5 Holy Places for Christianity in Jerusalem

5 Holy Places for Christianity in Jerusalem

Holy Places for Christianity in Jerusalem

The sites where Christ was born, preached, crucified, and traveled are famous all over the globe. Thousands of Christians send their  prayer requests  to the holy sites every year! However, there are some holy places where believers feel miracles take place.

Prayers are a means to get closer to God. The article introduces you to some of the holy places for Christianity in Jerusalem. Each of these sites has a unique significance that is difficult to overlook.

1. Church of All Nations

As many as 12 different nations from all over the world came forward to donate funds to construct this holy church in Jerusalem. This religious site sits close to the Garden of Gethsemane. The building is very close to an old olive grove where Christ is believed to have offered His prayers a night before he was crucified.

Church of All Nations is perched in proximity to the Mount of Olives. It is a poignant site, perfect for meditating. Visitors who come to this holy spot at night claim that they find a feeling of peace and tranquility there.

Some people also refer to this church as the Basilica of the Agony. The church’s construction got over in 1924. In  the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, Jesus and his close followers visited the Mount of Olives after their historic Last Supper.

Christ instructed eight of his close followers to remain at one place but went further with three of his other devoted disciples – James, Peter, and John. He also told these three followers to stay awake when he prayed. It is believed that all these three men witnessed His  Transfiguration.

You will find an aura of sorrowful reverence inside this church. Antonio Barluzzi, the architect, left the interior of the shrine in partial darkness. At the same time, its plan allows the entry of subdued natural light through the windows to offer some relief.

2. St. Peter’s Church

St. Peters Church

St. Peter’s Church got its name from Peter as he gave life to Tabitha at this site through his power of the priesthood. The church sits in a port called Jaffa, about an hour’s drive from Jerusalem.

Christians believe that it is the same Roman Catholic Church where Christ was detained after the Romans seized Him. St. Peter’s Church is one of the holiest churches in Jerusalem and commemorates Apostle Peter’s triple denial of his Master. The place also celebrates his reunion with Christ after the resurrection.

It has a golden rooster on the roof and above a black cross. The rooster reminds a forecast of Christ that Peter would reunite after refusing Him thrice “before a cock crows”.

St. Peter’s Church has four different levels – a guardroom, dungeon, upper church, and middle church. The design and art of this church are a beautiful fusion of modern and ancient works.

3. Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Holy Sepulchre Entrance

Christians consider the Church of the Holy Sepulchreto be the holiest site in the world. The mother of Emperor Constantine built it in AD 330. Many believe that its construction took place on the crucifixion and burial site of Christ.

The Bible mentions that His tomb was placed in proximity to the site of the crucifixion. The church was thus planned to cover the site of the tomb and the cross. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is also revered as the site where Constantine’s mother, St. Helena, first discovered the actual cross of Jesus’ crucifixion.

4. Abbey of the Dormition

dormition.jpg

Abbey of the Dormition is the ideal sacred site to pray to Our Lord for strength. Incidentally, the church was rebuilt and demolished several times in the past. However, although it was rebuilt countless times, its name never changed.

The word “Dormition” signifies falling asleep. Christians believe that it is the same site where Mary was asleep before her soul and body went to heaven. Abbey of the Dormition is considered to be one of Jerusalem’s holiest churches. A few remarkable features of this holy place are its beauty, location that overlooks the old city, and size.

Christians believe that the Ottoman Sultan gifted a plot of land to the German Emperor, Wilhelm when the latter came to the Holy Land at the end of the 19th century. Wilhelm made up his mind to build a big church on this land to showcase the power of his nation. The Abbey has the feel of a strong fortress even today.

Abbey of the Dormition features a unique round shape, which is not present in many other churches in the Holy Land. The wings, surrounding towers, and the central building of the church are all circular.

The church’s interior looks quite impressive, and the floor features a large and round mosaic. The mosaic suggests a relationship between apostles, prophets, and the four messengers of the Gospel.

5. The Garden Tomb

The Garden Tomb

The Garden Tomb is another holy worship site for Christians. Situated in the heart of Jerusalem, this contemplative and serene garden outside the walls of the Old City has many points of interest. These include an old Jewish tomb that several people feel is the burial site of Jesus of Nazareth and His resurrection.

The Garden Tomb has been a hub of prayer and worship for Christians for over a century now. It also features a water cistern and a garden. A fascinating story behind this garden dates back to the mid-19th century.

A British Christian delegation went to study the site as scriptures suggest Christ was crucified in an area named “the Skull.” The same scholars mentioned that the hill above the garden seems to be Christ’s crucifixion site as it is in proximity to the main gate of the Old City.

How Can The Salvation Garden Help You?

The Salvation Garden believes that every believer in the world should be easily able to access the churches of the Holy Land. We want to assist you in achieving success in your spiritual and material life.

You have to fill an online  prayer request  form with personal prayer and choose a church or multiple churches in the Holy Land from our website. We will make sure to visit those churches and deliver your printed  Catholic prayer request personally. You will get the delivery confirmation from us to your email and an optional video. We also deliver your  urgent prayer request  to the Holy Land. While our service comes free, your donations help us with our travel, printing, security, and other expenses. 

Holy Cross Day Celebration in the Holy Lands

Holy Cross Day Celebration in the Holy Lands

Holy Cross Day Celebration in the Holy Lands

Holy Cross Day celebrates the return of the Holy Cross to the city of Jerusalem. The Cross, originally captured by the Persians, could be recovered only in A.D. 628. The church celebrates this day on September 14 every year. Holy Cross Day commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by Lord Jesus Christ by dying on the Cross so that we can attain salvation.

  • Holy Cross Day- Background

September 14 is celebrated as the Holy Cross Day as it was on the same day when the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was assigned on the site of the Lord’s crucifixion in Jerusalem. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, had come across some broken pieces of Holy Cross. She discovered these pieces in 326 CE while on a pilgrimage.

It is believed that the Jews had concealed the Holy Cross in a well or a ditch. They had hidden the Cross with stones over it so that the believers would not chance upon it and revere it. However, very few Jews knew about its exact location. Judas, one of these Jews, was influenced by Divine inspiration and revealed the location to a group of excavators.

St. Helena was full of praises for Judas. Later on, Judas went on to become a famous Christian Saint and was referred to as Cyriacus. Emperor Constantine and St. Helena built a stunning basilica after this stunning revelation.

  • Holy Cross Day- Celebration

A liturgical feast is celebrated on September 14 every year to show reverence to the Cross on which Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. The Eastern Church calls it “The Exaltation of the Holy Cross”. The Roman Catholic Church embraced the celebration in the 7th century. The Church refers to the feast as “The Triumph of the Cross”. Today, the day is also observed in different Protestant traditions such as Anglicanism and Lutheranism.

According to Eastern Orthodox practice, the day is observed as a fast day. Followers are expected to observe a strict fast. Although it is alright to eat oil, consumption of fish, dairy products, and meat is prohibited. Fasting is not part of any form of legalistic requirements. Rather, we fast for reducing our consumption so that there is something that can be shared with others. We also fast to make space for the presence of God through our prayers and for simplifying our lives.

On this day, the Church holds a special service. The Cross is surrounded by basil branches and put on a tray. The tray is then taken in a grand procession through the Church. Hymns are chanted when the procession is on.

  • Holy Cross Day- Significance

The Holy Cross is a symbol of the victory of Lord Jesus Christ over death. The day is also a celebration of the transformation of a heinous instrument of torture into a seraphic “tree of life”. The celebration of Holy Cross Day brings rays of hope to mankind. It is also a representation of the sacrifices made by Christ for the salvation of humankind.

As mentioned earlier, the day also celebrates the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena in the holy world.

You can enjoy direct access to the sites of the Holy Land through The Salvation Garden. Send your prayers and we will be pleased to direct them to your chosen site(s) in the Holy Land. We only urge donations so that we can make all necessary arrangements such as security and travel.

Please write your special prayer request here.

Praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre: My Experience

Praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre: My Experience

Despite temperatures touching 90 degrees, prayers don’t stop at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter of the old city. It is hard to believe that these modest walls house the site where Christianity’s four most important events — the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, are said to have occurred.

What is Significant about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?

The Gospels tell us that the Lord, Jesus, was crucified at Golgotha – the place of the skull. The current complex encompasses that original location. One cannot help but feel overwhelmed by the scope of history and faith that surrounds the courtyard. Wars have been fought and tales of honor among the vanquished abound.

Who Worships at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?

Today, the joint ownership of the Church lies mainly with the Greek Orthodox, the Armenian Orthodox, and the Roman Catholic denominations.

The outer walls of the Church display signs of classic Roman and Baroque architecture. However, parts of the structure have been razed and rebuilt several times. The entrance to the complex can be accessed via a flight of stairs leading up from the‘Cardo’ — the main street of Jerusalem.

Who Holds the Keys to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?

Interestingly, the keys to the Church have traditionally been kept by a Sunni Muslim family since the time of Emperor Saladin. The story goes that the Caliph Umar took possession of the Church peacefully from the Roman patriarch Sophronius on the condition that the houses of worship in Jerusalem would not be harmed. To fulfill these conditions, the Caliph entrusted the keys to a loyal Muslim household called ‘Nussaiba’. When Emperor Saladin re-conquered the city from the Crusaders, he honored Caliph Umar’s arrangement by engaging another Muslim family called ‘Al-Goudia’.

Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

At the entrance to the Church building, there is usually a long line of pilgrims waiting to be admitted. A series of steps lead up to the Hill of Calvary, where lie two chapels. The lavishly decorated one on the left is believed to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion. The chapel to the right marks the spot where Jesus was nailed to the Cross. The Rock of Calvary, from the abandoned quarry that existed in Jesus’ time, is now encased in glass beneath the altar, with an opening through which you can touch the old limestone. You can even see a fissure in the rock which is consistent with the story that the earth cracked open upon Jesus’ death as mentioned in the New Testament.

The two chapels correspond to the Eleventh and Twelfth Stations of the Cross or the Via Dolorosa. The Tenth Station, where Jesus is stripped of his garments, also occurred on Calvary. As one watches these divine relics, the Apostle’s Creed comes instinctively to mind:

“I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit; born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into Hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven; And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; The Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.“

From the Chapel of the Crucifixion, you can move on to the Stone of Anointing, now covered with a building and lined with ornate candlesticks and frescoes. This is the place where Jesus’ body was laid down and prepared for burial.

If you wish you can visit the immaculate Iconostasis – the link between heaven and the holy place. The Armenian Station of the Holy Women is commemorated by a circular slab with four pillars supporting a marble roof. From here, Mary and the women of Jerusalem are said to have watched the Crucifixion.

The Real Tomb of Jesus Christ

Going past the Station of the Holy Women, you reach the Rotunda, which houses the Tomb of Christ under a massive dome. Archaeologically, this site has been confirmed to be either the actual site of Jesus’ tomb or very close to it because a real tomb existed at the current spot. This area is flanked by barricades where Christian faithful the world over can come and pray for all kinds of miracles. For this is the site of the greatest miracle of all – Jesus Christ’s Resurrection from death — a signifier of forgiveness for mankind’s sins. This site is universally accepted as being the holiest site in Christianity and praying here is an experience Christians should simply not miss.

You can volunteer to pray overnight at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre even as you learn to wait for mass offerings in three different traditions. The doors close by 9 pm at the latest and only open at 4 in the morning. As the Franciscan priests put it, praying at the Holy Sepulchre Church can be painful but very spiritually rewarding afterward.

If by any chance, you are unable to make it to this holiest of holy sites in your lifetime, The Salvation Garden praying community can send a delegation here to pray on your behalf. We will send you photographs and videos of your prayer being recited should you so choose, for a small donation. These donations go toward travel and other logistics to make the trip possible and are only a fraction of the cost it would take for you to perform the journey on your own. Send a prayer request to the Holy Sepulchre Church today.

6 Reasons Why We Pray in the Holy Lands

6 Reasons Why We Pray in the Holy Lands

6 Reasons Why We Pray in the Holy Lands
For most Christians, the places and sites where Jesus was born, grew up, lived, preached, was crucified, and was resurrected, are not just sites of historical importance but inspirational witnesses to purpose and sanctity of their lives on earth. While prayer is a deeply personal experience, praying in the holy lands as part of a group offers you a chance to connect and commune with God in unison. In unity there is much power.

Here are 6 compelling reasons why the faithful continue to pray and should continue to pray in the monumental churches and shrines of Israel.

1. Strength in Numbers:
To quote from the Old Testament, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”

2. Getting a Glimpse into the life and times of Jesus:
We also offer prayer requests in the Holy lands because seeing, being able to touch and feel, stones, soils, trees, and churches, and being able to smell the same air being moved by forces as ancient to this earth as Jesus Christ himself, can be a profound, possibly, life-changing experience. Through actual images the splendor and majesty of a holy shrine may fully be revealed.

3. Enhancing Belief:
Access to the holy lands can add to your sense of belief in a real and tangible God – a God who created the cosmos but still sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to live among and intercede for mankind. Christian tenets teach us to have faith without demanding proof in God’s existence. But witnessing for yourself, the places in which so many of Jesus’ parables unfolded, gives you a better understanding of biblical references and their place in your own belief system.

4. Learning to Pray the Right Way:
Romans 8:26–27: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” It is believed that the Holy Spirit will help us when we are unable to form coherent words for prayer. This follows from the verses above.If we pray incorrectly, the Holy Spirit corrects the errors in our prayers before they are offered to our heavenly Father. To support this argument by another example, consider verse 27 of the same book: the Holy Spirit “intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

5. Gaining a More Diverse World View:
The holy lands are unique in that they are the only place where churches of many denominations coexist. Not only do Christian churches pray alongside Jewish synagogues, in Jerusalem, but these are also some of the holiest sites for Muslims and those of the Bahai faith. When you are offering prayers in close proximity to communities with varying rituals and practices, you begin to get better at and gain respect for your own.

6. Learning from the Community:
Pilgrimages to the holy lands of Jerusalem, Jaffa, Capernaum, Mount Tabor, Gallicantu, and the Mount of Olives brings you closer to those travelling with you. You learn to respect traditions, cultures, and discipline. You also begin to learn how to be a better Christian by learning from the strengths of others.

The Salvation Garden virtually opens the gates for you, and for Christians around the world, giving you direct access to Jerusalem’s holy sites. Now you can send your prayer and have it physically placed in your chosen site of worship in the Holy Land. Write your online prayer request here.

Valley of Elah: Prayer Request for Winning

Valley of Elah: Where David Defeated Goliath

Do you need to win over something? Be bigger than your fears, like in the biblical story of David and Goliath!

Join us for a special prayer in the Valley of Elah, in the heart of the Holy Land, at the exact historic site of the famous battle between David and Goliath.

Valley of Elah Prayer Request

To place your prayer request for the special delegation to the Valley of Elah, please click here. There, write your personal prayer request, select at least one holy church, and click Continue. In the next page, select the Valley of Elah option. Your generous donations cover the travel and security arrangements, thank you!

Valley of Elah Prayer Request for Winning

David and Goliath: Faith of Strength

The Bible tells us how the Philistine army had gathered for war against Israel. The two armies faced each other, camped for battle on opposite sides of a steep valley. A Philistine giant measuring over nine feet tall and wearing full armor came out each day for forty days, mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight. His name was Goliath. Saul, the King of Israel, and the whole army were terrified of Goliath.

One day, David, the youngest son of Jesse, was sent to the battle lines by his father to bring back news of his brothers. David was just a young teenager at the time. While there, David heard Goliath shouting his daily defiance, and he saw the great fear stirred within the men of Israel. David responded, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of God?”

So David volunteered to fight Goliath. It took some persuasion, but King Saul finally agreed to let David oppose the giant. Dressed in his simple tunic, carrying his shepherd’s staff, sling, and a pouch full of stones, David approached Goliath. The giant cursed at him, hurling threats and insults.

David said to the Philistine:

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied … today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air … and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel … it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:45-47)

As Goliath moved in for the kill, David reached into his bag and slung one of his stones at Goliath’s head. It found a hole in the armor and sank into the giant’s forehead. He fell face down on the ground. David then took Goliath’s sword, killed him and cut off his head. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. The Israelites pursued, chasing and killing them and plundering their camp.

Prayer Request for Winning, Healing, Faith

Sometimes prayer is the answer. The team of The Salvation Garden works hard to take prayer requests from all around the world to the holy sites of the Holy Land. The heartwarming thank-you letters give us the energy to continue. The stories about prayers answered and true miracles strengthen our faith.

Most days, we pray for you at the holy churches of Jerusalem. From time to time, we arrange a special delegation to an important pilgrimage site, taking your prayer requests to the most unique sites of Israel, where Jesus lived and preached.

This time, we invite you to join us in prayer at the ancient site of the Valley of Elah, the place where David defeated Goliath. This is where the bible teaches us that size doesn’t matter and doesn’t determine what’s possible for each and very one of us.

We can all do unimaginable things, conquer our fears, win, heal, help others. Just like the young David did, with faith in the Lord.

We believe that anything is possible and that we must not underestimate our capabilities. With a faithful prayer, you too can set your path in the right direction and have God with you along the way.

Prayer Request at the Valley of Elah

The Valley of Elah is located about 17 miles west of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, on the Western edge of the Judean lower hills. It’s not a developed site and a little difficult to reach. The delegation would take both a 4×4 vehicle, some hot weather walking, and security arrangements.

Any member of our community who sends a prayer request for the Valley of Elah will receive a photo of the printed prayer request with the view of the Valley of Elah. We will pray for you there, where David defeated Goliath, where Godly miracles happen.

To place your prayer request for the special delegation to the Valley of Elah, please click here.

There, write your personal prayer request, select at least one holy church, and click Continue. In the next page, select the Valley of Elah option. Your generous donations cover the travel and security arrangements, thank you!

This first special delegation took place on May 8th, 2021. The next is scheduled for later in June 2021. 

Valley of Elah Prayer Request David and Goliath

Church of All Nations

Send Prayer Request Online at the Church of All Nations

The Church of All Nations sits at the base of the Mount of Olives. Right next to the church are eight ancient olive trees, growing old in the Garden of Gethsemane. One of the trees is over 2,000 years old. Local Christians believe it gave Christ shelter as He prayed the night before His crucifixion.

Olive tree from the time of Jesus Christ
Olive tree from the time of Jesus Christ.

“And in His Anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:44

This holy site used to be called the Church of Agony. In the center of the church is the rock where Jesus stopped to pray, before He was arrested by Roman soldiers. Because of that, the original name of the church comes from the bible and His prayers of agony. 

The bedrock where Jesus prayed in anguish
The bedrock where Jesus prayed in anguish.

The current structure is built on top of the foundations of two earlier churches. The first, a 4th century basilica was destroyed in an earthquake in 746 AD. After that, crusaders built a church in the 12th century, but it was abandoned in 1345 AD.

The Church of All Nations was completed June 24th, 1924. During the renovations, a Greek inscription was found on the floor that reads, “for the memory and repose of the lovers of Christ… accept the offering of your servants and give them remission of sins”.

Money for the construction was donated from twelve different countries from around the globe. Of course, this is why we call it the Church of All Nations today. 

make a unity prayer request

It is the perfect place to make a unity prayer request. The building and the garden are maintained by the Roman Catholic Church, but it is regularly used by Christians of all denominations. Protestants, Evangelicals, Lutherans, Armenian Apostolic, Eastern Orthodox and more all worship in this church.

The multi-denomination use is culturally unique and hard to find anywhere else in the world. It is truly a Church of All Nations. 

“For I know their works and their thoughts; the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and see My Glory.” Isaiah 66:18

How Can The Salvation Garden Help You?

The Salvation Garden believes that every believer in the world should be easily able to access the holy places of the Holy Land. We want to assist you in achieving success in your spiritual and material life.

Those who are unable to make it to these pilgrimage sites, we volunteer to carry your prayers to one of the holiest sites in these lands.

Click here to fill the online prayer request form with your personal prayer. Choose Church of All Nations or multiple holy churches and holy places in the Holy Land.

We will visit those holy places and personally deliver your printed prayer request. You will get the delivery confirmation from us to your email and an optional video.

We also deliver your urgent prayer request to the Holy Land. While our service comes free, your donations help us with our travel, printing, security, and other expenses.

The Prayer That Saved My Life

The Prayer That Saved My Life

PRAYER FOR HEALING

We have read various accounts of Christ’s miracles and how His healing touch cured the devout. But how many of us have experienced these miraculous happenings in our lives? In today’s age of nuclear medicine and the latest advances in surgery and methods of treatment, should we turn to the Supreme Power or simply believe in the advancement of science? Such thoughts cloud our mind time and again. And I was no exception. I had heard about how people who are unable to visit holy places send a prayer request for the sick to a place of their choice or send a prayer request to Israel, but I didn’t give it much thought till a life-altering ailment shattered my very existence.

I had lost my mother a month ago and was trying to come to terms with my loss. I had stopped going out with my friends and refused to be a part of any social or family gatherings; I hated the look of sympathy in people’s eyes. Their words of comfort made me more miserable and wallow in self-pity. I would feel restless and wanted to spend time alone. I had forgotten to live, I merely existed.

One day, I noticed a small lump on my breast. I didn’t think much about it and chose to ignore it. Within a short span of time, I noticed that more lumps had developed. I confided in my maternal aunt, who told me to consult my family physician immediately. I was referred to an oncologist who asked me to undergo tests. My worst fears came true when the test results confirmed that I had breast carcinoma. I had always been a Believer and faithful follower of the Lord, but the first question that came to my mind was: “Why me, God?” I was only 26 years old and had always led a disciplined life. Then how could this happen to me of all people? Neither of my parents had a family history of carcinoma. No one in my family had ever succumbed to the dreadful disease. I kept asking God: “How could I, of all people, be diagnosed with cancer?” Why were mishaps occurring in my life in quick succession?

Although the Scripture advises us to pray, all I wanted to do was cry out to God in despair; but words failed me as I tried to pray. My aunt, who had been a pillar of strength, suggested that I consider sending a prayer request to Israel. This gave rise to more questions in my mind. Does God heal everyone? Why are some people bereft of His healing touch? Will my prayers be answered? Will I be able to receive His healing balm? Although I had been diagnosed with carcinoma, my oncologist had advised further tests to confirm and diagnose the stage of cancer and prepare a plan of treatment. My aunt told me of a few acquaintances who had sent a prayer for the sick and received His blessings. As it was not possible for me to undertake a pilgrimage to the Holy Land due to my health, as well as expenses involved, I decided to give it a thought. With a lot of trepidation in my heart, I surfed the Internet to choose a church and send a prayer request to Israel. I decided to surrender myself to the Lord and trust Him completely to deliver me from my state of hopelessness.

I had never felt so helpless in my life until this juncture, but I had nothing to lose as I turned to the Eternal Power. A few days later, I received a confirmation of acceptance of my prayer request to Israel at the church that I had chosen. I received a video of my prayer request for the sick and felt a glimmer of hope in my body, mind, and spirit. My test results confirmed that, although I had been diagnosed with breast carcinoma, it was in the early stages. As I heaved a sigh of relief, a sense of gratitude filled my mind and heart. I still needed surgery and several weeks of radiotherapy, but I was renewed with the courage to fight and win my battle against the disease.

Many times we face such a predicament in life or see our near and dear ones suffering physically and mentally. Sending a prayer request for the sick can deliver us from our pain or mend our broken heart. Physicians and medicines can provide relief to our bodily ailments, but we need to turn to the Supreme Power for inner healing. We reach out to family and friends in their times of crisis, but we don’t know who to really turn to in our hour of need. Send a prayer request to Israel and receive the Lord’s miraculous healing touch. Remember, you are not alone in your suffering; the Lord is always with you.

Online Prayer Request — How Does It Work?

ONLINE PRAYER REQUEST — HOW DOES IT WORK?

online prayer request
There comes a time in our lives when there seems to be no solution to our problems. No matter how hard we try, we feel that all doors are closed. It could be a marriage that’s falling apart, failure in studies, a long stretch of unemployment, coping with the death of someone you love, or a prolonged period of illness. Or, it may seem that you have everything in life, yet there is a void; your troubles remain hidden from even your family members and close friends and you go about your daily duties, but it leaves you scarred with mental health issues. Most of us turn to God to seek solace and strength so that we may emerge strong and victorious at the end of our struggle. If you want to send a prayer request to the Holy Land in your hour of trauma or grief but it is not possible for you to travel due to personal reasons, frail health or additional expenses, then consider sending an online prayer request.

Following a few easy steps will enable you to send an online prayer request to a holy site of your choice. You can fill in a prayer request form online for yourself, a family member, a friend, or a loved one. You can put down your thoughts either by filling in the request form or writing it down on a piece of paper, taking a snapshot, and uploading it. A nominal fee of $4 – $16 lets you choose your preferred mode of confirmation. An email, digital photographs, or a hard copy of the photos can be sent to your residential address. Read on to learn more about the places where you can send a prayer request to and seek the Almighty’s blessings.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Online Prayer Request at Church of the Holy Sepulchre

This church, also known as the Church of the Anastasis or the Church of the Resurrection, is located within the Old City of Jerusalem. The holy site is significant as it is believed to be the site where Christ was crucified; it also houses Christ’s empty tomb. In 325 AD, Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor, built the church; Constantine’s mother Helena discovered the “True Cross”. It is widely believed that the Stone of Anointing marks the spot where Joseph of Arimathea prepared Christ’s body for burial. The main altar contains the Rock of Calvary; it is the most visited spot in the church. Traditionally, the Calvary is believed to be the site of Christ’s crucifixion. If you are unable to travel to the holy site, you can send an online prayer request to receive the healing touch of the Almighty.

Garden Tomb

The Garden Tomb

The Golgotha or “the place of the skull” is believed to be the site of Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Further excavations have revealed religious markings (signs of Christian Burials) dating back to the days of Christ. An anchor-cross on the outside wall and a cross carved into the rock face above the tomb were discovered. Two painted crosses were found inside the tomb with Byzantine markings dating back to the 5th or 6th centuries; the crosses were accompanied by Greek letters which referred to Christ as the Alpha and Omega. You can send a prayer request and let His holy touch deliver you from your physical and mental pain.

Church of All Nations

There are olive trees dating back hundreds of years at this holy site; popular belief suggests that these trees stood witness when Christ prayed in mortal pain on the eve of his Passion. Hence the Church of All Nations is also known as the Basilica of the Agony. The tympanum is decorated with a modern mosaic; it represents the bond between Christ and Mankind. The lunette in the apse features a mosaic depicting Christ in agony being comforted by an Angel. The side apses have mosaic representations of incidents of Christ’s Passion like the Arrest of Jesus and the Kiss of Judas. You can send an online prayer request to seek divine blessings in your hour of pain.

Abbey of the Dormition

This German Byzantine monastic church is situated on top of Mount Zion. It is said to be the site of the Virgin Mary’s “dormition” or “falling asleep” and ascension to heaven. The dome, floor, and walls are decorated with mosaics depicting the Prophets and Apostles. Above the main altar, the apse features a golden Byzantine-style mosaic portraying the Madonna and Child from 1939. The crypt contains an ivory sculpture of the resting Virgin Mary. You can send a prayer request to this holy site to gain relief from your pain and anguish.

St. Peter’s Church

St. Peters Church

This church faces the West, as opposed to most other churches, which face East. The site where the Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter is situated has been revered as a Christian center for more than a thousand years. A church and an inn for pilgrims were constructed here in the 16th century, probably on the ruins of another church. The construction of the present church was finished in 1894. There is a wooden pulpit inside the church carved in the form of a fruiting tree. The arms of Christ and Francis are crossed over the Tau Cross. Below the Franciscan Cross is the cross of the Holy Land, a Greek cross in red with a white background and four similar crosses, one in each quadrant; it is also known as the “Jerusalem Cross”. In Aramaic, Peter’s name is referred to as Cepha, the word for “rock”; legend goes that Christ had told St. Peter at Banias that he is the “rock” upon which his church would be built. When this church was built, the cross was fastened upon a rock brought from Banias. You can send a prayer to receive the much-needed balm for your aching mind and body.

We, The Salvation Garden, offer you the chance to send your urgent prayer requests for any reason. Allow us to pray for you! Send your Urgent Prayer Requests now.

Our dedicated team members will personally take your urgent prayer requests to a Church of your choice in the Holy Land and then offer them to our Lord. After we bring your prayer requests to your chosen Holy Church, we will send you videos or pictures to assure you.

Personal Prayer for Healing Sick People

Know Someone Sick? Maybe A Prayer Can Help​

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There are times when you lose track of time and life seems to be a losing battle. You seem to be losing hope in your daily struggle for survival as both your body and soul are weary due to chronic illness; and, despite taking your medicines judiciously, there is no marked improvement. Divine blessings may be the magic pill that you need in these trying circumstances, to deliver you from this state of despair and hopelessness. If you are physically unable to travel to your chosen destination to seek blessings from the Supreme Power, sending a prayer for the sick could give you a glimmer of hope and the much-needed will to overcome your feeling of helplessness. Read on to find out more about the places you can reach out to and send a prayer request to the Holy Land.

The Holy Sepulchre Entrance

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also known as Holy Sepulchre, is believed to be the place where Christ was crucified, buried and resurrected. As early as the 2nd century, the hill where the church is located has been a site of worship; the first building that was built here was a temple dedicated to the worship of Aphrodite. One can see the Stone of Unction, which marks the spot where Jesus’s body was prepared for burial, the Angel’s Stone (a piece of the rock used to seal Christ’s tomb), and the tomb itself. The New Testament claims that Christ was crucified at Golgotha, the place of the skull. Constantine the Great constructed the first church on the site. Saint Helena, Constantine’s mother, discovered the relic of the “True Cross” of Christ’s Crucifixion in 326 C.E. You can send a request for a prayer for the sick to this revered site and seek Christ’s blessings for you and your loved ones.

The Garden Tomb

Garden Tomb

The Garden Tomb is located outside the city walls of Jerusalem; its proximity lies close to the Damascus Gate. Popular belief suggests that the site, also known as Gordon’s Calvary, was the place of Christ’s burial and resurrection. Although the tomb was discovered in 1867, archaeologists have traced its origins to 9th-7th BC, corresponding with the era of the Old Testament. The scriptures mention “Golgotha,” which means “skull’ in Aramaic, as the site of Christ’s crucifixion. If you cannot undertake the journey to this holy site due to poor health, you can send a prayer for the sick and receive the Lord’s divine blessings.

Church of All Nations

In 1924, the Church of All Nations, also known as the Basilica of the Agony, was constructed on the remains of a 4th-century basilica and a chapel built by the Crusaders in the 12th century. The church is located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem alongside the Garden of Gethsemane facing the walls of the Old City. The bubble-domed roof gives the structure a distinct Byzantine appearance. A magnificent mosaic spread across a row of Corinthian columns depicts Christ as an intermediary between God and humankind. The church marks the place where Christ prayed on a section of the bedrock in the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of his arrest and crucifixion. If the expense of travel acts as a deterrent or it is not possible to leave your ailing near and dear one alone, you can send a prayer for the sick.

Abbey of the Dormition

The name “Dormition” means “coma”, and the neo-Romanesque monastic church located on Mount Zion commemorates the Virgin Mary’s “eternal sleep” and ascension to heaven. In the early 20th century, the complex was constructed over the ruins of a Byzantine church; hence, it is also known as Hagia-Maria-Sion Abbey. In 1898, German emperor Wilhelm II built the church on a piece of land received from the Ottoman sultan during his visit to the Holy Land. In 1910, the church was inaugurated and stands out as a major landmark with its round shape, lead-covered conical roof, four turrets, and bell tower. If you are too weak to travel to this holy site, you can send a prayer request to the Holy Land and let the Lord’s healing powers touch you.

St. Peters Church

St. Peter’s Church

The church, built in 1931, is located on the eastern slope of Mount Zion outside the Old City of Jerusalem. The site is believed to be the palace of the High Priest Caiaphas and the place where Christ was arrested and imprisoned. It commemorates the triple denial of Christ’s apostle Peter, his repentance, and reconciliation with Jesus after the Resurrection. You can visit the church from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or send a prayer request for the sick.

You can travel to these holy sites or send a prayer request to the Holy Land to regain your physical as well as mental strength. A prayer for the sick can soothe your frayed nerves or give you the courage to soldier on.


Send a Prayer for Healing & the Sick

Holy places for Christianity in Jerusalem

Holy Places for Christianity in Jerusalem

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As you skim through the pages of travel glossies, surf the Internet or engage in animated conversations with your friends and family to select your next destination for religious succour, one name that crops up is: Jerusalem. This ancient city boasts of a concentration of holy sites that are of utmost significance to devout followers of Christianity. But if undertaking a pilgrimage acts as a deterrent or you are faced by other hurdles, consider sending a prayer request to these holy sites. Let us take a look at some of these places where you can Send a Prayer Request to Jerusalem.

The Holy Sepulchre Entrance

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also known as Holy Sepulchre, is believed to be the place where Christ was crucified, buried and resurrected. As early as the 2nd century, the hill where the church is located has been a site of worship; the first building that was built here was a temple dedicated to the worship of Aphrodite. One can see the Stone of Unction, which marks the spot where Jesus’s body was prepared for burial, the Angel’s Stone (a piece of the rock used to seal Christ’s tomb), and the tomb itself. The New Testament claims that Christ was crucified at Golgotha, the place of the skull. Constantine the Great constructed the first church on the site. Saint Helena, Constantine’s mother, discovered the relic of the “True Cross” of Christ’s Crucifixion in 326 C.E.
The visiting hours during April-September are between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. except on Sundays when it closes at 8 p.m.; one can visit the church from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. during October-March. You can avoid the long winding queue at the church by sending a prayer request.

The Garden Tomb

Garden Tomb

The discovery of The Garden Tomb dates back to 1867. Some Christians consider the site to be an alternate location of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The Garden is referred to in the Bible as Golgotha or “Calvary”, it comprises a rock formation similar to the shape of a skull. The site is an ideal choice for prayer and reflection. There are places for visitors to take rest, drinking water and other facilities, and wheelchair access. The site is of utmost importance to both Evangelical and Protestant Christians. The Tomb gained Biblical prominence when General Charles Gordon (also known as Gordon of Khartoum)  discovered the site in 1883. According to archaeologists, the tombs can be traced back to the 7th to 5th centuries BCE. Visitors can explore the place throughout the week from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to noon and 2-5.30 p.m. Alternatively, you can send a prayer request.

Church of All Nations

In 1924, the Church of All Nations, also known as the Basilica of the Agony, was constructed on the remains of a 4th-century basilica and a chapel built by the Crusaders in the 12th century. The church is located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem alongside the Garden of Gethsemane facing the walls of the Old City. The bubble-domed roof gives the structure a distinct Byzantine appearance. A magnificent mosaic spread across a row of Corinthian columns depicts Christ as an intermediary between God and humankind. The church marks the place where Christ prayed on a section of the bedrock in the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of his arrest and crucifixion.
The site is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to noon and 2-6 p.m. Visiting hours are until 5 p.m. between October and March.
If time constraints or other factors act as a deterrent for you to physically visit the place, you can always send a prayer request to Jerusalem to this holy site.

 

Abbey of the Dormition

The name “Dormition” means “coma”, and the neo-Romanesque monastic church located on Mount Zion commemorates the Virgin Mary’s “eternal sleep” and ascension to heaven. In the early 20th century, the complex was constructed over the ruins of a Byzantine church; hence, it is also known as Hagia-Maria-Sion Abbey. In 1898, German emperor Wilhelm II built the church on a piece of land received from the Ottoman sultan during his visit to the Holy Land. In 1910, the church was inaugurated and stands out as a major landmark with its round shape, lead-covered conical roof, four turrets, and bell tower.
The site is open to visitors from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m on Working days.
Alternatively, you can always send a prayer request.

St. Peter’s Church

The church, built in 1931, is located on the eastern slope of Mount Zion outside the Old City of Jerusalem. The site is believed to be the palace of the High Priest Caiaphas and the place where Christ was arrested and imprisoned. It commemorates the triple denial of Christ’s apostle Peter, his repentance, and reconciliation with Jesus after the Resurrection. You can visit the church at the following times: from Mon-Fri: 8am to 11.45am, 3pm to 5pm. Sunday 3pm to 5pm.

Or send a prayer request online and we will deliver the prayer on your behalf.

 

 

Lighting a Candle in Holy Places at the Holy Land

LIGHTING A CANDLE IN HOLY PLACES AT THE HOLY LAND

Light a candle in Jerusalem

You wake up and go about your daily grind both at work and home with a smile on your face. But there are moments when your weary soul seeks rest and ponders over your achievements and failures. Your soul yearns for a bit of divine intervention for boosting your morale and giving you the inner strength to soldier on. A prayer request may be the answer and work wonders for your troubled soul. Learn more about some of the holy sites you can consider reaching out to, to send a prayer request in Israel.

HISTORY

Traditionally, lighting candles is an important practice in Catholic churches, communities, and homes. Its origins date back to the Old Testament where an oil lamp was lit to signify the burning of an eternal flame. The devout prepare an altar in the temple of the Lord and burn incense, offerings and lampstands or candles to worship God and offer prayers of thanksgiving and implore His forgiveness for every sin.

The New Testament upholds the sanctity of this light in Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews. Christians believe that a candle symbolizes the light of God or Christ. The New Testament upholds Christ’s followers creating light to signify communion with Him as well as serve as offering to God. Since these lights symbolize Christ and the Light of the world, the devout that congregate in prayer illumine their lives and those for whom they pray.

Candles are lit at the altar in memory of near and dear ones, during prayer, at Mass, at funerals and liturgical processions, and at evening prayer ceremonies. Devotees light candles before the Tabernacle to show reverence as well as signify God’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

The definition, meaning, and emblem of candles as a symbol of Christianity can be traced back to the Easton Bible Dictionary. One can find the frequent usage of the term “lamp”. The Hebrew word referring to “any kind of candle, lamp or torch” denotes a figure of conscience, a Christian example, and prosperity.

SIGNIFICANCE

According to Christian theology, Christ is recognized as the light of the world. Hence lighting a candle is associated with salient features of Christianity like Cleansing and Purification of Impurities. Devout Christians believe that lighting candles can keep one safe from all the inequities of the earth, and witchcraft.

The flame emanating from the candles signifies obedience, while the heat that is emitted portrays humility. A prayer request in Israel for lighting a candle goes a long way in strengthening your beliefs and devotion.

Candles are an integral part of your silent communion with God. Whether you are praying for the old and ailing, your family, or anyone close to your heart, lighting candles in a church is a tangible sign of faith. When you light a candle, it burns as a symbol of the divine fire present in all of us; it indicates a flaming passion that warms us and makes us a part of that Light symbolizing Christ. The practise of lighting a candle for the Virgin Mary in a Church or Chapel of a Saint is performing an act of love towards God, Christ, and his Holy Mother. Sending a prayer request to Israel will help you in your quest to reach out to the Eternal Power.

We, The Salvation Garden, offer you the chance to send your urgent prayer requests for any reason. Allow us to pray for you! Send your Urgent Prayer Requests now.

Our dedicated team members will personally take your urgent prayer requests to a Church of your choice in the Holy Land and then offer them to our Lord. After we bring your prayer requests to your chosen Holy Church, we will send you videos or pictures to assure you.

Jerusalem and It’s Holy Sites

Jerusalem and It’s Holy Sites

If you have reached the crossroads of your life and feel the need for divine intervention or your worn out soul seeks solace, try walking down the prayer request route.

As you scan the map to zero in on a place of your choice, try considering Jerusalem and its holy sites for your communion with the Supreme Power. If your busy schedule does not allow you to travel, you can opt for sending a prayer request sitting in the confines of your home or workplace. Read on to know more about the holy sites where you can send a prayer request to Jerusalem.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also known as Holy Sepulchre, is believed to be the place where Christ was crucified, buried and resurrected. As early as the 2nd century, the hill where the church is located has been a site of worship; the first building that was built here was a temple dedicated to the worship of Aphrodite. One can see the Stone of Unction, which marks the spot where Jesus’s body was prepared for burial, the Angel’s Stone (a piece of the rock used to seal Christ’s tomb), and the tomb itself. The New Testament claims that Christ was crucified at Golgotha, the place of the skull. Constantine the Great constructed the first church on the site. Saint Helena, Constantine’s mother, discovered the relic of the “True Cross” of Christ’s Crucifixion in 326 C.E. You can send a request for a prayer to this revered site and seek Christ’s blessings for you and your loved ones.

Send your prayer to the Holy Sepulchre

Garden Tomb

The Garden Tomb

The Garden Tomb is located outside the city walls of Jerusalem; its proximity lies close to the Damascus Gate. Popular belief suggests that the site, also known as Gordon’s Calvary, was the place of Christ’s burial and resurrection. Although the tomb was discovered in 1867, archaeologists have traced its origins to 9th-7th BC, corresponding with the era of the Old Testament. The scriptures mention “Golgotha,” which means “skull’ in Aramaic, as the site of Christ’s crucifixion. Visitors can explore the place Monday to Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Alternatively, you can send a prayer request.

Send your prayer to the Garden Tomb

Church of All Nations

Church of All Nations

In 1924, the Church of All Nations, also known as the Basilica of the Agony, was constructed on the remains of a 4th-century basilica and a chapel built by the Crusaders in the 12th century. The church is located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem alongside the Garden of Gethsemane facing the walls of the Old City. The bubble-domed roof gives the structure a distinct Byzantine appearance. A magnificent mosaic spread across a row of Corinthian columns depicts Christ as an intermediary between God and humankind. The church marks the place where Christ prayed on a section of the bedrock in the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of his arrest and crucifixion.
One can visit the site from 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. During October to March, the visiting hours in the afternoon are restricted till 5 p.m. If time constraints or other factors are a hindrance for you to physically visit the place, you can always send a prayer request to Jerusalem to this site of holy prominence.

Send your prayer to Church of All Nations​

Abbey of the Dormition

The name “Dormition” means “coma”, and the neo-Romanesque monastic church located on Mount Zion commemorates the Virgin Mary’s “eternal sleep” and ascension to heaven. In the early 20th century, the complex was constructed over the ruins of a Byzantine church; hence, it is also known as Hagia-Maria-Sion Abbey. In 1898, German emperor Wilhelm II built the church on a piece of land received from the Ottoman sultan during his visit to the Holy Land. In 1910, the church was inaugurated and stands out as a major landmark with its round shape, lead-covered conical roof, four turrets, and bell tower. If you wish to seek divine blessings but avoid the hassle of remembering the different visiting hours, you can send a prayer request to Jerusalem.

Send your prayer to Abbey of the Dormition

St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church

The church, built in 1931, is located on the eastern slope of Mount Zion outside the Old City of Jerusalem. The site is believed to be the palace of the High Priest Caiaphas and the place where Christ was arrested and imprisoned. It commemorates the triple denial of Christ’s apostle Peter, his repentance, and reconciliation with Jesus after the Resurrection. You can visit the church from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or send a prayer request.

Send your prayer to St. Peter’s Church

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