Israel is a nation in need not only of healing, but also of a fresh start in many ways. A passage we can pray for this war-weary land is Isaiah 43:18-20:

“Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert…
Because I give waters in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert,
To give drink to My people, My chosen” (NKJV).

This month, Rosh Hashanah (which literally means “Head of the Year”) will be observed from sundown on September 22 to sundown on September 24. The name of the corresponding biblical holiday is Yom Teruah (which literally means “Day of shouting” or “Day of blasting”), and it is also known as the Feast of Trumpets. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days in early autumn.

The ten-day period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (which literally means “Day of Atonement”) is called the Ten Days of Awe; it is a time of personal reflection, prayer, mourning, and repentance of sin. This year, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on October 1 and ends at sundown on October 2.

During this entire period, beginning 10 days before Rosh Hashanah and ending on Yom Kippur, we, as Global Intercessors for Israel, are invited to join a 21-day fast from September 12 to October 2. We are adding the powerful dimension of fasting to our prayers as we seek the promises of many Scriptures– including that of Isaiah 43– to be realized in this land (a land the Lord appointed for the Jewish people, stemming back to the Abrahamic covenant).

As Isaiah 58 speaks of fasting, may our voice be heard on high. May healing spring forth speedily, righteousness go forth, and the Glory of the Lord be Israel’s rear guard. We will call, He will answer, and He will guide continually (as written in Isaiah 58, verses 4, 8, 9, 11).

May this New Year in Israel bring forth new life, healing, and rivers in the desert. And may all of the intercessors and those who stand and care for Israel experience great blessing and refreshing.