Here is an article fom Josh Arnold on how to pray for the situation in Iran. No matter whether you agree or not with the decison to strike Iran we shuld pray for it’s people.
4 Ways Christians Can Pray for the Situation in Iran
Joshua Arnold
America’s ongoing military campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran affects not only Iranians, but Americans too. U.S. Christians, in particular, have a role to play in bringing their petitions before the throne of grace. “This is where the Church has a distinct and indispensable role — to stand in prayer, to seek God’s wisdom and protection, and to engage the battle in the heavenlies with spiritual discernment and steadfast faith,” declared FRC President Tony Perkins.
But what should Christians pray? The answer to that question is all the more important amid momentous global changes that leave our heads spinning. The good news is, God has provided a timeless source of guidance on what to pray for in his word. Bible-believing Christians can agree in prayer by simply praying as the Bible directs us. At my church’s Sunday evening prayer meeting, we prayed corporately for four aspects of the situation in Iran. I believe all four aspects have biblical warrant, and so I share them now with you.
1. Pray for America’s Leaders
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions,” writes Paul, “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
The Apostle Paul commands the church to pray for government leaders, who are outside the church, in order that Christians may “lead a peaceful and quiet life.” Here, Paul is not endorsing pacificism or the utter avoidance of war at any cost — sometimes wars are necessary — but he does recognize that the church of Jesus Christ benefits when civil authorities maintain (or restore) international peace and internal order.
2. Pray for America’s Soldiers
Secondly, Christians can pray for America’s soldiers, those who put their own lives at risk to secure the safety and freedom of those of us who remain at home. Scripture presents military service as a legitimate career path in Luke 3:14, when repentant soldiers (presumably in the Roman army) ask John the Baptist what repentance should look like for them. Instead of telling them to get out of the military, John tells them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14).
Likewise, Christians should pray that our troops act morally — that they would not target innocent civilians, oppress the weak, or use their position for unjust gain.
3. Pray for Iranian Christians
Every Christian lives in a particular nation under particular leaders because that is simply how God created the world (Acts 17:26). Yet Christians should be concerned beyond the borders of our own nation because “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). That more fundamental bond of heavenly citizenship is one we share with “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (Revelation 7:9).
That includes Christians in Iran, who endure intense persecution under a regime so anti-Christian that a false religion is in its very name. In the first century, the Lord Jesus directed the Apostle John to tell the saints in Smyrna, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
4. Pray for the Iranian People
But, while Iranian believers should have priority in our international attentions, we should set our sights in prayer further still. “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith,” Paul writes (Galatians 6:10). This was his application following the encouragement, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
Since the Carter administration, the Iranian people have lived under a repressive regime radicalized by a false religion. The Islamic Republic of Iran cares less about the welfare of its people than the destruction of Israel and the United States — especially by means of conventional and nuclear missiles.
Proverbs illustrates the principles at play here. “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2), and “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
Asbury Chapel 