“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – 1 Peter 3:15
As conflict continues to unfold in Iran, our eyes are fixed firmly on God.
Alongside Words of Hope’s Persian language ministry team, all of us at Words of Hope are praying regularly for Iran, and especially for the people of Iran. We know God’s immense love for the people of Iran, and we have seen his faithful care and call despite opposition and persecution. The church in Iran is one of the fastest growing churches in the world, and believers continue to share the good news there with courage and boldness, despite the risk.
Together with believers in Iran, we are one family of faith (Eph 2:12-14), united in Christ. Our prayers are a way to stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Iran. They need our support, and in our prayers, we are interceding with them.
We pray for many reasons. Prayer is an act of faith. We believe that God hears and responds to our prayers. Our prayers are like a fragrant offering, used powerfully by God (Rev. 8:3-5). When our hearts are heavy with fear and grief, we know that God will hold the burden with us (Matt. 11:28-30). Our prayers make a difference, and we are encouraged to be constant in prayer (Rom. 12:12).
If you feel moved to pray for Iran too, we’d love for you to join us.
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Here are four ways to pray specifically for Iran
1.) Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ in Iran.
The church in Iran is small but vibrant, growing and active, and if you are a Christian, these believers are part of your family. Pray for protection for those who are living in war zones and active conflict. Pray for their daily bread—food, water, and shelter. Pray that they will continue to place their trust in God to meet their every need.
Psalm 61:1-5 – Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Psalm 9:9-10 – The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
2.) Pray for the persecuted church.
It is illegal to be a Christian in Iran, and believers face even more pressure right now. Prison sentences are increasing, and there is a backlash against Christians as a result of the war. Pray for their protection and strength in the midst of suffering. Pray for their courage and faith, that they might continue following Jesus and sharing the hope he brings.
Romans 8:35-39 — Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 – We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies.
3.) Pray for freedom for the country of Iran.
All people in Iran have been struggling under the injustices of the current government. Pray for just and righteous leaders in Iran. Pray for wisdom for global leaders. We hope with the weary people of Iran that freedom is possible.
Psalm 2:10-12 – Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. . . . Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Colossians 1:15-17 – [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
4.) Pray for the salvation of unreached people.
Pray for God’s abundant love and mercy for the people of Iran. As the people of Iran live in the fear of active conflict, pray that they will hear the good news and turn to Christ in hope.
Psalm 145:17-19 – The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
Romans 10:13 – Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
One way to pray when you don’t have words is to simply hold people in your heart before God. Let the Spirit intercede on your behalf. God knows his children and their needs even when you don’t, and when you pray this way, you are simply standing in solidarity with your brothers and sisters before God.
You can also pray with Scripture. We’ve suggested some passages above. As you read, pray these words for the people of Iran as your own prayers for them.
Thank you for praying!
