May You be exalted and sanctified within Jerusalem Your city, from generation to generation and for all eternity.

The Psalmist says, “For Adonai has chosen Zion, He has desired it for His dwelling. This is My resting place forever. Here I dwell, for I have desired it” (Psalms 132:13-14). Jerusalem is Adonai’s city; it is His throne, His home. Even if the physical temple is. Ot standing at the present time, it remains His city for generation to generation and for all eternity. Jerusalem is and will always be the center of all nations because Adonai chose this city to be His dwelling place.

It is also His desire for all nations to gather in this city to worship Him and to sanctify Him. In Jeremiah 3:17 “At that time they will call Jerusalem ‘The Throne of the LORD,’ and all the nations will be gathered to it, to Jerusalem, for the name of the LORD; nor will they walk anymore after the stubbornness of their evil heart.” 

The ever loving, merciful Lord waits patiently like the father who waits for his prodigal son to return home. The Father is ready to forgive His children and He waits to embrace them. Whether a Jew or a Gentile, the chosen one or the adopted one, Adonai wants all His children to come to Jerusalem to exalt and sanctify His name. He wants them to know Him their creator, and repent and return to the love and service of the One who loves them.

Adonai, our Abba, stir up in my heart Your love for Jerusalem and for Your people dwelling there. I pray, just as I have turned my heart toward You this season, that the people of Jerusalem would turn their hearts towards You as well. I pray, as we near the end of these High Holy Days, Your name will be lifted as a high banner, and that Your love will be made known in the Land of Israel.