Praying for the Peace and Prosperity of Jerusalem

You likely already know the prominent place Jerusalem plays in biblical prophecy and God’s plan for Believers. His plans are still unfolding...which is why the exhortation of Psalm 122 is so relevant for modern Christians:

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.” 

Psalm 122:6-7, NIV

But what does it really mean to pray for the peace of Jerusalem? That’s one question we often hear from travelers on our frequent tours of the Holy Land. On these multiday travel experiences, we’ll spend as many as four full days in this epicenter of God’s plans: the place and people He has set apart in His thinking and heart.

The Bible proclaims that Jerusalem occupies a special place in the world: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: This is Jerusalem, which I have set in the center of the nations, with countries all around her” (Ezekiel 5:5). Perhaps this explains why the world pays so much attention to Israel! 

Our passengers love the opportunity to worship in biblical settings and study God’s Word in the places it was written. Imagine standing on the Southern Steps where Jesus stood, or viewing the city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives—as Scripture about those very same places is read aloud. The old, familiar passages spring to new life! Our travelers also relish the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take Psalm 122 literally: They want to pray for Jerusalem while physically in Jerusalem. 

They often ask us, “How can we pray?” Here are three powerful prayers to pray for Jerusalem, in Jerusalem, from over twenty-five years of visiting this holy city. 

1) Pray for Peace and Redemption of All the Inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Jewish people regularly pray for their own redemption and redemption of the world. As Christian Believers, we can join them in praying that the hearts of people will continually be drawn toward a right relationship with God. 

There is no greater evidence of people’s desire for peace, healing and God’s blessing than the Western Wall of the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism, where millions of individuals have physically placed their heartfelt prayers and desperate pleas into cracks in this wall of stone. As our passengers pause to pray, we invite them to submit their personal prayers and offer prayers for all inhabitants of Jerusalem in this historical place. Even though we know God hears our prayers wherever we are, our passengers love the way this practice stamps the experience into vivid memory.

2) Pray for Jerusalem’s Leaders.

The burden of responsibility for the well-being of Jerusalem and Israel lies on the shoulders of its leaders: politicians, public servants and religious leaders. As our passengers view historical and current places of power and significance, it’s the perfect time to pause and pray.

Viewing The Knesset, we pray for those who are in positions of authority: that they will look to God to bring true wisdom, direction and protection to the people and the Land. 

3) Pray for Peace in the City. 

The very name of Jerusalem comes from the same Hebrew root as shalom, which means “peace.” Some linguists suggest its name literally means “City of Peace.” Pray that God will continue to protect each block and building from violence. Pray for Jews, Muslims, Christians and other inhabitants to live at peace with one another as the Prince of Peace reigns over this ancient, influential city.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18

We often invite our passengers to pray as they overlook Jerusalem, in a place where Jesus most likely prayed and wept over Jerusalem. 

As Christians who love Israel, we remember daily that Jesus called us to be peacemakers. As our team members accompany tour groups traveling in Israel, we are constantly reminded of ways we can pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We trust that someday the Lord will establish permanent peace in this city we love so much. 

And whether your future involves travel to Jerusalem or not, we hope you’ll join us in praying for this vibrant community.

If you are ready to take visiting the Holy Land off your bucket list and make it a reality, below is a list of our upcoming Israel Tours.