The Golden Gate Jerusalem Israel

Location Name
The Golden Gate Jerusalem Israel

Street Address
On the eastern side of the wall of Jesusalem

City
Jerusalem

Type of Prayer Place
Other

Description

You really can’t actually get near this gate to pray without being in an Arab cemetery so the best place to mediate and pray facing the Golden Gate is on the front porch of the Church of All Nations looking across from the Mt. of Olives to Jerusalem. This gate was sealed off in 1541 by the Ottoman Sultan because it is prophesied to be the gate through which the Messiah will enter Jerusalem. In addition to sealing the gate, a Muslim cemetery was placed in front of it in the belief that this would also prevent the Messiah from entering. In Jewish tradition this is the gate through which the Shekhinah glory of God appeared and will again shine when the Messiah comes. It is also called the Gate of Mercy because Jews would gather there to pray for mercy. The Biblical text that says that the Messiah will enter here is in Ezekiel 44:1-3. Tradition also holds that this is the gate through which Christ entered on Palm Sunday. Also, this is said to be where the parents of Mary met.

How I used this place of prayer
My friend Charlene Stamper had advised me before my trip to take a moment on the front porch of the Church of All Nations to mediate on Christ’s second coming and to pray for the salvation of His people. I had been unaware before this of the gate or of it’s history and place in prophecy. As I stood praying while looking at the gate, it seemed absurd that men believed that they could prevent the entrance of the Messiah using stones and graves. I prayed, “Come Lord Jesus.”

Personal Tips
In addition to having a direct view of this gate from the porch of the Church of All Nations, there is a look-out point higher up on the Mount of Olives where we were taken via our tour bus that has an amazing view of the whole city. At this point you can get a clear shot of the Golden Gate without power lines blocking the view and it is also tends to be a quieter, more contemplative (though windy!) spot.

Added by Karen Barber on October 12, 2011