247 Watch Prayers (August 17–23, 2025)
(I) Intercession for the Nation
1. Entering Our Destiny — Thanksgiving and Self-Cleansing
1) Offering Thanksgiving
Isaiah 56:7-8
“I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” The Sovereign Lord declares—He who gathers the exiles of Israel: “I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.”
In 2018, pastors in New Zealand received a vision of the 24/7 prayer wall and began to promote it among Chinese churches. Now entering its eighth year, we’ve walked through major events such as the Christchurch terror attack, the COVID-19 pandemic, cyclones, and floods. We thank God for every faithful intercessor He has used to watch over this land and help us navigate through many challenges in peace. May more churches respond to this glorious calling to become houses of prayer and watchmen on the walls, so that the people of this land may receive salvation, enter the Lord’s destiny, and live out His glory.
2) Self-Cleansing and Repentance
Mark 7:21-23
“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evils come from within and defile a person.”
James 3:10-11
“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be! Can both fresh water and bitter water flow from the same spring?”
Pray for God to forgive us for straying from the image in which He originally created us. Instead of flowing with comfort, joy, peace, and goodness from our hearts, we have allowed evil thoughts, greed, deceit, lust, envy, and arrogance to emerge from within us—hurting both ourselves and others.
2. For Kings and Those in Authority
Proverbs 8:17-18
“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.”
The New Zealand government is currently considering whether to officially recognize the State of Palestine. This issue will be formally discussed in September. At this stage, New Zealand must carefully evaluate developments on all sides to make a decision. (Meanwhile, some Arab nations have stated clearly that Hamas must disarm and play no role in Palestinian governance.)
Pray for the relationship between New Zealand, Israel and Palestine: Ask the Lord to grant wisdom to the NZ government, so it may make the right decision and maintain a relationship with both Israel and Palestine that aligns with God’s heart. May God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
(II) For All Peoples of This Land
Proverbs 4:6-8
“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme—therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.”
On August 4, 2025, the Prime Minister and Minister of Education officially announced that New Zealand’s over-20-year-old NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) system will be phased out! Starting in 2026, the new system will be implemented beginning with Year 9, and the final NCEA Level 3 courses will conclude at the end of 2029. Both educators and the government agree: it is urgent and essential to rebuild New Zealand’s secondary education system.
Pray for young students, parents, and educators (including government education departments, teachers, principals, administrators, and counselors): Ask the Lord to renew the learning atmosphere on campuses, grant wisdom to establish sound teaching policies and strategies, and cultivate talent for the benefit of society as a whole.
(III) Prayers for the Church
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Pray for brothers and sisters in the church as they raise their children: Ask the Lord to reveal whether we are raising our children according to our own plans and ideas, or according to His instruction and guidance. May He grant wisdom, insight, and strategy to parents so they can build long-lasting, loving relationships with their children—marked by justice, firmness, and love. For families where relationships are already broken, may the Lord bring healing and reconciliation between the generations.
(IV) For Israel and the Nations
1. For Israel
Psalm 83:1-4
“O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. ‘Come,’ they say, ‘let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.’”
Israeli soldiers are suffering heavy casualties from attacks and mental stress. Meanwhile, the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community (Heredi), which makes up 10% of the population, largely refuses military service—further weakening the Israeli military. If Palestine is officially recognized as a state, the lack of clear borders with Israel may embolden terrorist groups and increase public threats, effectively declaring war on Israel.
Prayer: Ask the Lord to bring the hostages home safely and soon. Pray for protection and renewed strength—physically and mentally—for Israeli soldiers. May Israel’s leaders have the wisdom to understand proper military strategies and respond rightly to opposition from around the world.
2. For Taiwan
Psalm 20:7-8 (NIV)
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”
China’s military activities around the Taiwan Strait continue more frequently, leading to ongoing tensions between the two sides.
Prayer: Ask the Lord to give both sides’ leaders thoughts of peace. May they seek peaceful ways to resolve conflict and confrontation. Pray for the Church to rise up in this critical time and continually intercede for cross-strait relations.