Distressing Times – July 2026 Prayer Points
Distressing –
Distressing Times –
A three-week period of mourning on the Jewish calendar, known as “Between the Straits,” occurs this year between July 2 and 23. These particular weeks reflect a season of judgment, when the enemy gets the upper hand, or heightened spiritual warfare – Distressing Times. The enemy breached the Jerusalem walls, and the First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians three weeks later. The final day of this three-week period occurs on the “Ninth of Av”. This is recorded in Lamentations 1:3, “All her pursuers have overtaken her in the midst of her distress.” On this same day several hundred years apart, the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans. This is the saddest day during the Jewish calendar year. Rabbinic tradition trace recurring calamities during these three weeks to Israel’s root sins of rebellion and unbelief when the Israelites heard the spies’ report and lost hope to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13). Throughout Jewish history devastating tragedies have happened during this three-week period, including dispersion of the Jewish people from Spain; WWI begins; deportations from Warsaw Ghetto to the Treblinka concentration camp begins during WWII; the bombing of the Jewish community center in Argentina in 1994. Remembering the tragedies, the Jewish people also remember the Lord will regather and deliver them, turn their mourning into gladness, comfort them and give joy instead of sorrow (Jeremiah 31:10-14). This time of “Between the Straits” is calling intercessors into heightened prayer for Israel and the nations. Rabbinic tradition begs us to remember the Temple destructions and recurring catastrophes in Jewish history during July 2-23, and to remember He alone will deliver Israel. The limitations of world leaders and man-devised solutions testify that Israel’s salvation will come from the Lord
“For the Lord will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.” Jeremiah 31:11
PRAY FOR:
- Jewish people worldwide to experience God’s shalom while mourning during Between the Straits and these Distressing Times.
- Supernatural protection in and around the land of Israel, the people, military, and the prime minister.
- Iran’s financial and weapons support of their proxies to stop and bring an end to the attacks on Israel.
- Repentance among the Jewish people and their salvation.
Jacob’s Hope
The endless violence in areas where we serve is emotionally draining and physically tiring. In Israel and Ukraine, Jewish people are seeking hope, asking questions and looking for answers from Believers. Messianic chaplains continue to request New Testaments for soldiers seeking answers. This week, news from Ethiopia has rocked us; Muslim terrorists attacking in the Tigre area of northern Ethiopia captured children to use as their soldiers. The Tigre area is home to a large Jewish population. This is an area where we have partnered with Messianic congregations to assist refugees and orphans. This chaotic world is capable of breaking our spirit but God is moving in unexpected ways. We missionaries to the Jewish people will remember Between the Straits, mourn the devastation, and remember God will bring His people home and through distressing times.
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,” Psalm 30:11 NIV
PRAY FOR:
- The Ethiopian children to be returned to their families/village.
- Restoration of God’s joy to the hearts of our partners in Israel, Ethiopia, and Ukraine.
- Our families.
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