To see the land of Israel is to see a miracle. To see a farmer coax life from its ancient soil is to witness prophecy unfold. For generations, men and women of faith have worked the land, believing in God’s covenant promise to make the desert bloom. Today, these farmers are on the frontlines of a battle for Israel’s heart and soul, and they need our prayers.
Their story is one of enduring strength, much like that of Tzion Maman, a 64-year-old second-generation farmer from Moshav Mivtahim, just 6.5 miles from the Gaza border. His father was part of the generation that answered Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion’s call in the 1950s, transforming barren sand into fertile fields. He instilled in his son a deep love for the land and the resilience to cultivate it.
Tzion’s own son, Tal, became a third-generation farmer, his heart full of innovative ideas that expanded the family’s legacy. But on the morning of October 7th, that legacy was shattered. As terrorists overran the moshav, Tal, a member of the local security team, bravely fought to protect his home and his family. He made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down his life for his community.
In the crushing weight of his grief, Tzion felt he could not go on. The fields, once a source of joy, were now a constant, painful reminder of his beloved son. “There was a moment when I thought about giving up the farm. I couldn’t see the point anymore,” Tzion shared. But Tal’s friends rallied around him, urging him not to let his son’s legacy wither. They reminded him that moving forward is what Tal would have wanted.
Tzion’s story is the story of so many Israeli farmers today. It is a story of profound loss, unimaginable challenges, and a hope that can only be sustained by faith. As believers who love Israel, we have a vital role to play in this story. God is calling us to stand with His people, to lift them up in prayer as they cultivate the land He promised them. Your prayers are a spiritual force that can bring comfort, protection, and miraculous provision.
Here are seven ways you can pray for Israeli farmers like Tzion, becoming a part of God’s prophetic plan for the restoration of Israel.
1. For Strength in the Face of Grief and Trauma
The attacks on October 7th killed or kidnapped 56 Israeli farmers.[1] Many, like Tzion, are grappling with the devastating loss of family, friends, and neighbors. They have witnessed unspeakable horrors and are working their land under the shadow of trauma.
Pray for the peace that surpasses all understanding to guard their hearts and minds.
Pray for the God of all comfort to draw near to them in their grief.
Pray that they would find strength in their communities and in their faith to face each new day.
2. For Divine Protection and Security
Farming has become a dangerous frontline occupation. Many of Israel’s most fertile areas are near its borders, in places like the one Tzion calls home.[2] Vast farming areas in the south have been declared closed military zones, and farmers in the north have been unable to reach their orchards due to rocket fire.[3]
Pray for a hedge of protection around these farmers and their families.
Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance for the soldiers who protect them.
Pray for peace to fall upon the borders of Israel, so that those who sow in tears may reap in joy.
3. For a Miraculous Provision of Laborers
Since October 7th, Israel’s agricultural sector has faced its largest workforce crisis since the founding of the state.[4] Thousands of foreign workers have returned to their home countries, and many Israeli farm workers have been called up for reserve duty.[5] This has left a critical labor shortage, threatening harvests across the nation.
4. For Financial Provision and Stability
5. For the Resilience of the Land and an Abundant Harvest
The Bible is filled with prophecies of God restoring the land of Israel, making it blossom and sprout to fill the earth with fruit.[9] When you see pictures of Israel’s vibrant farms, you are seeing the fulfillment of God’s Word.[10] But this prophetic harvest is under threat. The current crisis impacts not just the farmers, but Israel’s domestic food production and security.[7]
Pray for the healing and restoration of the land itself.
Pray for favorable weather, for the rains to come in their season, and for protection from pests and disease.[11]
Pray that the harvest would be supernaturally abundant, a powerful testimony to the nations of God’s faithfulness to His covenant people.[12]
6. For the Next Generation of Farmers
For farming to have a future in Israel, the next generation must be willing to take up the mantle. Tzion remains hopeful that his grandchildren will one day join the family business, ensuring their agricultural heritage continues.
Pray for the hearts of the children and grandchildren of these farmers to be turned toward the land.
Pray that they would see farming not just as a job, but as a divine calling and a way to participate in Israel’s prophetic destiny.
Pray for a legacy of faith and love for the land to be passed down from generation to generation.
7. For a Spirit of Perseverance and Unshakeable Hope
It would have been easy for Tzion to give up. But with the encouragement of his community and the help of partners like Leket Israel, he found the strength to continue. His farm, once a reminder of his loss, is now a living testament to his son Tal’s legacy. This is the spirit that keeps Israeli agriculture alive.
Pray for a renewed sense of hope and purpose for every farmer who feels discouraged.[13]
Pray that they would be encouraged by the support of Christians around the world who are standing with them in prayer.
Pray that their perseverance would be a shining light, demonstrating the unbreakable spirit of God’s people.
Your prayers are more than just words. They are a spiritual partnership with farmers like Tzion. They are a declaration of faith in God’s promises for Israel. As you lift up these seven prayer needs, you become a hero in their story, a vital part of the miracle God is performing in His land. You are helping to sow seeds of hope that will one day yield a harvest of peace and restoration for all of Israel.