Analysis & prayer
Between Chaos and Hope: Standing with Israel
NHOP reflects on hope amid chaos after October 7 and calls Christians to keep praying for Israel, mourn the lost, and stand faithfully with the Jewish community.
What happened
In a teaching from the National House of Prayer, NHOP director Chris Byberg reflects on hope amid chaos following the October 7 attacks. He describes attending an October 7 memorial in Ottawa with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and the Jewish community, a bittersweet time of celebrating the return of the final living hostages while mourning those killed, including the eight Canadians NHOP says died that day, and remembering the atrocities and the tens of thousands of rockets fired into Israel. Byberg cautions that a ceasefire does not mean the fear is over: he notes that Jewish communities in Canada still rely on security at synagogues and events and remain afraid. Drawing on Isaiah 56's watchmen on the wall, he calls Christians to be watchmen for Israel, to keep praying, building friendship and allyship, and to be a faithful friend to the Jewish community, because, he says, the Jewish people are the apple of God's eye.
Original reporting
Why it matters
Chaos and hope coexist, and a headline ceasefire does not end the fear lived by Jewish neighbours. The Church's steady presence matters: prayer, friendship, and visible solidarity communicate that the Jewish community is not alone. Seeing the Jewish people as the apple of God's eye and taking up the watchman's posture turns sympathy into sustained, informed intercession, refusing both despair and naive optimism and anchoring hope in God's faithfulness.
Scripture
Isaiah 41:10
God tells His people, 'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' The promise speaks directly into fear and uncertainty, grounding hope in God's presence and upholding hand.
Ways to pray
- Pray for the peace of Israel and Gaza, and for comfort for all who mourn the lives lost and the suffering endured on every side.
- Pray for the safety and peace of Jewish communities in Canada, that they would know security, comfort, and the visible friendship of their Christian neighbours.
- Pray that Christians would be faithful watchmen and friends, refusing indifference and building lasting relationships of trust with the Jewish community.
- Pray that hope would endure beyond any ceasefire, as believers keep praying and reminding their neighbours of the mercy of God.
A short prayer
Lord, in the space between chaos and hope, be our strength and our stay. Comfort those who mourn, protect the Jewish community, and make us faithful friends and watchmen who do not look away. Keep us praying, and let our hope rest in You alone. Amen.
Prayer becomes more faithful when it stays connected to real people and real events.
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