven, if they can buy their way to heaven, if there’s any other way, O God, spare me the Cross tomorrow.” But the answer, as it were, came back from heaven: “There is no other way.” (…) Man cannot be saved by earning his way, by working his way… there is only one way that men can get to heaven, one road. Jesus said it is a narrow road. He said the gate was narrow. And it’s the Cross.
Indeed, Jesus offered a simple yet profound prayer at Gethsemane: “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

From the start, the Bible tells us that man is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27, 9:6). This means we are the thing most like Him in all of Creation, so that God might enjoy our companionship. What makes us the most like Him is that every human posesses a free will. The angels may have greater powers and abilities than us for now (2 Peter 2:11, Psalm 8:5, Hebrews 2:7), but they were still made to be ministering spirits who carry out His will (Psalm 104:4, Hebrews 1:7). In contrast, we each have an independent will and the freedom to make our own choices, just as God does. But the natural consequence is that at some point in every human life, our will runs contrary to God’s will, and this is what we call “sin”.

Thankfully, there was one human who lived out his life in perfect harmony with God’s will. His name, of course, was Jesus. And at Gethsemane, Jesus showed us how to surrender our will to the Father – through prayer and close communion with Him.

Prayer is that place where we empty ourselves of our own desires and seek God’s will. We must draw on the power He gives which enables us to surrender to His plans for our lives, no matter how difficult it might seem. For surely, the Cross – and the separation it would bring from the Father – was not an easy path for Jesus. Yet it was the only path that could open the way for man to truly have fellowship with our Maker.

As we give ourselves over to prayer this month, may we truly surrender to the will of God in all things, knowing His ways and His choices are so much better than ours!

Thank you for being a part of our Isaiah62 prayer movement!

Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus,

David Parsons
Vice President and Senior Spokesman
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem

PRAYER POINTS
For April 2018
The next day of prayer and fasting in our Isaiah 62 Global Prayer Campaign will be on Wednesday, 4 April 2018. Please join us!
Pray with us accordingly:
*Special Prayer Request for the ICEJ Headquarters
During the past 38 years, the ICEJ has always rented property for the work of the ICEJ in Jerusalem. Over the last year, the Lord has put it on the hearts of the leadership to purchase a property suitable for the vision of the ICEJ and the development of the future ministry that God has placed on our hearts. Please pray for guidance and for open doors for this development.
“And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ Then they set their hands to this good work.” (Nehemiah 2:18)

*Special Prayer Request for Israel
Hamas, the Islamic terror militia which rules the Gaza Strip, has launched a six-week-long campaign of mass demonstrations along the border fence with Israel, which is intended to culminate on 15 May, Israel’s Independence Day. These demonstrations, however, are not particularly peaceful, neither in conduct nor intent. Hiding among the demonstrators are combatants who wield firearms, high-velocity slings, or fire bombs, while others are planting explosive devices along the security fence. These hostile actions are putting Israeli soldiers in danger, who in turn must defend themselves.
Please pray that these protests will be reported for what they are, an attempt at provoking a clash with Israel, and that Israel will deploy its forces wisely to protect both its borders and the lives of its soldiers. Also pray that Gazans would rise up to demand change in their own leadership and that this change would help improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

“‘Therefore do not fear, O My servant Jacob,’ says the Lord, ‘Nor be dismayed, O Israel; For behold, I will save you from afar, And your seed from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return, have rest and be quiet, and no one shall make him afraid.’” (Jeremiah 30:10)

1. Prayer for Israel

Celebrating 70 Years
Pray for God’s abundant joy and peace to pour out over the nation of Israel as they celebrate 70 years since its rebirth in 1948. Israel celebrates the 70th anniversary on April 19th, so pray also for protection over the people as they rejoice in what the God of Israel has achieved for them!
"Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.“ (Isaiah 12:5-6 NIV)
Government
The Prime minister has come under strong attacks from the Israeli media, so please pray for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his leadership, and unity in the government.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
Aliyah and Absorption
Pray for the government of Israel to make a decision to bring more Ethiopian Jews to Israel this year, and for the integration process for the 1,300 new Ethiopian immigrants that the ICEJ helped make Aliyah to Israel this past year. Also, pray for continued Aliyah and the integration process of immigrants from the former Soviet Union.

“Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, And declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, And keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’” (Jeremiah 31:10)

2. Prayer for the Nations
Embassies
In May, the USA and Guatemala are expecting to open their embassies here in Jerusalem. The Czech Republic, Honduras and Paraguay are considering moving their embassies to Jerusalem as well. Pray that God will lead many other nations to follow in recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

“Yes, many peoples and strong nations Shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, And to pray before the Lord.” (Zechariah 8:22)

Saudia Arabia and Arab Nations
Saudia Arabia and other Arab nations are strengthening their relationship with Israel. Please pray for the peace of God to continue to cover and strengthen these relations between Israel and the surrounding Arab nations.
“and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Syria
The believers in Afrin, Syria are undergoing terrible persecution, and are in desperate need of our prayers. Please fight in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Afrin, Syria, as well as for many other believers around the world who are enduring horrific persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ!
“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3 NIV)

3. Prayer for the ICEJ

ICEJ Haifa Home
Please pray for the new building we are purchasing for the expansion of the Haifa Home for Holocaust Surivors. Please pray that this expansion will bless many more Holocaust Survivors who are in need.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes.” (Isaiah 54:2)
Feast Team members
Please pray for the 250 Feast Team members that we need to help us make this “Dare to Dream” Feast of Tabernacles 2018 an unforgettable one.
If you are interested in serving at the Feast this year, please sign up at: feast.icej.org/feast-team
“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream.” (Psalm 126:1)

Thank you for joining with us in prayer!