Alert

Air raid sirens continued across Israel over the weekend and into this new week, as the conflict that has been simmering for decades erupted at the end of last week. In response to Operation Rising Lion, Iranian-backed forces launched a barrage of drone and missile attacks targeting Israeli cities, critical infrastructure, and even causing minor damage to the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv.

Thankfully, Israel has been able to intercept most of Iran's missiles and drone strikes so far preventing further damage and casualties -- praise God!

I spoke to several friends in Israel over the weekend, including the Governors of Samaria and Judea. Both are on high alert for the rising threat of terrorist attacks in Judea and Samaria, which the international community refers to as the West Bank.

Because Judea and Samaria are outside the major population areas, this is where many of the Iranian missiles are intercepted and then fall to the ground. The ballistic debris from the intercepts are still deadly, as many have fallen on homes and destroyed them.

So, as this conflict continues and most likely intensifies, we must persevere in prayer.

In the face of chaos and conflict, we are reminded that God is still our refuge and strength. His promises are sure -- even in times of war.

If you haven't already, will you sign the prayer pledge and join thousands of believers across the world in declaring Psalm 46 over Israel?

I am going to transmit these pledges to our friends in Israel, so that they will know that we are standing with them by praying for them.

As Scripture commands, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and protection for the people of Israel. We also pray for our U.S. troops deployed in the region -- for their safety -- and for a divine breakthrough to end the violence and dismantle the strategies of evil.

Recent intelligence confirms that Iran has continued covert efforts to expand its nuclear capacity -- clear violations of nonproliferation treaties. The International Atomic Energy Agency has verified these breaches, and thankfully key enrichment sites were reportedly damaged in Israel's preemptive strike.

Since the initial strikes early Friday morning local time, the world has quickly weighed in on Israel's actions against Iran, with many countries and organizations, including the United Nations, condemning Israel's preemptive strikes.

However, these are not attacks against the Iranian people -- but against a regime that has oppressed them for decades. As I spoke about with Sen. Kevin Cramer on Washington Watch last night, this may open the door for a regime change and a freer Iran.

Now more than ever, the people of Israel -- and the Middle East -- need our prayers.

When you sign the pledge, you are joining us in declaring Psalm 46 over Israel:
"He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields with fire." (Psalm 46:9)

Heavenly Father, you are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Today we lift up the nation of Israel to you. Amid threats of war, drone attacks, and global unrest, we ask you to be Israel's shield, her defender, her peace. Though the nations rage and kingdoms totter, we will not fear.

You are in the midst of your people -- she shall not be moved. You are the fortress of Israel. You are the God who keeps covenant. Lord, we remember your Word: "He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields with fire." Break the weapons of war, Lord, and confuse the strategies of evil. Cause missiles to fail, attacks to be turned back, and hearts to turn to you. Bring peace, not as the world gives, but as only you can give. Surround the innocent with your protection.

Give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wisdom from above. Restrain those who seek to destroy and bring justice to those who do evil. Protect your people who know you within Iran, Israel, and the broader Middle East. And above all, Lord, draw hearts in Israel and across the Middle East to Your Son -- Jesus, the Messiah and Prince of Peace. We declare in faith: "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Be exalted in Israel. Be exalted among the nations. Be exalted in the earth. In Jesus' name, Amen.