My heart has been pierced over the atrocities that have occurred in Israel and throughout the Middle East over the past few weeks.

The Biblical mandate for God’s people to pray for the safety of Israel has never been obscure. It has been quite plain to even our newest brothers and sisters in Christ.

I surely do my best to follow the teachings of Christ. I try not to don’t lie, cheat or steal, I go to church, worship with other believers, study His Word, try to focus on those who might need help along the way, contribute as I am able, and on and on and on.

But I have not routinely prayed for Israel? I just don’t. I never have been loyal to pray for the safety and salvation of God’s beloved Israel.

And what about the Palestinian people who have no guilt in the recent attacks? I can assure you that only a few have prayed for their salvation.

Now, the possibility of this war growing beyond these few borders is starting to make me nervous. Oh, and there are some on the “terror watchlist” are coming across our borders? Now, this is making a difference. I better start praying this doesn’t spread and threaten my own personal safety.

It’s okay if I pray for safety for myself and those I love the most. Am I praying for the good guys and against the bad guys? I may need to rethink that one.

But looking even closer to “home,” I must now pray for a bit of a different view. What is the condition of my heart? Am I praying for forgiveness for my sin of omission to pray for Israel.

Maybe the condition of my own heart is a wise place to start.

Forgive me, Lord.