Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors, is among several groups mobilizing prayers for those impacted by the US/Israel and Iran war in the Middle East.
“Iranian Christians have been praying and fasting since long before the war escalated, grieving oppression from government and its crackdowns on civilian protestors that left thousands dead. And now, those prayers have taken on an even greater urgency as they live in a warzone and grapple with uncertain futures. Believers are asking God for freedom, justice, courage, peace and salvation for their nation,” said Open Doors.
Open Doors said Christians are finding ways to be salt and light in the current chaos and pain. One Christian family for example, heard that another Christian family’s house had been severely damaged by the impact of a nearby explosion. Despite their own limited space and financial challenges, they immediately opened their home and decided to host them in their small flat.
“They gather each evening to pray, read the Bible and encourage one another. In the midst of loss, they have discovered a deeper fellowship and unity in Christ. They thank God not only for safety, but for the blessing of sharing a faith-based life together. Even in war, their hearts are filled with praise, trusting that God is present and faithful.”
A prayer of hope
“As an Iranian and as a Christian, I speak with a heavy heart,” shares a local Open Doors partner. “I do not celebrate war, nor do I take lightly the suffering it brings to ordinary families in Iran, in Israel and across the region. Every life is precious before God.
“Yet as an Iranian, I also cannot ignore the deep longing for freedom that has lived in the hearts of our people for generations. If this painful moment becomes a turning point toward justice and true liberty, then my prayer is that it leads not to greater destruction, but to the restoration of dignity, hope and peace.”
He adds: “As followers of Christ, we pray for the protection of the innocent, for restraint among leaders, and for a future where Iran and the region may know freedom without fear. May God bring light out of darkness and peace out of turmoil.”