Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives be rescued from the fierce? But this is what the Lord says: ‘Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save. Is.49:24-25 NIVUK

Father, we thank You that You are El Roi, the God who Sees, and You have not forgotten the remaining hostages. Even now, hear and free these captives, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Find out when your state prays.

As the Israel-Hamas war nears its one-year anniversary, there are still 101 hostages held by Hamas or proxies in Gaza. Let us turn to Psalm 142 as a framework to cry out for their safety and return.

A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.
I cry aloud to the Lord;
I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
I pour out before him my complaint;
before him I tell my trouble.
When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
people have hidden a snare for me.
Look and see, there is no-one at my right hand;
no-one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
no-one cares for my life.
I cry to you, Lord;
I say, ‘You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.’
Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
because of your goodness to me
(Psalm 142 NIVUK).

This psalm, written by David, was penned when he himself was in a cave. No doubt he was being pursued by his enemies, perhaps Saul and his men. There are many heartfelt elements in this psalm, as David laments feeling abandoned (v.4) and overpowered by those who seek his life (v.6). This is indeed a lament psalm. He states the truth that God is His refuge wherever he dwells, even running and hiding in caves, and his portion—or inheritance—in the land of the living. He is stating his certainty that God will preserve and deliver him.

David finishes with a declaration that his deliverance, and God’s goodness, will cause the righteous to take note and gather around him. He will not give thanks alone! Many others will see God’s goodness and be strengthened by His faithfulness.

Prayer for the Hostages

Father, we come before Your throne of grace and boldly intercede on behalf of those still held hostage in Gaza. We cry aloud and lift up our voices for mercy! We know that the hostages must be pouring out their complaint before You – even those who may not know You – telling You their troubles. If their spirits are growing faint, strengthen them today. Grant them JOY even in captivity. We know that no matter where they are, no matter the circumstances You are there with them.

Though they may feel abandoned, as if no one cares for or is looking for them, let them say, “You O God are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen today oh Lord to their desperate cries! They are needy, lonely, hungry and mistreated. Rescue them now from those too strong for them! Set them free from their underground prison.

Then they will praise Your name! Then we will too will rejoice when You are victorious and their enemies are vanquished! Let them see Your goodness in the land of the living, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Add your own prayers for the hostages in the comments below.

Lori Meed is a leader on IFA’s Headline Prayer Live and an IFA contributing writer. In 2004, God moved her family from Canada to the U.S., imparting to them His heart for this country and for revival. Having walked out her own journey of freedom after being radically born again in 1992, Lori has a heart to see others set free to walk fully in their destiny. She is also passionate about teaching on aliyah (“going up,” the return of the Jews to the land of Israel), the feasts of the Lord, and the rich connections of the gentile churches to Israel. Photo credit: Israel Defense Forces – Kfir Brigade IDF Officers Practice Urban Warfare, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34368994.