Pray for Iran: Standing in the Gap at a Critical Hour
An Iranian woman stands at an overlook with a panoramic view of Tehran, Iran - IMB Photos
The events unfolding in Iran and across the Middle East over recent days have shaken the world. Following the joint US-Israeli military strikes that began on 28 February, the region is in turmoil. Supreme Leader Khamenei has been killed, civilian casualties are mounting, and Iran's retaliatory strikes have spread the conflict across the Gulf. Meanwhile, a near-total internet blackout has left millions of Iranians cut off from the outside world, and from one another.
For those of us who love the people of Iran and have prayed for years that they would know freedom, peace and the love of Christ, this is a moment that stirs deep and conflicting emotions. We grieve the loss of innocent life. We ache for families huddled in fear, for children caught in the crossfire, for a nation already scarred by months of brutal repression against its own protesters. And yet we also sense that something is shifting, that the prayers of God's people over many decades may be bearing fruit in ways we could never have orchestrated or predicted.
Those prayers are even more important now.
The Iranian church has endured decades of surveillance, arrest and persecution. Now, in the chaos of conflict, Christians are even more vulnerable to suspicion and reprisal. Reports reaching us from inside the country* speak of believers who are frightened but faithful, grieving but hopeful, clinging to the promise that God is sovereign even when the ground shakes beneath them.
We believe prayer matters. We believe it changes things. And we believe this is one of those moments when the global Church is called to stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters in Iran, and for the millions who have not yet heard the good news of Jesus.
Please join us in praying:
For the unity of the Iranian people. It is more important now than ever that people stay united and do not fracture into competing factions. Pray that a shared longing for peace and justice would hold the nation together through this turbulent season.
For God's protection over the transition. Pray that peace-loving, God-fearing people would move into places of influence, and that those who seek power for selfish gain would be held back. The character of Iran's future leadership will shape the lives of millions for generations to come. Ask God to soften hearts and restrain those who would choose violence over capitulation.
For the protection of prisoners. When the Assad regime fell in Syria, prisoners were executed so there would be no eyewitnesses to the atrocities committed behind closed doors. Pray urgently that this would not be repeated in Iran, and that the Lord would spare the lives of those held in the regime's prisons.
For wisdom for international leaders. Pray that every decision made by those with military and political power would genuinely serve the wellbeing of the Iranian people. Ask God to grant wisdom, restraint and compassion to all decision-makers.
For the Iranian church to hear God's voice. Pray that believers across Iran would be vigilant in listening to the Holy Spirit and would know exactly what to do in this unprecedented moment. Pray for their safety, their courage and their discernment.
For a great harvest. Pray that believers would be a source of light in these uncertain times and that many Iranians would choose to follow Christ. In the history of the Church, it has often been in the darkest hours that the gospel has advanced most powerfully. Pray that this would be such a time.
*Information sources that you can use to learn more:
https://globalchristianrelief.org/stories/as-iran-enters-a-new-and-uncertain-chapter-listen-to-the-church/
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/iran-urgent-prayer/
https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/03/iran-us-israel-war-christians-prayer/
