Bridges for Peace Australia Chai Prayer Points - December 2008
‘Chai’ is the Hebrew word for ‘life’ and ‘18’, and so we come together on the 18th of each month (or as close to then as
is possible) to pray life for the Lord’s land and people, and to ‘pray for the peace of Jerusalem’.
Please use as a resource the detailed Israel Current News Update & Prayer Focus from Bridges for Peace in
Jerusalem (available via e-mail or by mail from our Australian office).
For the latest BFP 24-hour prayer chain full update text, go to
http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/prayer/common/whattoprayfor.php
To find out more about Bridges for Peace 24-hour prayer chain, go to
http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/prayer/calendar.php
FOR YOUR CONTINUING MEDITATION AND PRAYER

Pray for political diplomacy to find a solution in the Middle East conflict that will restore and maintain the integrity of
existing borders, in accordance with God’s purposes for Israel. Continue to pray for the safety of all those involved in
ongoing security and military operations, that God will protect and guide them daily (Psalm 5:11).

Pray that in the midst of continuing misleading media reporting the Lord will raise up clear biblical voices and "spiritual
statesmen" among "all in authority" (I Timothy 2:2).

Pray for the internal affairs of Jerusalem: honest and fair dealings among its citizens; no cheating, lying, stealing; that
unclean spirits would be kept from the city; the city’s government to have the mind of God in its administration in
accordance with God’s laws; adequate food and water supplies, and maintenance of city services and utilities.

Pray for those who support Israel financially. There are many Jews and Gentiles who buy Israeli bonds and support
Israeli charitable and mercy causes. They need rich blessings from God in order to continue their support.

Pray for security for those who love Jerusalem, in whose hearts Jerusalem holds a special place. Pray for their health,
their welfare, their families, their homes, their businesses, their enterprises, their activities, so they will be free and at
peace to pray for Jerusalem.

Pray for the victims of anti-Semitism who have been, and continue to be, impacted by the hatred of bigotry. Pray that
God will heal the wounds, both physical and psychological. Only God can heal the hurting hearts (Psalm 140:6).

Pray for Christians in Israel, that they might have a spirit of meekness toward the Jews and not be arrogant and boast
against the natural branches (Romans 11:20).

Pray for the various organisations that seek to build Christian-Jewish relations. Pray for harmony as each one fulfils its
unique calling. Pray that Bridges for Peace will have an increasing impact in Israel and in the nations.

Pray that many young people worldwide will develop a heart and passion to stand with Israel. Pray for Bridges for Peace
initiatives designed to encourage young people to visit Israel.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), and for the Lord to raise up intercessors and put more "…watchmen on
your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and
give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth" (Isaiah 62:6–7).
1. Israel: Gaza Operation - "A Matter of Time!"
As tension around the Gaza Strip heightens, top Israeli officials warn that a wide-scale military operation is now only a matter of
time. "There is no doubt that we are approaching a wide-scale operation in the Gaza Strip; only this time it will be different from in
the past," Deputy Minister of Defense Matan Vilna'i said on the evening of November 29, during a conference in Beersheva…..
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered the army two weeks ago to present its plans for a military operation in case the time
would come to implement it. "The calm [agreement] is presently working against the security of the Israeli citizens," Olmert said
on November 16. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) completed its preparations for a large-scale operation in the Gaza Strip last
April, The Media Line's analysts said. Israel knows, however, that such an operation would cost the lives of many soldiers….
(By Staff, The Media Line, November 30, 2008)
Prayer Focus - Pray that Israel will not bolster the support for Hamas by making any half-hearted efforts in Gaza. Pray that the
military leadership will be give full authority to complete a successful mission if the order to go is given.
Scripture - "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7).
2. Police Declare High State of Alert After Hebron Riots
Police have declared a heightened state of alert across Israel on December 5 in the wake of the violent events which followed
Thursday's eviction of the disputed house in the West Bank city of Hebron. Fearing right-wing activists will continue to block roads,
as well as Palestinian riots, large police forces will deploy in Hebron and Jerusalem, especially in the vicinity of the Temple Mount.
….. Summing up the day's events, extreme right-wing activist Itamar Ben-Gvir told Ynet that "we knew that going up against the
Border Guard, CCU and SWAT teams and all of the other security forces' elite units won't be easy, but we wanted to get our
message through - evicting Jews from their homes will bring about chaos."
(By Efrat Weiss, Ynetnews.com, December 5, 2008) http://m1e.net/c?80088330-H48z3lScrINLc%403810369-kx3PbL/h3oBlY
Prayer Focus - Pray that wise and mature leadership will use their authority to calm this situation and bring the predominantly
young protesters to embrace the ruling of the court without physical and painful resistance.
Scripture - "Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be
clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" (1 Peter 5:5).
3. Lebanon Recognizes "Palestine"
The Lebanese government has approved forming full diplomatic relations with what it calls the "state of Palestine," and is elevating
the office of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Beirut to the status of an embassy. No date has been set to carry out the
decision, which was announced by Lebanese Information Minister Tariq Mitri. The PLO is regarded by the Arab League as the sole
representative of the Palestinian people. The organization is currently headed by Mahmoud Abbas [Abu Mazen…..
Hilal Khashan, a professor of political science at the American University of Beirut, said….. that the implementation of the decision
requires a validating cabinet decision, so at the moment it "amounts to nothing." Lebanon accommodates nearly 400,000
Palestinian refugees who say they are discriminated against by the government.
(By Staff, The Media Line, November 30, 2008)
Prayer Focus - Pray that the unstable, rebellious governments will not steamroll the Middle East progress by acknowledging any
legitimate Palestinian state or government before the details of that existence is thoroughly implemented. Pray that this immature
and selfish proposal will not spark more civil unrest in the region.
Scripture - "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan" (Prov 29:2).
4. Three Terror Suspects Arrested in Tel Aviv
Following intelligence information Israel Police brought Tel Aviv to an almost standstill the morning of December 2, in search of
three suspected terrorists. There was credible information that three terrorists had entered the Tel Aviv region to undertake a terror
attack. The police advised people to avoid coming into Tel Aviv if at all possible. Checkpoints were set up at the various roads
entering the city and no vehicles were allowed to pass without a thorough check.
Large numbers of police were carrying out a search in an apartment on Levinski Street in south Tel Aviv - where the three were in
hiding - in order to locate explosive devices that may have been in the possession of the suspects. After the arrests the alert was
completely lifted and the Dan region returned back to normal.
(By Edgar Asher, Isranet, December 2, 2008)
Prayer Focus - Praise God for the diligence of the Israeli intelligence agencies and the swift response that avoided a catastrophe in
Tel Aviv.
Scripture - "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good" (Proverbs 15:3).
5. Experts: Iran Has Enough Fuel for a Bomb
The Iranian nuclear situation quietly took a dramatic step forward on November 19, when the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) gave their latest report that some experts claim shows the Islamic nation has reached the quantity of enriched uranium
necessary for a nuclear weapon, according to a story in the New York Times. Nonetheless, Iran is still at least a couple months
away from being capable of producing a weapon, due to its need to purify the uranium from power plant quality to weapons-grade.
….. Meanwhile, The London Times is reporting that intelligence sources are saying it appears increasingly likely that Israel will
decide to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. In addition, Israeli Air Force Major General Ido Nehushtan told German magazine Der
Spiegel in an interview that all options remain on the table in dealing with Iran…..
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, November 20, 2008)
Prayer Focus - Pray that world leaders will be decisive in their dealings with Iran and its plans for a nuclear program. Pray that
Israel will not be left alone to deal with this growing menace.
Scripture - "Therefore let the LORD be judge, and judge between you and me, and see and plead my case, and deliver me out of
your hand" (1 Samuel 24:15).
6. UN General Assembly President Calls for Boycott of Israel
Israel filed a formal complaint with the United Nations on November 25 over statements made by UN General Assembly President,
Father Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann of Nicaragua, who called for an international boycott of Israel after accusing it of being an
apartheid regime. D'Escoto went on to decry the plight of the Palestinians, describing the failure to create a Palestinian state as "the
single greatest failure in the history of the United Nations"…..
[Israeli Ambassador Gabriella] Shalev lamented the anti-Israel tone of the UN at a time when it is engaged in peace talks with the
Palestinian Authority, and said if the discussions were to focus on the Middle East they should also touch on Iran's repeated threats
to destroy Israel, Syria's armament of terrorists, Hamas's rocket attacks on Israeli towns and Hizbullah's growing strength.
(By Yitzhak Benhorin, Ynetnews.com, Nov 25, 2008) http://m1e.net/c?80088330-9.krHitPkHvGA%403790117-ZxAW89H.8xch2
Prayer Focus - Pray that the Lord will continue to expose the bias of the United Nations. Pray that nations with authority and
power will bring discipline to the slanted agenda of so many in this organization.
Scripture - "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be
blessed" (Genesis 12:3).
7. Barkat Steps into Lupolianski's Shoes
Nir Barkat, the new mayor of Jerusalem, assumed his position on December 3 amid commendations from his predecessor, Uri
Lupolianski….. "The past six years have been peaceful and I have no doubts that you will be able to maintain this peace," he told
his successor. "Since I entered this position the economy has flourished. From a city with a deficit budget we have become
balanced and strong, and there has also been an increase in construction and an improvement in education…."
Barkat thanked his predecessor and the public "for the chance to serve as mayor of the most important city in the world, the capital
of the State of Israel and the Jewish people - Jerusalem."
(By Ronen Medzini, Ynetnews.com, Dec 3, 2008) http://m1e.net/c?80088330-opW1BJIO8/nJE%403810372-uglmmRVrzXnkA
Prayer Focus - Pray for Nir Barkat, the new Mayor of Jerusalem as various factions are seeking to divide the city and create a dual
capital for Israel and the proposed State of Palestine.
Scripture - "For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place" (Psalm 132:13).
8. Poll Shows More Israelis Fear for Their Jobs
The past year has seen a sharp increase in the number of Israelis who fear for their jobs, according to a social resilience survey
published November 23 ahead of the Sderot Conference for Social and Economic Policy. Social resilience is measured by the
public's sense of belonging, financial ability, access to social rights such as public housing, a sense of job security, and faith in
public and governmental systems…..
However, the survey indicated that the public's faith in the Israel Defense Forces and the security establishment in general has
grown stronger (56% in 2008, compared with 45% in the previous year), as has the public's sense of national pride (52% in 2008,
compared with 44% in 2007). Of the respondents, 46% said they believe the country will always defend its citizens…..
(By Yael Branovsky, Ynetnews.com, Nov 23, 2008) http://m1e.net/c?80088330-dN7JbS21U01yQ%403790118-V49XjcC01fP0s
Prayer Focus - Pray for the people of Israel. Pray that they will be able to work. Pray also that Bridges for Peace will be able to
support them with supplies, food, and blankets during the cold days ahead.
Scripture - "He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given" (Proverbs 19:17).
9. Bank of Israel Cuts Rate Again to Help Declining Economy
Less than two weeks after cutting the interest rate to its lowest ever, the Bank of Israel has announced another rate cut for December
of 0.5%. The resulting 2.5% interest comes amidst a significant amount of negativity and uncertainty in Israel's economy. In
addition to dropping the interest rate, the Bank of Israel has also decided to reduce their economic growth estimate for 2009 to just
1.5%, down from a prior 2.7%, and less than half the estimate for 2008 of 4.3%.
The main reasons listed by the Bank press release for the interest rate cut were lower than expected inflation rates, economic growth
slowdown in Israel, expected additional rate cuts by other banks around the world, and that "uncertainty in the global financial
markets and in Israel's financial markets is high."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, November 25, 2008)
Prayer Focus - Pray that the Lord will bless Israel. Pray He will give the leaders wisdom to avoid the full impact of the
international economic meltdown.
Scripture - "Behold, He struck the rock, so that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed. Can He give bread also? Can
He provide meat for His people?" (Psalm 78:20).
10. Social Groups Seek PM's Help to Stay Afloat
Several Israeli social groups sent Prime Minister Ehud Olmert a letter on November 24, in which they urged him to make the
budgetary provisions necessary to keep the third sector afloat during the financial crisis. Israel, as most democratic societies, is
made up of three sectors: The public sector, which consists of national and local governmental organizations; the business sector,
which consists of for-profit organizations and industries; and the third sector, which links the public and private sectors to families
and individuals…..
The letter was signed by Shatil, the New Israel Fund's Empowerment and Training Center for Social Change, Yedid a group
dedicated to promoting social and economic justice in Israel, the Elem Foundation for youths at risk, and several other social
groups….. "The impending collapse of our organizations is a clear sign for the future employment crisis Israel is facing," the letter
concluded ominously, "and many citizens stand to sustain a grave blow unless we receive government aid."
(By Yael Branovsky, Ynetnews.com, Nov 24, 2008) http://m1e.net/c?80088330-EiTw54MLtkmb2%403790122-KyfgjroDmtq92
Prayer Focus - Pray for the growing need in Israel. Pray that Bridges for Peace will be blessed by believers around the world
praying diligently and giving generously, so we can bring the love of God to His people "at such a time as this."
Scripture - "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with
honor" (Psalm 112:9).
NB - The Bridges for Peace food projects are reaching out to thousands of at-risk families each month. We couldn't provide
60 tons of food each month without the help of Christian supporters of Israel. Can you help the Jewish people this week?
Visit our website: http://m1e.net/c?80088330-b6kvUmekI40yU%403790119-UgHH7Lmn33pRM
11. Israel Tourism Continues Upward Trend
Delta Airlines, one of the world's largest airlines, will add another four weekly flights on its New York-Tel Aviv route, beginning
June 2009, according to an announcement by the company to the Tourism Ministry….. The upward trend in incoming tourism
continues: a new record in Israel tourism was recorded in October - 302,000 visitors, a 21% increase over October 2007…..
248,000 were tourists (an increase of 13%) and 55,000 were day visitors (an increase of 80%), with the majority entering Israel via
the Taba crossing [Egypt-Eilat] and coming from Russia, Ukraine, Poland and the Czech Republic….. During January-October, 2.6
million visitors arrived in Israel, of whom 2.2 million were tourists. This is an increase of 36% over the same period last year and
5% more than 2000. In line with this trend, incoming tourism to Israel is expected to reach nearly 3 million visitors, which would
exceed the Tourism Ministry's forecast for 2.8 million.
(By Spokesperson, Ministry of Tourism, November 17, 2008)
Prayer Focus - Praise God for the continued blessing Israel enjoys through tourism.
Scripture - "Sing aloud to God our strength; make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob" (Psalm 81:1).
Continue to pray for the captured soldier GILAD SHALIT - if Israel does not win his release before
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert steps down there are fears he will suffer the same fate as Ron Arad.
He will simply disappear, or end up being used as a bargaining chip between various terror factions.
It is possible that he will be smuggled out of Gaza, if that has not already happened, and sold to the
highest bidder - such as Iran. He has been in captivity already for 900 days.
DECEMBER PRAYER AND PRAISE POINTS
BFP AUSTRALIA
We recognise the importance of continuing to build bridges of love and reconciliation with the
Jewish people, who for centuries have endured so much persecution from Christians, those who
perhaps more than anyone should be reaching out to them in friendship and support. I believe
that it is in God's heart that we do all we can to build and strengthen our relationship as Christians
with the Jewish community wherever we live.
Israel has blessed the world through her God-given enterprise and creativity in countless fields of human endeavour. Keep
praying for the nation of Israel - so tiny physically, yet with such a huge place in the purposes of God, and therefore so
unceasingly misrepresented, threatened and attacked. She is in the crosshairs of major spiritual conflict, and as believers
we have the awesome privilege of interceding for Israel and the Jewish people, and supporting them as God calls us to.
The Lord will surely bless you as you respond to His leading in standing with and blessing our Jewish brothers and sisters.
Keith Buxton
1. Praise God for a safe, eye-opening and inspiring tour to Poland and Israel recently. Pray that the 19 of us (including two
from New Zealand) who joined in this experience will have many opportunities to encourage others to consider registering for
our 2009 tour (view nearly 250 captioned pictures of the 2008 tour on www.naftalitours.com/bfp08 - see sample below).
“Lowest Place on Earth” - En Gedi
View of the Valley of Armageddon
The Kotel (Western Wall) tunnels
2. Pray that more young people will hear God’s call to join the 6 young Aussies already registered for the January 2009
Zealous8:2 tour to Israel. Pray for Young Adult Coordinator Lauren Bugler, and especially for Katherine (WA young adult
rep) and Adam Browne, who married on 23 November and are preparing to serve as volunteers during 2009 in Israel.
3. Pray for our representatives in various states, including those planning to travel to Israel for the next Representatives
Training Institute (to be held in May 2009). Ask the Lord to raise up more representatives and especially key contacts with a
heart to develop our ministry in their local area.
4. The global financial crisis is having a continuing impact on our capacity to meet needs in Israel. Pray that we will be
encouraged by ongoing generous support from Christians in Australia as we seek to bless Jewish families throughout Israel.
5. Pray for National Director Keith Buxton as plans for visits across Australia are being made for 2009. Pray especially for
open doors in churches, and the establishment of relationships with pastors that will lead to a deeper understanding of God’s
heart for Israel and a commitment to support the Jewish people.
6. Praise God for new and recent contacts with Jewish leaders and Israeli embassy staff. Pray that these contacts in various
Australian states will reflect deeper levels of trust and openness between Christians and Jews in Australia.
7. Continue to pray for our Australian office team - Fernanda Skinner, Brenda Turner and Andrea Leckenby - as they handle
the daily demands of a busy office. Please also uphold in prayer Ron and Yvonne Ross, our current Aussie volunteers with
Bridges for Peace in Israel, as well as those who are currently considering volunteering.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within
your citadels. For the sake of my brothers and friends I will say ‘Peace be within you’.
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.”
Psalm 122:6-9
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STANDING WITH US IN PRAYER!