By: Detri McGhee & Jon Simmons

The last morning session of the Feast was dedicated to praying for Israel and the nations. Vasco Vreshtulla, Julia Campos, Jonathan Parsons, and Naomi Ammon led the beautiful worship during the morning.

ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler welcomed the delegates and exclaimed with joy that we have come here to seek the Lord’s favour. The reports are that the Israeli hostages will be released no later than Simcha Torah, exactly two years to the day on the Hebrew calendar from the Oct. 7 attacks. 

Dr. Bühler reminded the delegates that God is jealous for His people, as he shared the story of Joseph, son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery but rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. He tested his brothers to reveal their hearts, particularly towards their brother Benjamin and their father, Jacob. The Bible records that Joseph wept seven times regarding his brothers. They passed the test, and Joseph revealed himself to his brothers. Dr. Bühler asked: “Who is Benjamin?” He believes Benjamin represents the Jewish body of believers in Israel.

Local Israeli pastors from across the country attended the prayer session, with a special time of prayer dedicated to them and their congregations. The call was made to recognise “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, ” and from Psalm 102, we realise that the Time has come to favour Zion.

Rev. Malcolm Hedding praised God for all the people from around the world who have come to Israel for such a historic as this.

ICEJ Senior Vice President David Parsons shared how Nehemiah admonished the people who were celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles with downcast hearts because of their hard lives, as God commands us to rejoice. Nehemiah commanded the people: “Shout for JOY!”  Celebrate God’s goodness and provision in every circumstance. God is God!

When the time came to pray for the nations, ICEJ Prayer Coordinator Joshua Gooding read Psalm 24:1 ff: “The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”  

“We come to present our nations before the Lord,” said Joshua, also sharing the Scripture he had been praying for this time: “Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”  2 Corinthians 3:16. “That we would all behold the Lord and see His glory,” proclaimed Joshua.

Representatives from Asia, Africa, Australia and the Oceanias, North America, and South America each bless the nations from Zion, sharing declarations and petitions requesting God to awaken and enable His people in every nation and that His Holy Spirit would move, and multitudes be drawn to Him.

The Pilgrims prayed for the nation of Israel to release a blessing back to Zion and four of the local Israeli pastors, each holding a Lulav and facing the north, south, east, and west, blessed the nations.

During the Feast, online delegates could email their prayer requests, and in-person delegates could hand-deliver them to the ICEJ Prayer team. All the prayer requests were brought before the Lord and prayed over during the Prayer session.

Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” May His shalom reign in Israel and to the ends of the earth.

The closing night of the Feast was filled with faith, joy, healing, and a deep sense of the Lord’s presence. NORTHWORSHIP from Norway led the worship, and ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler opened the evening by reflecting on the overwhelming response to the Israeli Guest Night held earlier in the week at Jerusalem’s International Conference Centre, where every seat was filled. “What a powerful witness of God’s faithfulness among the nations,” he said with gratitude. Dr. Bühler then revealed next year’s Feast of Tabernacles theme. “The Lion Roars from Zion”, based on Joel 3:16. The congregation received the announcement with celebration, as worship filled the hall in Hebrew and English. The air was alive with anticipation for what God would yet do in the coming year. 

Taking the stage, ICEJ-Azerbaijan national director Rev. Aykhan Mahmudov shared remarkable testimonies of the move of God’s power in his life. Growing up among the Jewish people, he said he had always seen God’s favour upon their lives. “I witnessed firsthand the blessing that follows those who bless Israel,” he said. 

He declared the evening a night of healing, reminding the audience that Jesus is waiting for His people to reach out to Him. Rev. Mahmudov shared stories from his ministry, as well as testimonies of resurrection, physical healing, and restoration. He recalled when world evangelist Benny Hinn prayed over him and anointed him for ministry. Later, while walking through the streets of Istanbul, the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart: “Go to Jerusalem.” In obedience, he came to Israel in 2016. “It is a privilege and a calling,” he said softly, “to walk in the city where our Lord will return.” 

With passion, he reminded the audience that Jesus will not return to Rome or any other place, but to Jerusalem, the City of the Great King. Rev. Mahmudov reflected on the story of the Canaanite woman who cried out to Jesus for her daughter’s healing. When Jesus said it was not right to give the children’s bread to the dogs, she replied with faith and humility — and her daughter was healed. “We are not dogs anymore,” Rev. Mahmudov proclaimed. “We are redeemed, we are beloved, and the Lord will not disappoint those who are waiting for Him in Jerusalem.” 

The message was followed by a time of personal prayer for healing.

As the evening drew to a close, the ICEJ leadership took to the stage, lifting their hands in blessing over the nations gathered. Together, they declared hope, restoration, and unity in Christ. The night ended with powerful worship and the announcement, “Next year, the Lion will roar from Zion!” 

Please watch the highlight video of Day 5.

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