Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption. He Himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. Psalm 130:7-8

Today you are invited to consider these words. What do they mean for you in the light of Israel? How do they change in meaning (and emotion perhaps) if you address your homeland or the place of your birth in Israel’s place? What emotions do they produce in you now? How can you pray these verses for the country you love today? Give it to God. Name whatever pressure points there are in your land at this time. Offer them to Him. Ask His forgiveness for national sin and healing for the places where your land is hurting. Don’t forget to include Israel in your prayers. Then praise Him for the answers to your prayer, even if you never discover what the specifics of those answers are.

May God bless the lands for which you pray today – and you as you pray for them.