With threats facing Jerusalem, Israel and Jews worldwide, several hundred Christians and Jews gathered in Jerusalem as part of a global prayer meeting. The threats to Israel brought an added sense of urgency.

"We are facing a real danger of physical destruction," said Yuri Stern, a participant. "It's openly said. We're the only nation in the world about whom other nations are saying they are going to destroy."

Robert Stearns of Eagles Wings Ministries founded the event four years ago.

"The response has been amazing," he said. "Right now, we've got approximately 150 nations that have full time coordinators mobilizing prayer in the nation for the day of prayer. And this year, we're estimating about 150,000 churches globally, probably about 30 million believers joining together on the first Sunday in October praying for God's solutions for the city of Jerusalem."

GOD TV, based in the United Kingdom, broadcast the event around the world. For this global audience, Pastor Jack Hayford stressed the importance for the Church to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

"Well the Bible commands to pray for the peace of Jerusalem," Hayford said. "And that is not an abstract directive. It has specifics to it and there's no more specific need for prayer for Jerusalem and for the Jews. Not only for this city and the people who live here and in this nation, but for that stance of prayer that recognizes there is a global issue of anti-Semitism, of hatred and animosity for Israel that is so profound right now. We need to pray. Only intercessory prayer can turn the day."

Organizers hope Christians around the world understand the battle surrounds not just Jerusalem and Israel but the future of civilization. Despite the dangers of the times, Hayford believes prayer can change history.

"I recall during World War II, I was just a little boy and during that time the church praying at crucial times," Hayford said. "The occasion of Dunkirk, which would have been the end of the defense of the existence of England really, prayer alone brought a marvelous deliverance. You can go through the course of history and see what prayer has shaped."

Stearns said, "This is an hour to cry out to the Lord in prayer and then to be willing to become the answer to the prayers we've been praying by being active and involved in Israel's cause."