Ten days in the land of Israel affords a myriad of opportunities to see and experience so much. This was my 2nd trip to the Holy Land and it settled onto me in a very different way than my first trip. On my first trip to the Land, I felt like a deer in the headlights because of the vast number of sights to see and the limited time in which to see them. This time, however, I was able to go more as an observer than a tourist. What a difference!
Over the course of the next week or two, I’ll share with my trip to Israel with you, but today I want to begin with the portion that will long remain the highlight of my trip. On the eighth day in the land, my spirit was weary and restless. I desperately needed a respite; a solace for my soul. Praise Jesus, I found it only a couple of block from our hotel.
Tucked away on a busy side street in Jerusalem sits the Jerusalem Prayer Center. The human intent of our visit was to deliver some items from the states to the workers who run the center. The heavenly intent of our visit was much more. God met us there in amazing ways and when I left, my spirit had found the peace that I needed. Come with me on a short tour of the Center.
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| Jerusalem Prayer Center Prayer Chapel |
In the beautiful building we found a prayer chapel with this wonderful ‘Harvest’ mural. The mural features the ‘seven species’ of Deuteronomy 8:8 and the words of Jesus from Matthew 9:37-38. These verse are written in English, Hebrew and Arabic within the mural. What a beautiful room!
Outside in the gardens we found these beautiful tile mosaics reminding us that each of the continents of the world benefits from the prayers of God’s people. Each mosaic has a different scripture painted onto it. I hope you can read each.
Back inside in an alcove on a landing inside the Center, we paused to pray for the three people groups in Jerusalem. In this alcove are windows that overlook an orthodox Jewish Center, a Muslim school for boys, and a Christian school. We offered up prayer for each of these groups and for the workers who run the Center.
Next, we ascended to The Upper Room, an interactive prayer room designed for meeting with God on a personal level. There were special stations set up within the room that allows for unique expression of prayer through journaling, drawing, intereceding before maps, kneeling before the cross and reading the Bible.
On one wall in the Prayer Room, we found a map of the world. I had the opportunity to place my hand on the nation of Tanzania and pray for my precious Compassion International child, Ruth, and her family.
Banners with scriptures in Arabic, Hebrew, and English hanging throughout the room invited us to meet with the Lord in new and tender ways as we prayed the Scriptures on the banners.
There is no way that I can express in words what I found at the Jerusalem Prayer Center. If you are ever in Jerusalem, please DO NOT miss the Center. If you know of others going to Jerusalem, encourage them to visit the Center. It is such a beautiful complement to a visit to the land where Jesus walked and the land to which He will return.
I will share more pictures and impressions from my trip very soon.
