Joy in Jerusalem

May joy in Jerusalem be the Lord’s spark that reminds us all—Peace is possible when hearts turn to loving God first.

As peacekeepers worked together to secure the release of the Israelites held captive by Hamas, the world held its breath. Would this idea of exchanging hostages truly bring relief to everyone involved? And in what condition would the Jewish people find their loved ones once released?

Even if there could be peace for only a day—or perhaps two—the peacekeepers pressed on with fervent hearts, determined to bring about the laying down of arms and the freeing of captives.

All Praise to our Heavenly Father, whose mighty Hand was in that communal peace! It worked—because God was at the center. Those who returned home to a Nation welcoming them will never forget what days of God’s Peace can accomplish when we turn to Him first and yield to His goodness.

May our gracious Heavenly Father bless those who have come home to family and friends who will now serve Him by helping the former captives recover. And whether their healing takes a few months or the rest of their lives, together we will continually Praise God with joyful hearts—for they have come home to love, hope, and caring hands.

“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those He redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.”— Psalm 107:1–3

Prayer:

Gracious and Mighty Heavenly Father, We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for Your steadfast love that gives Peace where there was turmoil and Hope where there was despair. Thank You, Lord, for the captives who have returned home, and for the hands and hearts that worked for their release. May Your healing Spirit rest upon every soul still recovering, restoring their joy and renewing their strength day by day.

Lord Jesus, teach us to be peacemakers in our own communities—to pray fervently, to forgive freely, and to trust completely in Your goodness. Let the joy of Jerusalem remind us that Your Peace is possible, even in the darkest hours.

In Christ’s Holy Name we pray, Amen.

Rev. Patricia E. Walker, AlphaChurch.org

Prayer requests to rev.walker@AlphaChurch.org

🙏 Prayer List

Healing and Recovery

Kevin B. – adult with brain tumors have recently grown; tumors in his lungs, healing from all cancer.

13 year old Kevin - playing football and had both a brain and spinal injury, doctors are hopeful for his prayerful recovery because he is miraculously already moving his lets.

David W. – recovery from Parkinson’s Disease; strength, balance, stability, and freedom from depression.

Tedi – healing after knee surgery; pain relief, strength through exercise, and hope in recovery.

John E.L. – recently diagnosed with cancer; prayers for healing and family support.

Brielie – healing from cancer and blessings on her friendships.

Mason – now in rehab; prayers for full recovery and return home.

Grief and Comfort

Latisha – David’s adult daughter, passed away suddenly; prayers of comfort for the family in their sorrow.

Found: Search for Cile Steward, thankful her remains have been found– from Mystic Camp flood in South Texas; prayers for the Lord's Peace for loved ones.

Search for Jeffrey Ramsey from the same South Texas flood who is still missing and prayers that he is found.

Children and Youth in Need of Healing

Beckman Reed (2 years old) – he is making progress on his recovery after 150 yellowjacket stings; prayers the toxins will completely be out of him, prayers for healing and strength for his parents.

Hazel – young child with adrenal gland tumor growth found during chemo.

John – young boy struggling to heal from cancer.

Wyatt – young boy recovering after being hit by a car.

Ashley – she's a baby under ongoing doctor’s care.

Cooper – young boy facing leukemia complications.

Ryder – young boy with a serious cancer diagnosis.

Teenage girl – recovering from a heart transplant; prayers for strength and renewal.

Lawson and family – battling blood clots and recovery struggles.

Lennon – toddler with relapsed cancer; prayers for hope and healing.

Waylon B. – young boy with a brain tumor.

Jake C. – premature baby, born 12 weeks early; prayers that he grows strong and thrives.

Colton – teenager in a terrible car accident; multiple surgeries and healing needed.

Branson – young boy with t-cell acute lymphoma leukemia.

Kate – toddler battling cancer.

Special Needs and Families

Cody and Megan and their baby boy – healing from a car accident in Temple, Georgia. Megan has been taken off the ventilator and is breathing on her own, while Cody has shown improved responsiveness and has been transitioned to a trach.