Prayer Campaign during Sefirat HaOmer

UMJC Prayer Campaign to mark “Days of Ascent,” March 26 – May 14

The annual prayer campaign is one of our best UMJC traditions. Every year between Passover and Shavuot, congregations and supporters join in 49 days of prayer in honor of the tradition of counting the Omer, based on Leviticus 23:15-16.

‘And from the day on which you bring the Omer of elevation offering— the day after the Sabbath—you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete: you must count until the day after the seventh week—fifty days; then you shall bring an offering of new grain to the Lord’.

As we count off the days, we unite in focused prayer, which culminates in an offering for Shavuot that goes to strengthen and advance the Messianic Jewish community, both within the UMJC and in Israel. Being part of a worldwide campaign of prayer is a huge encouragement every year, and this year will be no exception.

Our theme this year, “Days of Ascent,” will lead us on an upward journey from bondage in Egypt to the revelation of God at Mount Sinai, as the Lord instructed Moses: “And when you have freed the people from Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain” (Ex. 3:12). These days also mark the seven weeks from Messiah’s resurrection during Passover to the outpouring of the Spirit on Shavuot. Through the seven weeks, we trace the seven stages of the journey from Egypt to Sinai, from bondage to the place of revelation.

The Holy One, Blessed Be He, said to Moses: “Write down the stages by which Israel journeyed in the wilderness, in order that they shall know what miracles I wrought for them.” (Numbers Rabbah 23:1)

When we count the Omer we also mark the days from Messiah’s resurrection during Passover to the outpouring of the Spirit on Shavuot. Let’s join together and make this a time of personal renewal as we count off each day in prayer. Through the seven weeks, we’ll trace the seven stages of the journey from Egypt to Sinai, and each one is filled with spiritual light and insight.

THIS SEVEN WEEK PRAYER CAMPAIGN CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEB PAGE: www.beitariel.co.za