'Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem' to Focus on Israel-US Ties
Organizers of the National Day of Prayer in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, Oct. 7, are encouraging millions around the world to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and what some believe is a "divine" link between America and Israel.
"This is a significant recognition of the importance of the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem by our country's best known and perhaps oldest 'Day of Prayer'; it is also recognition by the prayer leaders of this country of the divine link between our country and Israel," organizers of the event have said.
"Although the purpose of their gathering is to cry out to God for revival and blessing on America, they also realize that they have a responsibility to also cry out for God's land if they want to see His full blessings on ours."
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The annual Day of Prayer, which takes place on the first Sunday of every October and was initially co-founded by minister Jack Hayford, is gathering support for Israel as it purportedly faces threats "on all sides" from aggressive neighbors.
Sunday's Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem has reportedly been endorsed by over 1,200 Christian leaders, and is said to reach churches in over 175 nations, including underground congregations in China and other oppressive regimes.
"It is the call to the global Church to pray for God's peace (Psalm 122:6) and blessing over His Holy City – Jerusalem, over ALL who live there – Jew and Arab alike, and over the land He calls His own. In the midst of countries in continual chaos, God is still the Rock of Israel and Jehovah Shalom," the organization has said.
Another event taking place from Oct. 4-7 is "The Summons 2012," a gathering in Washington, D.C., focused on calling on God's blessing in the times of political uncertainty facing America.
"It is God's call to the Church to come together in our capital during this very intense political season, to pray and ask God's blessing over our nation and our people," said America's National Prayer Committee Chairman Dave Butts.
Although the overlap of both prayer events was not originally intended, John Bornschein, Vice Chairman of the National Day of Prayer, has said that he sees a divine motive behind the dates.
"God is very intentional; DPPJ and Summons 2012 are evidence of His divine order and purpose. Praying for America and the Peace of Jerusalem are assignments God is summoning for our time on Sunday, October 7th," Butts said. "I believe it is absolutely God-orchestrated timing that The Summons, a time of prayer for America, concludes on the same day as the Global Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem. What an amazing opportunity to bless Israel and our own nation, by praying for the peace of Jerusalem in Washington D.C."
Co-chairman of the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem and executive director of Eagles' Wings Dr. Robert Stearns also commented that both America and Israel face critical decisions in the near future, and need the divine revelation and wisdom of God.
"Just as the early Church leaders in Acts understood the Jewish roots of Christianity, so did the founding fathers of our nation understand the inseparable link between the land and the people of Israel," Stearns said. "I believe it is incredibly significant that as America's prayer leaders are praying for revival in this land, they are also praying for peace in His Land with the people of Israel, recognizing this Divine link both naturally and spiritually."
More information about the prayer events is available on the Day of Prayer website.
