Call to Prayer: Reversing the Curse
Patricia Bootsma | August 2024
The three weeks from the 17th of Tammuz to the 9th of Av (July 23 - August 13) is a time of hardship in Israel. This period is referred to as 'between the straits', taken from Lamentations 1:3, which describes Judah's suffering and captivity. The phrase signifies navigating through grave dangers on both sides, akin to passing through a narrow path to avoid disaster. For example, a few months ago, our youngest daughter was on a catamaran with friends passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow passageway between Spain and Africa. They had to be on high alert as many boats in that area were attacked by Orca whales, causing great damage. We were thankful that the Lord protected them.
Historically, this time marks significant events in Jewish history, including the breach of Jerusalem's wall by the Babylonians in 586 BC, leading to the 70 years of Hebrew captivity and the destruction of Solomon's and the Second Temple.
During this period of mourning in Israel, certain activities are avoided: no weddings are performed, new garments are not purchased, some refrain from shaving or getting a haircut, and some do not listen to music. Additionally, there is an avoidance of construction for pleasure, refraining from pleasurable bathing, and restricting meat and wine consumption except on Shabbat.
This time is considered cursed, as mentioned in Scripture (Jeremiah 12:11, Jeremiah 23:10, Joel 1:10, Leviticus 18:25). However, there is a promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14 encouraging prayer, repentance, and seeking God's face for forgiveness and healing of the land.
As God's people, we have the authority to bless land, time, people, cities, and nations. This is evident when we humble ourselves, pray, repent, seek His face, and turn from wicked ways. The Lord promises to forgive, heal the land, and break the curse. This authority is not limited to political leaders, businessmen, or people in positions of power. As God's people, we can reverse a curse and bring blessings. Let's use our authority to bless the land and periods of time. May the time from the 17th of Tammuz to the 9th of Av be a time of blessing. May our properties, cities, and nation, as well as the NLC in Ariel and the nation of Israel, be greatly blessed because of our prayers, identification, repentance, and words of blessing.
