Prayers for Iran

"He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. 

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

 he burns the shields with fire."  Ps 46:9

A Prayer for Peace in the Middle East (2026);

Almighty God, our refuge and our strength, we turn to You as we witness the rising of conflict and the fear laid upon ordinary lives in Iran and across the region. We hold before You the innocent civilians—men, women, and children—whose futures feel unbearably fragile today.

We ask that You would:

• Protect the vulnerable: Be a fortress for those who cannot flee and a shield for those whose work is to heal.
• Guide the powerful: Break the cycle of violence and open paths for wisdom, restraint, and justice where none seem possible.
• Comfort the grieving: Be near to those who have lost homes, loved ones, and hope.

Lord, move our hearts to see Your image in every person caught in this storm. Let Your peace, which passes all understanding, take root in scorched and fearful places.

Amen.

The Underground "House Church" Movement

While the historic churches are legal, it is illegal in Iran for a Muslim to convert to Christianity. Despite this, experts and mission organizations often describe the Iranian underground church as one of the fastest-growing in the world.

• Farsi-Speaking: These believers meet in secret in private homes. They use the national language, Farsi, so they can understand the Bible and worship together.
• Digital Growth: Because physical gatherings are dangerous, many Iranians have accessed Christian teaching through satellite TV and secure internet apps. This window is now closed.
• Persecution: Believers in this movement face significant risks, including arrest and imprisonment. As of early 2026, reports indicate that crackdowns have intensified following regional instability.

The Silent Church 

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, 

and his ears are attentive to their cry;

 the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and

 saves those who are crushed in spirit."  Ps 34

 These words from Psalm 34 remind us that 92 million people in Iran are currently living behind a total digital blackout.

 Can you imagine what it’s like to have no communication with friends and family, the outside world and only state controlled TV and radio? Despite all this, they are not unheard. Even though the wires are cut and the screens are dark, we pray that God's Spirit would move freely across the land. We stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters practising their faith in isolation, asking that the Lord would be a voice for the silenced and a constant hope for the weary.

A Prayer for the People and Church of Iran

"Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, we lift up the 90 million people of Iran who are suffering in body and spirit. we remember especially our brothers and sisters in the Iranian church, asking for Your protection as they seek to be salt and light in a time of darkness.

We pray for:

• The Next Generation: That the children of Iran would be rescued from hopelessness and directed toward a future of life and peace.
• The Leaders: That the hearts of those in authority would be moved toward mercy and reconciliation.
• The Witness of the Gospel: That even in the midst of war, Your love would be a compelling testimony, bringing true freedom and healing to every village and city. We ask that the resilient and resourceful people of Iran may find ways to survive. 

May the Grace and Peace of our Savior be upon the land of Iran today.

Amen."

Did you know?

• Ancient Roots: Christianity has been in Iran for nearly 2,000 years.
• Biblical Connection: The "Magi" (Wise Men) who visited the infant Jesus are widely believed to have come from the Persian Empire.
• The Second Oldest Church: The Church of Mart Maryam in Urmia, Iran, is considered by some historians to be the second-oldest church building in the world.

It’s a powerful reminder for a congregation that the "Church" in a place like Iran isn't just a building—it's a resilient community of people practicing their faith in very challenging circumstances.

How should Christians pray about Trump? Would it be right to pray for a disabling illness, a small stroke, say, to happen to him?

Ultimately, the Christian solution for dealing with such a figure is to pray with ferocity for justice and protection for the innocent, while resisting the urge to become a judge who decides exactly how a life should end.

"But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" — Amos 5:24

This verse is a favorite for those praying for justice. It doesn't ask for a lightning bolt to strike an individual; it asks for a tide of righteousness that is so strong it simply washes away the chaos and disruption through sheer volume.
There is a powerful spiritual concept where a leader’s own actions become their undoing.

• The Justice: You can pray that his "toy-throwing" behavior becomes so transparently dangerous that even those who once supported him can no longer justify it. This isn't wishing for a stroke; it's wishing for a revelation. It’s a prayer that the mask of power falls off, leaving the small child exposed and unable to command the respect required to lead a nation.