American Christian leaders to 'Pray For & Stand With Israel' on Sunday, May 19

Sunday prayer event organized by Family Research Council seeks to unite American Christians in prayer for Israel

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The Family Research Council along with other Christian leaders and organizations across the United States, has called for a time of focused prayer for Israel on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

The prayer initiative, called "Pray For & Stand With Israel,” is supported by a wide range of Christian leaders and organizations, including Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse, Michele Bachman of Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, Dr. Jack Graham and Skip Heitzig.

The leaders are calling for the “Christian community to unite in prayer and stand in unwavering support for Israel on Sunday, May 19th by dedicating a portion of our worship services to pray for Israel's peace, prosperity, and protection,” according to the statement.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins recently visited Israel, where he met with survivors of the Oct. 7 terror attack, family members of the hostages and Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Perkins said the “rise of anti-Semitism here in the United States and literally around the world” was part of the motivation for calling for a day of prayer for Israel. He also said that inspiration came from the Bible.

“Genesis chapter 12 is very clear: Those who bless Israel, those who bless the Jewish people, will be blessed,” Perkins wrote.

Describing his meeting with Netanyahu, Perkins said, “Among the many topics discussed, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed an urgent need for Americans who support Israel to visibly show their support. We discussed the importance of solidarity and prayer as powerful expressions of support that can make a meaningful difference in the relationship between the United States and Israel.”

“It is abundantly clear that in light of the challenges and complexities facing Israel – both politically and spiritually – it is imperative that we, as leaders within the Christian community, come together to demonstrate our unwavering support for Israel anchored in the word of God.”

Dr. Graham posted a message to the Samaritan’s Purse website.

“I encourage believers to join in this day of prayer and ask church leaders to set aside time in their worship services to pray for Israel’s peace and protection.”

“This is a critical period in Israel’s history,” Graham wrote. "We look around us and see antisemitism raging. We see Iran’s recent attack. We remember the brutal slaughter of over 1,200 Jewish people on Oct. 7 and see 133 hostages still being held by Hamas, used as human shields to protect their wicked leadership.”