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Father, we pray for each of the hostages remaining in Gaza. Set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1)!
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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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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.

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Larry Weiler
September 29, 2024

Pray for God’s guidance and Trust in God’s love for us. 🙏😇🙏

3
Susan CC
September 28, 2024

Amen, amen, amen! May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our heart be please You Lord. You are the Holy One of Israel, redeem your children. “Let them see Your goodness in the land of the living, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”

Psalm 34
22 (21) Evil will kill the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
23 (22) But Adonai redeems his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Psalm 19:4 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Isaiah 47:4 Our Redeemer–the LORD of Hosts is His name–is the Holy One of Israel.

12
Jacqueline
September 28, 2024

It is written “Let my people go.” in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

11
Peg B
September 28, 2024

Heavenly Father, we come to Your throne without hesitation on behalf of those still held hostage by Hamas (both young and old). You delivered the Hebrews from Egypt (Exodus 5-6), You delivered and stood with the Israelites taken captive into Babylon and condemned to a fiery furnace (Daniel 3), You break the yoke of evil and darkness, redeeming the oppressed (Luke 4:18). You command the evil spirits to “Be quiet” and to “come out” of the possessed (Luke 4:35). Therefore, we call upon the mighty name of Jesus and the power of Your Spirit to accomplish the release and return of every captive from Gaza. Grant supernatural power to the IDF and her leaders, be both their front and rear guard. Unify their nation (grant peace), give them Your utterance from above (divine revelation), covered in the precious blood of Jesus. Let hope pierce every darkness and deceit (light the pathway), and let Your promises of life be fulfilled! We trust in You! In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

11
Joan Walsh
September 28, 2024

Lori,
Your prayer was beautiful and moving! Thank you

6
Mary Beth
September 28, 2024

Lord, I agree with Lori’s prayer, and I ask You to raise up Rahab’s to intervene on their behalf. I ask that You intervene in miraculous ways to protect them, to draw them unto Yourself, and to rescue them from their cruel captors. Please protect them from retribution, retaliation, and revenge for the strikes against Hezbollah. Continue to show Your mighty right arm on behalf of Israel, and let Israel and the nations see and acknowledge Your power – then seek Your face in awe and repentance.

9
Richard
September 28, 2024

lord god:
Plase protect and save the hostages taken by cowardly and criminl terrorists. punishthem with thesameexperience that the foisted on Israel. Sane your people, proper them, savethem andndestroy completelt Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis terrorists, murderers and cowards’
i ask in Jesus’ name.
Amen

6
BJP
September 28, 2024

Dearest Heavenly Father: I pray these hostages KNOW and believe in you. I pray Psalms 27 over them. The Lord is my light and my Salvation, of whom shall I fear, the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? That in this time of trouble you are hiding them in your pavillion, in the secret of your tabernacle will you hide them and set them up upon a rock. I pray they lift up prayers and song in their hearts and minds unto you for salvation, restoration, and deliverance. That you will guide the Israeli soldiers to where they are and protect them as they are rescued. Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. We give you all Glory, Honor, Power, and Praise for you alone are Worthy to be Praised.

28
    Susan CC
    September 28, 2024

    BJP, Amen and amen!

    Psalm 118:26-28
    Tree of Life Version
    26 Baruch haba b’Shem Adonai—Blessed is He who comes in the Name of Adonai. We bless you from the House of Adonai.
    27 Adonai is God, and He has given us light. Join the festival with branches, up to the horns of the altar.
    28 You are my God, and I praise You. You are my God—I exalt You!

    10

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