For Peace in Jerusalem
Scripture Focus:
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.'” (Psalm 122:6-7)
Devotional Reading:
Jerusalem, the city of the Great King (Psalm 48:2), holds a unique place in the heart of God and His redemptive plan. This ancient city, steeped in history, is a living testament to God’s covenant with His people. Yet, Jerusalem has also been a city marked by conflict, division, and longing. As we turn our hearts to pray for Jerusalem, we join countless generations who have interceded for its peace and restoration.
The psalmist exhorts us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, understanding that this peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the wholeness, prosperity, and security that only God can bring. The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, encompasses fullness, harmony, and divine blessing. To pray for Jerusalem is to pray for God’s kingdom purposes to unfold in and through this city.
Jerusalem is central to God’s promises and prophecies. It is the city where God chose to place His name (1 Kings 11:36), the city where Jesus was crucified and resurrected, and the city to which He will one day return as King of kings and Lord of lords. As we pray for Jerusalem, we align ourselves with God’s eternal plan, longing for the day when the Prince of Peace will reign there in righteousness.
Today, Jerusalem remains a focal point of political and spiritual tension. The city is home to people of diverse faiths and backgrounds, often living side by side in fragile coexistence. Let us pray for peace among its inhabitants, that they may come to know the true peace found only in Jesus Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has broken down every dividing wall (Ephesians 2:14). Pray for reconciliation and understanding, and for the hearts of Jerusalem’s people to be softened by God’s love.
We also pray for Jerusalem as a symbol of God’s covenant faithfulness. The city’s destiny is tied to His promises, and we can pray with confidence, knowing that God will fulfill all that He has spoken. As the prophet Isaiah declared: “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” (Isaiah 62:6-7).
Our prayers are part of this ongoing intercession. We are the watchmen on the walls, crying out to God for Jerusalem’s peace, protection, and ultimate redemption. And as we pray, we are reminded of the promise: “May they prosper who love you.” Loving Jerusalem means loving God’s purposes and aligning our hearts with His.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we lift up Jerusalem to You, the city You have chosen and called Your own. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, asking that Your shalom would rest upon its walls and within its gates. Lord, bring harmony and understanding among its people—Jews, Arabs, and all who dwell there. May they come to know You, the Prince of Peace, and find salvation in Your name.
Father, we pray for protection over Jerusalem. Guard its borders and shield its people from harm. Let Your presence be a refuge for those who seek You. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so surround Your people with Your love and faithfulness (Psalm 125:2).
We intercede for the leaders and decision-makers in Jerusalem. Grant them wisdom and discernment to lead with justice and integrity. May their hearts be guided by Your truth, and may they seek peace above all else.
Lord, we also pray for the Church in Jerusalem, Your Body in the city where the gospel first began to spread. Strengthen the believers, and let their lives be a testimony to Your grace. May they shine brightly as lights in a city that so desperately needs Your hope.
Finally, we pray with expectation for the day when You will return to Jerusalem as King. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, and establish Your kingdom of peace and righteousness. Until that day, we will continue to lift our voices as watchmen on the walls, trusting in Your promises and Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Reflection Question:
What does it mean to you to pray for Jerusalem as a city central to God’s plans and promises?
